Wayne
Information on, Trooper, Lewis Cuthbert Turton (13/466) 4 Waikato Squadron Auckland Mounted Rifles for you.
This file is 19 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm. In total there are 10 main documents (1 to 10) of interest with the usual inserts on the original file. The order of the document / information below is in the order of the files. Abbreviations are as recorded on the file. This file as for other files is difficult to read in places.
I have a photo of this man that I will send you.
Overview
Lewis Cuthbert Turton was born in Goole, Yorkshire, England on 4 October 1888. His last New Zealand address is simply recorded as Hamilton. The file also records his last address as ‘The Firs, Snaith, York, England’ but this address is crossed out.
Lewis undertook his medical examination and attested on 13 August 1914 at Hamilton, North Island New Zealand. He was declared fit for service in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force on 16 August 1914. His service reckons from 13 August 1914. On enlisting he joined the 4 Waikato Squadron, Auckland Mounted Rifles, as a Trooper with the regimental number 13/466. His stated prior military experience was with the “4th MR” and he adds “I have not received my discharge from Northumberland Hussars Yeomanry, England, served 4 years but received no discharged. Made Corporal 1912.” Can any of the pals please check this military record out and report on the findings?
His next of kin was his father: Thomas Costedy(?) Turton, who has two addressed – ‘The Firs, Snaith, York, England’ and Belgravia, Goole, England. But when the father died (date not specified) the file notes on 3. September 1917 that the medals were authorised to go to Mrs Thomas Coates Turton (mother) c/o Everatt and Silvester, Solicitors, 10 Victoria Street, Goole, England. However, even this last address is crossed out on 18 October 1921 and “Belgravia” written in.
Lewis was single and a farmer cadet by ‘occupation.’ Prior to enlisting he was working for A J ‘Elliott’ or ‘Ellicott’, JP Te Rapa (North Island) / Milton (South Island). Lewis’s medical examination on enlistment was ‘normal’, and his teeth were described as “good.” His ‘apparent age’ on enlistment was 25 years. He was 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighed 150 lbs, was of fair complexion, grey eyes, fair hair and his religious profession was Anglican.
While his file doesn’t record on what transport he left New Zealand it is highly likely that he was on board the ‘Star of India’ (HMNZT No 8) departing Wellington on 16 October 1914 – the same transport as Trooper Cecil Sydney Fairs (13/327) a member of the same squadron as Lewis. Lewis is recorded in the NZEF War Diary Nominal Roll. His commanding officer in this Squadron was Major Alfred Tattersall. This ship, carrying 30 officers, 652 men and 305 horses was one of 10 that transported the Main Body (8,444 troops) from New Zealand. OC Troops Lieut Col C E R Mackesy, 11th (North Auckland) Mounted Rifles; Ship’s Master Kearney. (The other transport carrying the Auckland Mounted Rifles was HMNZT No12 - the Waimana). It is also highly likely that Lewis may have also known Thomas Denniston 3/195 Field Ambulance New Zealand Medical Corps who was also on the same transport.
Lewis was based at Zeitoun, Egypt prior to departing for Mudros, Lemnos Island and Gallipoli.
While stationed at Zeitoun, Lewis suffered from ill health. He spent two days in hospital (8 and 9 February 1915 suffering from tonsillitis (from which he recovered.) and then again for two days on 10 and 11 April 1915 suffering from influenza. He was transferred on 12 April 1915 from hospital to the Convalescent Camp at Zeitoun and he returned to duty at Zeitoun on 15 April 1915.
Lewis, like Cecil Sydney Fairs, and the rest of the Auckland Mounted Riffles did not take part in the landing at Anzac on 25 April (much to their annoyance according to Sergeant C G Nicol in his book the Story of two Campaigns- Official War History of the Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment 1914 - 1919) - the AMR didn’t arrive at Anzac until 9 May 1915. The file notes that on 25 June 1915 Lewis was admitted to 16th Stationary Hospital, Mudros this time suffering from diarrhoea. The file describes that he ‘returned to duty’ at Gallipoli on 27 June 1915. For some reason one of the forms on file has him landing in Gallipoli on 27 July 1915, which suggests that, he didn’t arrive in Gallipoli until after recovering from diarrhoea. However, the file chronology linked with the history of the Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment suggests that Lewis had landed with his regiment on 9 May and then succumbed as so many did to dysentery. The ‘27 July’ file reference could equally be ‘27 June.’
