Next of Kin Memorial Plaque

item details

NameNext of Kin Memorial Plaque

ProductionMinistry of Munitions; manufacturer(s); 1919; England
Edward Preston; designer; circa 1917; England

Classificationplaques

Materialsmetal, wood, bronze

Materials SummaryPlaque: Bronze; Frame; wood [oak]

DimensionsOverall: 25mm (width), 230mm (diameter)

Registration NumberGH002677

Credit lineGift of Miss Phyllis A Rolfes, 1966

Overview

The New Zealand Memorial Plaque was awarded to the next of kin of servicemen and women from the British Empire who were killed while serving overseas during the First World War, or who died of wounds received while serving overseas between 4 August 1914 and 30 April 1920. Over a million plaques were produced. The particular plaque was for Hermann John Rolfes, killed during the Battle of Bapaume, 24 August 1918.

Rolfes' war service

Prior to his enlistment, Rolfes worked as a farm hand in Kaikoura where he was born on 28 June 1896. He embarked on 15 November 1916 from Wellington, bound for Plymouth in Devon, England. His embarkation unit was the 19th Reinforcements, Canterbury Infantry Battalion, C Company of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Rolfes served in the Western European campaign, and was killed in action on 24 August 1918, at Bapaume, France. He was 22 year old. He is buried at Grevillers British Cemetery Pas-de-Calais France (XII. A. 25.)

Rolfes received the British War Medal and Victory Medal for his service in the war.