 |
History of The King's Empire Veterans (NZ) Inc.
The King’s Empire Veterans (NZ) Inc.
The Foundation & a Brief History of E.V.A
Empire Veterans Association 1900-1912
1912-Onwards The King's Empire Veterans Association
RANFURLY, UCHTER JOHN MARK, 4th. Earl of
(1856-1933). was the youngest son of the third Earl by his marriage with Harriet, daughter of John Rimmington. Educated at Harrow he passed through the BRITANIA for the NAVY, but went instead to TRINITY COLLEGE, Cambridge
. Having succeeded his brother in 1875, he spent some years in Australia, where he engaged in fruit growing in the Mildura country. He installed an irrigation plant, and was regarded as an
authority on fruitgrowing. He had also studied at the Geological institute in London and was interested in practical mining. In 1888 he visited New Zealand. He was Lord-in-waiting to Queen
Victoria (1895-1897) and in the latter year was appointed Governor of New Zealand, taking up his duties on 10th. August 1897. Lord Ranfurly's term of office in New Zealand included the whole period of the South African War, and he took a keen interest not only in the raising and the despatch of contingents to the field of war, but in the reception of the men on their return and their subsequent welfare. He was the Founder of the Veterans Association & subsequently the Veterans Home in Auckland.
This was officially opened in 1903. He compiled the list of war service Veterans known as the 'Roll of Honour' 1840-1902. supplemented in 1903. Lord Ranfurly left New Zealand in 1904. In
1897 he was created K. C. M. G..; in 1901 G. C. M. G.; He was a bailiff grand cross of the order of St. John of Jerusalem, and an officer of the Legion of Honour. He died on Oct. 2nd. 1933..
Ranfurly married (1880) Constance Elizabeth, daughter of the 7th. Viscount Charlemont. Their eldest son and heir Viscount Northland was killed in France in 1915.
In the year 1900. Lord Ranfurly, had a survey carried out to ascertain how many service & ex-servicemen who had served in the Imperial Naval & Military Forces were living in New Zealand.
Lord Ranfurly was amazed to discover that there were no fewer than 7000 men who had served the Empire & the newly formed Colonial Forces. These men had fought in many parts of the
world under the British Flag.
As a result of this survey, Lord Ranfurly lost no time in forming the new' N.Z. Empire Veterans
Association 'which was entirely exclusive to New Zealand.
The first members of the 'E. V. A' were issued with medals which were made from the same metal reserved for the manufacture. of the "Victoria Cross'. The bronze metal as you all know came from cannons captured from the Russians in the Crimean War. In 1903 the first medals arrived from England. The design being in the shape of a Maltese Cross surrounded by a wreath of Laurel Leaves. Engraved in the centre the letters E V. A. Intertwined & topped by the smaller letters 'NZ'. The Medal was suspended on a Red White & Blue Ribbon. Although the Medal was issued unnamed, a number of Veterans had not only the Medal engraved, but the
years of service engraved on the suspender bar. Twenty or Thirty years service was quite common in those days.
Two changes were made in 1912, firstly an alteration of the name of the association by Royal Charter to the 'King's Empire Veterans'. Secondly on November 5t.h. 1912. the Veterans were
formed into a Corps with an Honary title. 'The King's Company Empire Veterans' The Medals also had a slight change to the lettering only this being 'K.E.V.' intertwined without the letters 'NZ'
Today these medals are quite rare & some may be seen in various museums or in the hands of collectors. The author has the full collection which have been issued i.e the three issued, namely 'The Royal NZ Veterans' Cross with crimson ribbon. Issued till 1901. The 'NZEVA' Cross with Red White & Blue Ribbon. Isued till 1910. The 'K.E.V.' Cross with Red White & Blue Ribbon. Issued till 1953. The Centenial Silver 'NZEVA' Cross issued in 1997 & the Centenial Bronze 'K. E. V.' 1997 On.
