Thursday, 1 October 2026 - 4:29pm | National News

Answering a century-old call: Police seek family to claim World War 1 medals

1 min read
Please contact Police if you have any information regarding these medals
Victor Powell enlisted in 1916

Christchurch Police are working to find the family of a World War 1 soldier whose medals have been located in Christchurch. 

Detective Sergeant Jason Hunuki says Police discovered the medals of Private Victor Powell during a search warrant of a property on an unrelated matter. 

"After locating the medals, Police conducted a search to find details about Powell with the assistance Medals Reunited New Zealand."

Powell was born in 1892 in the Far North and enlisted in 1916, where he was sent to Egypt with the 12th Reinforcements as part of the 1st Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment (1/AIR).

"He then spent time in France, where he was killed in action at 25 years old."

Victor Powell is remembered on the Herekino War Memorial in Northland, and in the Hall of Memories at the Auckland War Memorial museum. 

"We are now wanting to return these medals to the family of Powell," says Detective Sergeant Hunuki

"These medals are an important part of New Zealand's history, and would be even more so to Powell's family."

"If we are unable to reunite Powell's medals with his family, the medals will be sent to the National Army Museum in Waiouru."

If you believe you are a family member of Powell, or know someone who is, please contact Medals Reunited New Zealand through their website.

If you have any information in relation to the medals, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, or call 105.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Please contact Police if you have any information regarding these medals
Please contact Police if you have any information regarding these medals JPEG, 386KB
Victor Powell enlisted in 1916
Victor Powell enlisted in 1916 JPG, 411KB