item details
Overview
An artist-soldier
This certificate design is a copy of Edwin Murray Fuller's entry in a design competition for 'certificates of service in New Zealand Military Forces, 1914-1918'. A Wellington artist, Fuller served in France with the 19th Reinforcements, holding the rank of sergeant (25405). He received the British War Medal and Victory Medal for his service.
Fuller's design
The proposed design depicts two portraits of a New Zealand soldier and sailor. Behind the portrait of the soldier is the New Zealand flag, beneath the flag is a battle scene from the Western Front. The sailor is depicted in front of a Union Jack, beneath which is a scene of British battle ships. The Royal Arms and the Arms of New Zealand decorate either side of the title. The text below indicates spaces for entering the recipient's number, rank, name and unit. An angel appears between two blank tablets intended to contain the war service record of individual military personnel. The certificate bears the reproduced signature of Lord Liverpool, Governor of New Zealand and the border bears the names of major actions of the war in which New Zealanders participated.