James GUNN

Regimental number54357
Date of birth25 February 1887
Place of birthNew Zealand
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationBridge builder
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation30
Height6' 0.5"
Weight193 lbs
Next of kinWife, Mrs J Gunn, Albion Hotel, Gisborne
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date26 April 1917
Rank on embarkationPrivate
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, 27th Reinforcements (Second Draft), F Company
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on board Athenic on 16 July 1917
Final rankPrivate
Final unit2nd Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the operations at Grevillers on 24th August and Bancourt on 30th August and 1st September. He was a company runner, and worked continuously under the most trying conditions, carrying messages, acting as a guide to carrying parties, and during the advances collecting and organising scattered parties of men. He set an admirable example of bravery and zeal to every man.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 24 January 1919

Discharge date13 May 1919
Other details

War service: Western Front

Embarked Wellington, 16 July 1917; disembarked Liverpool, England, 16 September 1917, and marched into Sling Camp.

Proceeded overseas to France, 26 October 1917; joined 2nd Bn, Otago Infantry Regiment, in the field, 13 December 1917, and posted to 10th Company.

Transferred to 2nd Bn, Auckland Infantry Regiment, 18 January 1918.

Detached to School of Instruction, 19 January 1918; rejoined Bn, 8 March 1918.

Detached to NZ Divisional Signalling Company, 30 June 1918; rejoined Bn, 16 July 1918.

Awarded Military Medal.

On leave to United Kingdom, 2 October 1918; rejoined unit from leave, 24 October 1918.

Promoted Sergeant, 15 January 1919.

Commenced return to New Zealand from Southampton on board HT 'Willochra', 8 March 1919; disembarked Wellington, 15 April 1919; discharged (termination of period of engagement), 13 May 1919.

War service: 2 years 12 days (of which 1 year 274 days was abroad)

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Miscellaneous detailsParents: Alex (b. Scotland) and Phoebe (b. Australia) GUNN
Date of death6 March 1955 Gisborne
Age at death68
SourcesNominal Roll Vol. 3: Roll 68, p. 4
Archives New Zealand (Wellington), Agency AABK, Series 18805, File 16789627