A Gold medal was struck & presented to Captain Algie. 100 Silver numbered NZEVA Medals were struck in 1997 & issued for the centenary, number 1 being presented to Queen Elizabeth 11 Army War Memorial Museum Waiouru The original Colours having been replaced in readiness for the forthcoming Centenial. The Bronze Centenial Medal is available to bonefide KEV's today. Also a limited number of ten only centenial specimen sets have been made available for purchase by collectors. These specimen sets comprise of one Silver EVA medal & one Bronze KEV Medal. These specimens can be obtained by bona fide applicants on application to the writer. The Scars on the Heart section of the Auckland war Memorial Museum will be receiving a large Medal Collection depicting the campaigns fought by our worthy Members. This will be acompanied by a replica of our Colours & other articles of interest. Today Members of our association wear a handsome round lapel badge in blue enamel with the slanting letters KEV centered & topped by the Royal Crown. This came into being in 1953 when the issue of KEV crosses ceased. Interesting to note one of the first rule books published in 1903, revealed that eligibility for membership to the 'Empire Veterans' was & I quote, 'All members of the Imperial Navy & military forces who had received decorations could of right:' Other servicemen or ex-servicemen wishing to become members had to make application supplying proof of no less than 10 years service in the Imperial Naval - Military or Colonial Forces. All members of the Colonial Forces who were on active service in New Zealand prior to the first day of Jan. 1870, were eligible to apply for membership. Volunteers who had received Medals for service in the South African campaigns could apply for membership. Worthy of note at this time no mention is made regarding age qualifications. One can only assume no age limit had been set as a requirement for membership. Records show that in 1903 a sum of 2/6d. was fixed as an annual subscription.
Lord Ranfurly continued as Patron in chief up until the time of his death on the 2nd. of October 1933. Captain James Stichbury carried on in his absence as the Secretary Manager. Captain
Algie succeeded Lord Ranfurly being elected the first President in 1933.
In 1906 the Membership of Veterans was 327 rising to 500 by the year 1913. The K. E. V. was the first Returned Services Organisation in N.Z. & had no fewer than six committees working on behalf of its members in the areas of Employment, Welfare, Bereavements, Financial Assistance & even Entertainment.
By 1935 due to deaths in the ranks, the Membership had dropped drastically to as low as 30 Members. Concern for the future of the K.E.V. was expressed at this time & it was decided to
invite Membership from the men who had fought in the Boer War. An approach was made to the South African Association, this was met with a hearty response even though at this point in time a stipulation of age was enforced & is the first reference to the present minimum of 60 years of age. Membership rose rapidly once again with the influx of new Members securing a longer future for the K.E.V.
Going back to the year 1910 Lord Kitchener visited N.Z. He was approached by the Empire Veterans Ass. to become Honorary Colonel-in Chief. Unfortunately as Lord Kitchener pointed
out, that due to the word Association he had to regretfully decline the position.
He did however suggest the name be changed, with the sanction of the King at that time King George V. The name change to be 'King's Empire Veterans'.
This name pleased the King who duly granted a Royal Warrant allowing our title to become as we are today.
Later an attempt was made to change the name once more to the King's Own Company of Veterans. This was unsuccessful however as this title had already been bestowed on the No 1 Coy of The Grenadier Guards. Veterans over the years have formed guards of honour to many visiting V.I.P.s among whom were Lord Kitchener, Duke & Duchess of Cornwall, Prince of Wales. Duke &. Duchess of York (Later King George V1 & Queen Elizabeth.) Many official
dinners were held in early years with all the pomp & ceremony afforded Royalty in those days.
Veterans have also entertained the late Lord Montgomery when he visited this country after the war. Throughout the years all the Governor & Governor Generals have been Patrons of our organisation, as have been the Mayors of Auckland..
In 1941 a handsome Banner designed by Cpt. Algie & made by John Courts of Auckland & a Carved standard made by Harry Walker of Jervois Bay Road were consecrated at St.Mathews Anglican Church in Auckland. The Motto on the Banner being an appropriate one.
PLENI ANNARUM HONORUM PLENI
Full of years Of Honours Full.
These articles along with a roll of honour in a handsome carved case also made by Harry Walker & other items of literature may be seen in the Queen Elizabeth 11 Army War Memorial Museum
where they were laid to rest Feb. 1995. & presented by the the NZ President Eric Bullen of Auckland & NZ V. President Doug White of Thames Coast.
More recently a display of campaign medals depicting the battles involving our members & predecessors collected by Doug White of Thames Coast were presented to the Auckland War Memorial Museum for display at the Scars of the Heart along with a copy of our colours made by Mrs. Zena White (Treasurer)of Thames Coast.
Let me go on to note some of the battles & achievements of your predecessor veterans.
Members of the Veterans held Medals from the capture of HONGKONG in 1881, the Battle of Scinde 1883, when Sir Charles Napier gained victory over 3000 troops at Meanie which was added to the east India Colony. It would be true to assume that Napier was
therefore named after Sir Charles.
