Story: First World War

Certificate of service (1st of 2)

Although losses were heavy and many soldiers suffered ailments for the remainder of their lives as a result of serving in the First World War, their fellow-countrymen looked on their service with pride. Every returned soldier was given a certificate of the services in the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces. The certificate noted where and for how long the person had served, and any medals awarded him. In this case, Gunner Percy Nisbett served for a total of four years and 172 days, and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. The certificates were often framed and placed on the veteran's drawing-room wall.

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Nelson Provincial Museum, Research Library and Archive
Reference: UMS1200

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How to cite this page:

Ian McGibbon, 'First World War - Impact of the war', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/zoomify/34140/certificate-of-service (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Ian McGibbon, published 20 Jun 2012