Militaria Auction Saturday, 14 September 2024 - 11:00 AM start

Long Service Medal Pair - Capt. J.E. Barltrop, Manchester Rifle Vols.

Lot Details

The Volunteer Long Service and NZ Long and Efficient Service Medal pair issued to Capt. John Edward Barltrop of the Manchester Rifle Volunteers. John Barltrop was born 2/3/1866 at Nelson, New Zealand, son of Henry Sturz and Caroline Barltrop (née Scutter). Educated at Nelson College (1881-82), Barltrop trained as a law clerk, firstly in Nelson and then in Feilding, where he established his own law firm. In 1939 he brought his son Maxwell into the firm, which became J. E. Barltrop and Son. The modern Feilding law firm of BarltropGraham is a descendant of this original firm. Elected lieutenant in the Manchester (Feilding) Rifle Volunteers 4/7/1894. Promoted to captain 8/6/1899. Posted to the Retired List with the rank of honorary major 13/9/1911. John Barltrop was heavily involved in the local affairs of Feilding and the surrounding district. He served for six years on the Borough Council 1919-25, and was involved in freemansonry, Anglican church and bowling club affairs. In addition to his civic roles, Barltrop was a keen proponent of the advancement of Feilding’s development. He was a benefactor in many community projects, including the donation of the Drill Hall to the local council. From around 1938 Barltrop had been steadily losing his eyesight, and he eventually went blind. In April 1953 he suffered a fall at his home in Feilding, fracturing his hip. He was admitted to Palmerston North Hospital where he died on 11/6/1953. He is buried in Feilding cemetery.