The file is very clear that on 8 August 1915 Lewis received a gunshot wound to the head almost certainly in the attack on Chunuk Bair. Stowers in his book Bloody Gallipoli (page 369) describes what happened next to Lewis – “Dragged in by 13/387 Tpr Joseph Law who dragged him down the hill some distance and put a couple of bandages on him; Law dug a shallow hole, dragged Turton into it and placed a shade over his head to keep the sun off; At 9.45 am on 9.8.15 3 comrades carried him down the hill to a gully where he was carried off by stretcher bearers.” Unfortunately there is no reference note provided for the source of this entry.
Lewis Turton survived a further 16 days before dying of wounds (“GSW Fractured Skull”) at Malta (St Elmo Hospital) on 25 August 1915. He was buried in Pieta Cemetery.
He was 26 years old.
1 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1
Personal Record of Registration No 13/466
NAME Turon, Lewis Cuthbert
Regiment Ak M R
Group: 4
Died of wounds
2 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)
Unit: 4th AMR
Rank: Tpr
Surname: Turton
Christian Name: Lewis Cuthbert
No: 13/466
Occupation: Farmer cadet
Religion: England
Place of Birth: England
Date of Birth: Oct 4 1888
Last New Zealand address: Hamilton – Note: crossed out is ‘The Firs Snaith York Eng.’
Last employer: A H Ellicott Hamilton
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): Thomas Costedy Turton (father) deceased
Written note: PT rec 3.9.17 medals to be handed to sp? legatee Solicitors Everatt and Silvester 10 Victoria St Goole Eng
Medal action
Surname: Turton
Christian names: Lewis Cuthbert
Rank at death: Tpr
Reg No: 13/466
Casualty or reason for discharge: died of wounds
Legal next of kin, relationship and address: T C Turton (F) Belgravia Goole England
Service Medals issued:
1. 1914 – 15 Star
2. British War Medal
3. Victory Medal
PLAQUE AND SCROLL
Soldier’s name: Turton Lewis Cuthbert
Reg No: 13/466
Roll No: 36924
Scroll despatched (Date): 14 JUL 1921
Plaque: ticked
Recipient and address: Mr T C Turton Belgravia Goole England
Written on top left hand side “Cert posted 13.11.22”
STATEMENT OF THE SERVICES OF Turton, Lewis Cuthbert
No 13/466
Regiment or Corp: AMR
Rank: Tpr
Date: 26/8/14
Service
New Zealand: Date from 26/8 or 9/14; to 17/4/15
Foreign: 16.10.14
Sick
AFB103 Malta Died of wounds (GS Wnd fractured skull) received in action Dardanelles August 25 1915
Died of wounds 25 August Buried Pieta Cemetery Malta
Pension Medals authorised to Mrs Thomas Coates Turton (mother) c/o Everatt & Silvester Solitocrs 10 Victoria St Goole England 18.10.21 crossed out and Belgravia written in
3 ARMY FORM B 103 Casualty Form – Active Service
Regimental Number: 13/466
Regiment or Corps: Auckland Mounted Rifles 4ths
Rank: Trooper
Name: Turton Lewis Cuthbert
Enlisted: (a) 13.8.14
Terms of Service: (a) period of war
Service reckons from: (a 13 8.14
Information shown in order as: Date; From whom received; Record of promotions, reductions, transfers, causalities &c active service as reported on Army Form B 213, Army Form A33 and in other official documents; Place of casualty; Date of Casualty; Remarks Taken from Army Form B213, Army For A 35 or other official documents:
10.4.15; MFA; Admitted to hospital; Zeitoun; 10.4.15; Influenza AFA26
17.4.15; MFA; Transferred to Con Camp; Zeitoun; 12.4.15; Influenza AFA26
17.4.15; Con Camp; Returned to duty; Zeitoun; 15.4.15; Influenza AFA26
26.6.15; 16th Stat Hospital; Admitted to hospital; Mudros; 25.6.15; Diarrhoea AFA36 C2184
18.7.15; AMR; Returned to duty; Dardanelles; 27.6.15; AFB213 18.7.15
15.8.15; AMR; Reported wounded; Dardanelles; 8.8.15; AFB213 15.8.15
28.8.15; C in C Malta; Died of wounds GSW Fractured Skull; Malta; 25.8.15; Cablegram WB1168 from Commandant Malta A5692
Signed N Fitz Herbert CAPT OC Records Section New Zealand for DAG GHO 3rd Echelon MEF
Entered on History Sheet 30.3.17
4 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)
ATTESTATION OF
No
Name Lewis Cuthbert Turton
Regiment or Unit: AMR
Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)
1 What is your name? Lewis Cuthbert Turton
2 Where were you born? Goole in the country of York England
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? October 4th 1888 ticked
5 What is your trade or calling? Farmer cadet
6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? No
7 What was the address at which you last resided? Snaith York England
8 Have you passed the Fourth Educational Standard or its equivalent? Yes
9 What is the name and address of your present or last employer? A J Elliott JP Te Rapa / MIlton
10 Are you married? No