The oldest Medal awarded was during the Naval Battle at Acre Syria 1840. One survivor of this action became a Veteran Member. Battles were fought at Maharajoor- & Punniarr two members
of these engagements were Veterans. Five elderly Veterans held Medals for the 1845 Sikh War known as the Sutly Campaign. In 1845 the Flagstaff at Russell Bay of islands was cut down
resulting in the first New Zealand confrontation known as the Hekes war. Twenty Veterans held Medals for action in this war. In 1848 the second Sikh War broke out. The two chief battles
were Chilianwallah & Goodjerant. Victory went to Lord Gough.. At this time the Punjab was added to the Indian Colony. Six Veterans held Medals for action in this war.
In 1885; there was a second Burma War. Ten Veterans held Medals for this action. This war involved fighting at Peug, Jowaki & Preach on the Northwest Frontier.
Eleven Members held Medals for the Kaffir War of 1853 at which time Kaffir became part of the Empire.
For several years a dispute about Holy places in Jerusalem had been causing friction between Russia & Turkey which eventuated into a war involving England, France & Sardinia in 1854.
This War became known as The Crimea War. The first bombardment of Odessa by allied Fleets took place on the 21st. April 1854 followed by a landing of the Baltic Expedition. Approx.40 Veterans gained Medals for this operation.
In September 1854 the Battle of Alma was waged & history records this action as one of the bravest efforts produced by Empire Troops of that era when they marched up bullet swept hills
in the face of the Russian Cannons. Alma is one of the Battle Honours embroidered on our illustrious Banner. (Ironically a similar situation was faced by our ANZAC's at Gallipoli in April
1915) Fifty one Thousand Troops landed at a place called Eupatoria in the Crimea on September 1854.
Next came the Seige of Sebastopol with it's unspeakable miseries & hardships.
Balaclava was next with two great charges recorded first the Heavy Brigade & then the Immortal Charge of The Light Brigade (into the -valley of death rode the six hundred) Two hundred survived.
Inkerman known as the Soldiers Battle followed on 5th. Nov. 1854 & up to that time was known
as the most heroic hand to hand fighting of any age up to that time. In 1903, 270 Veterans from these Battles were living in New Zealand. Many having as many as 4 Clasps to their Medals.
Two Members had also been Decorated by France.
Crimea fell on Sept. 8th. 1855 This war was hardly over before trouble came in the East when a small war broke out with Persia (Now -Iran). Eight Veterans fought in this war.
No less than 180 Veterans of the India Mutiny lived in N. Z. in 1903 39 veterans saw service in the 3rd. Chinese War 1855-60 & also lived in this country.
1320 Medals were issued in the Moari Wars not including the Heke War. Before peace was proclaimed in New Zealand
Abyssinia had its little war in 1868 .& 9 Veterans served in this Skirmish.
In 1870 the raid at Finian in Canada took place, 2 Veterans took Medals for this operation.
Records show that 12 NZ'rs left this country for service in the Ashantee Expedition & the capture of Coomassie. This small Force must have been the first N. Z. Expeditionary Force to
leave NZ. & could be rated as the first Returned Servicemen of N.Z.
There were members who fought in the Zulu uprising of 1878-79. The Transval Campaign of the 1880's was an example of Politicians blundering, after severe fighting & human sacrifices
the Powers that be handed over the British garrison to the enemy. One can see that no lessons were learnt when we recall Vietnam.
The Afghan war of 1878 brought battle honours to our Banner, followed by the battle for Tel-El-Kebir.
Suddenly New Zealand came of age & went to the assistance of the Mother country, sending volunteers to South Africa, where the Boer's met their match with our unforgotten Rough-Riders. 6600 New Zealanders fought in this war.
Since that time New Zealand Youth both Male & Female have left these shores to fight for freedom & democracy.
That terrible war of 1914-1918 The second world war 1939-45 & the shocking wastage of human life. Korea. Vietnahm. Malaysia. They have fought in the mud & the the filth, in the
Jungles the Deserts, the Mountains, on the Sea under the Sea and in the Air.
From these people we have the Members of this present day Prodigious' KING's EMPIRE VETERANS' of which you & I are so proud to be associated.
Today our role of battle is over & we all sincerely hope & pray that for the sake of the younger generations & all concerned that God has changed it to one of peace & harmony.
We now engage in comradeship & social activities with an eye to the wellbeing of our fellow members. We are here to help when we hear the cry for need. We will rise to their help as our
forebears did in the past. With Gods Blessing=====
Listed Below are the names of the last surving members of
The Thames Coast Branch of our Associatio
King's Empire Veterans (NZ) Inc.com
Send E-Mail to: zenadoug@xtra.co.nz
Copyright © 2007 Doug White. All Rights Reserved