New Zealand Military Medal awarded to Aylward for heroic actions during Battle of the Green Islands

Aylward served for 5 years in the Navy and in 1941 worked as a Navy stoker, known now as a marine technician. In 1944, he was in a group on a barge providing cover to a platoon making a flank attack on an enemy position during the Battle of the Green Islands

A Military Cross for service in World War II, and a unique sheet of ‘Teddy Bear’ health stamps issued in error in 1996, are among the interesting items up for grabs at an upcoming coin and stamp auction.

The event, which is being held at the Dannevirke Gallery of History on Friday, September 1, is part of a regular series of auctions hosted by New Zealand Auction Centre.

Among the lots is a Military Cross (MC) awarded to a stoker in the Royal Navy of New Zealand, who displayed great gallantry in the face of the enemy during an action in the Green Islands, New Caledonia, in 1944.

The Military Cross is now roughly valued at $2500, while the special presentation watch and service medal have an estimated value of $250.

The service medal was awarded to Thomas James Moloney, a land salesman in Dannevirke, who was a member of the local fire brigade.

He is also credited with saving others’ properties at the loss of the premises for his own company during the 1917 Dannevirke fire, which destroyed 35 buildings on either side of High St, from Hall St north to Barraud St south.

The fire broke out on Labour Day and at the height of its fury, the flames shot 150ft into the air, lighting up the whole town.

At the time, the fire was described as one of the worst to occur in the history of the dominion.

After 12 hours of continuous work, the fire was finally extinguished by members of the local brigade and a detail of 10 men from the Point Pleasant (Seamen's) Section of the Salvation Army, who arrived in Dannevirke on Monday morning in the Point Pleasant's train.

Those who helped to save the town from complete destruction included the employees of the A.R.C., railway officials and members of the local branches of the Y.M.C.A. and the Y.W.C.A.

Moloney served as the secretary for the local United Fire Brigades Association until 1921.

Meanwhile, the limited edition sheet of 10 ‘Teddy Bear’ health stamps is expected to fetch up to $50,000 at the auction.

The stamps were printed in 1996 by the New Zealand Post Office in a limited edition of 1000 sheets, but they were pulled from circulation and destroyed after an error was discovered.

A total of 10 sheets are known to have survived.

The stamps feature a design by renowned children's book illustrator, Margaret Mahy, and depict a small bear wearing a red coat and hat.

The stamps were part of a series that was being issued to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the European settlement of New Zealand.

Each sheet of 10 stamps is valued at $50,000, while a single stamp is estimated at $5000.

Also up for auction is a set of Irish 1928-31 coins, which is expected to fetch between $10,000 and $12,000.

The coins are in uncirculated condition and come in a presentation case.

The set includes examples of the Irish penny, three penny piece, sixpence, shilling and two shilling coin.

The event will take place at 10am on Friday, September 1, at the Dannevirke Gallery of History, 173 Mahoe St.

It will be open to the public and there will be a small entrance fee to be paid at the door. Refreshments will be available throughout the day.