Scarce NZEF casualty medal group to 22nd Btn Killed whilst a POW

22nd New Zealand Infantry Casualty Memorial Cross Group of Six Medals awarded to 36965 Lance Corporal Edward Henry Sheath of the 22nd (Motor) Bn New Zealand Infantry. 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, War Medal, New Zealand War Medal unnamed as issued and New Zealand Memorial Cross (makers mark R Sterling), named 36965 L/CPL E. Edward Henry Sheath is recorded in the NZ cenotaph having been taken POW in December 1941 in the Western Desert but later released by the Eighth Army. He rejoined his unit, but was again captured and became a POW in Italy before being killed whilst a POW on 8th December 1943 and commemorated in Ancona cemetery.

He is listed in the New Zealand freeman database as having been killed at Aquila during a bombing raid whilst entrained. An account of the bombing raid is included at the New Zealand museum. On 8th December 1943, whilst being loaded onto railway wagons to be transported to Germany, the rail yards at Aquila were bombed by USAF B-25 bombers. 200 POWs were killed, including 8 New Zealanders, all who were trapped in locked cattle cars. Unfortunately their string of wagons had been parked next to a train load of ammunition and fuel tankers on the next track.

The item "Scarce NZEF casualty medal group to 22nd Btn Killed whilst a POW" is in sale since Sunday, June 9, 2019. This item is in the category "Collectables\Militaria\World War II (1939-1945)\Medals/ Ribbons".

The seller is "rhinohide2" and is located in Canterbury. This item can be shipped worldwide.

Country/ Organization: New Zealand
Issued/ Not-Issued: Issued
Type: Medals & Ribbons
Conflict: World War II (1939-1945)
Service: Army
Era: 1914-1945