In September 2022, the Christchurch South Police with our assistance was able to reunite a Anzac (Gallipoli) Commemorative Medallion they had recovered a year earlier with the Owen family. The medallion currently resides with Sgt Owen’s grand-daughter Susan.
Earlier this year I was again contacted in reference to Sgt. Owen regarding another item of memorabilia named to Sgt Owen. Christchurch resident Gavin R. had been told by a friend of the story we posted about the return of the medallion by Christchurch Police because Gavin was in possession of the illuminated Certificate of NZ Expeditionary Forces Services that had once accompanied Sgt Owen’s medals. Gavin very generously contacted me to ascertain if grand-daughter Susan would like to also have the certificate.
Susan was incredulous that a paper item should turn up after 100+ years named to her grandfather. Undoubtedly it had survived because someone in its past had had the foresight to frame the certificate, and other than some minor water marks and fading, was still in one piece. Gavin and Susan have now met and the certificate has been returned to family ownership.
Thank you Gavin!
You can read the original post here: HENRY VINCENT OWEN