Police seek family of WWI soldier after medals found in Christchurch

Police are searching for the family of Private Victor Powell after his World War I medals were discovered during an unrelated search warrant in Christchurch. Detective Sergeant Jason Hunuki stated that police are working to return the medals to Powell's relatives. "We are now wanting to return these medals to the family of Powell," Hunuki said.

Powell was born in 1892 in the Far North and enlisted in 1916. He was sent to Egypt with the 12th Reinforcements as part of the 1st Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment. He was later killed in action in France at the age of 25.

The soldier is commemorated on the Herekino War Memorial in Northland and in the Hall of Memories at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. If his family cannot be located, the medals will be sent to the National Army Museum in Waiouru.

Anyone who believes they are related to Powell or knows a relative should contact Medals Reunited New Zealand. Information regarding the medals can also be provided to police online or by calling 105.

How it developed

• Thu 1 Oct, 6:44pmThe soldier is thought to have been born in Herekino, a remote settlement in the Far North.

Compiled from reports by Stuff, The Press, 1News and RNZ.