Ww1 New Zealand WM + VM RIFLEMAN A. Simmonds W. I. A. C616

War medal and victory medal. Alec simmonds NZEF new Zealand expeditionary force. Placed on unfit roll 3/10/1917. Discharged 15/2/1918 ^ no longer physically fit for war service due to his war wounds. Appears he was entitled to a pension. The 4th Battalion of the 3rd Brigade, part of the New Zealand Division during World War I, was a key unit in the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. It served on the Western Front, participating in major offensives like the Somme, Messines, and Passchendaele. The 3rd Brigade, also known as the Rifle Brigade, was one of the three infantry brigades that made up the New Zealand Division. The New Zealand Division was formed in early 1916 and consisted of three infantry brigades, one of which was the Rifle Brigade.

The 4th Battalion was one of the four battalions within the Rifle Brigade. The 4th Battalion, along with the rest of the 3rd Brigade, saw extensive action on the Western Front. They participated in the Battle of the Somme in 1916, the Battle of Messines in 1917, and the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. The 3rd Brigade was distinguished as the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, a unit known for its fighting prowess. It was involved in some of the most intense fighting on the Western Front.

The 4th Battalion, along with the 3rd Brigade, was involved in the fighting near La Signy Farm and Hebuterne, near Colincamps, in the later stages of the war. Alec was born in Palmerston north. He was living at an address in mt eaten in Auckland New Zealand his occupation was a DRAUGHTSMAN.

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