11 Have you ever been sentenced to imprisonment by the Civil power? If so, when and where? No
12 Do you now belong to any military or naval force? If so to what corps? Yes 4th MR I have not received my discharge from Northumberland Hussars
13 Have you ever served in any military or naval force? If so state which and cause of discharge. Yes Northumberland Hussars Yeomanry England, served 4 years but received no discharged. Made Corporal 1912
14 Have you truly stated the whole (if any) of your previous service? Yes
15 Have you been registered for compulsory military training under the Defence Act 1909? If so, where? No
16 Have you ever been rejected as unfit for the military or naval forces of the Crown? If so, on what grounds? No
17 Are you willing to be vaccinated or revaccinated? Yes
18 Are you willing to serve in the Expeditionary Force in or beyond the Dominion of New Zealand under the following conditions, provided your services should so long be required: For the term of the present European war and for such further period as is necessary to bring the Expeditionary Force back to New Zealand and to disband it? Yes
NOTE – Your discharge will not be granted before your return to New Zealand unless permission for discharge elsewhere be obtained from the GOC the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
I Lewis Cuthbert Turton do solemnly declare that the above answers made by me to the above questions are true, and that I am willing to fulfil the engagement made.
Signature of Recruit Lewis C Turton
Signature of Witness illegible Capt NZSC J C illegible
Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation
I, Lewis Cuthbert Turton, do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to our Sovereign Lord the King, his Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully serve in the New Zealand Military Forces, according to my liability under the Defence Act, and that I will observe and obey all order of His Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, and of the Generals and Officers set over me, until I shall be lawfully discharged So help me, God.
Certificate of Magistrate or Attesting Officer
The above questions were read to the above recruit in my presence. I have taken care that he understands each question, and that his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to, and the said recruit has made and signed the declaration and taken the oath before me at Hamilton, NZ on this 13th day of August 1914.
Signature of Attesting Officer illegible Capt NZSC J C illegible
If any alteration is required on this page of the Attestation, the Attesting Officer should be requested to make it and initial the alteration.
Description of Lewis Cuthbert Turton on Enlistment
Apparent age: 25 years - months
Height: 5 feet 10 inches
Weight: 150 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 35 inches Maximum 38½ inches
Complexion: Fair
Colour of eyes: Grey
Colour of hair: Fair
Religious profession: Anglican
Medical Examination
Sight: right eye 6/6
Sight: Left eye 6/6
Hearing: Right ear Normal
Hearing: Left ear Normal
Colour vision Normal
Are his limbs well formed? Yes
Are the movements of all his joints full and perfect? Yes
Is his chest well formed? Yes
Is his heart normal? Yes
Are his lungs normal? Yes
What is the condition of his teeth? Good
Is he free from hernia? Yes
Is he free from varicocele? Yes
Is he free from varicose veins? Yes
Is he free from haemorrhoids? Yes
Is he free from inveterate or contagious skin disease? Yes
Is there a distinct mark of vaccination? Yes
Is he in good bodily and mental health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the efficient performance of his duties? Yes
Are there any slight defects, but not sufficient to cause rejection? No
Remarks
Fit
Certificate of Medical Examination
I have examined the above named, and find he does not present any of the causes of rejection specified in the Regulations for Army Medical Services.
I consider him fit for service in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
August 16th 1914
SIGNED illegible Medical Officer
5 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY
Of
Surname: Turton
Christian Name: Lewis Cuthbert
Examined On: 13th day of Aug, 1914
At: Hamilton
Birthplace Town: Goole Yorkshire
Country: England
Declared age: 25 years
Trade or occupation: Farm cadet
Height: 5 ft 10 in
Weight 150 lb
Chest measurement Minimum, 35 in Maximum expansion 37½ in
Enlisted on 13th day of August 1914, at Hamilton
Joined on enlistment: AMR
Regimental No: 13/466
Date: 13/8/14
6 FORM – NO TITLE
Written down left hand side of form:
Surname: Turton
Christian Name: Lewis Cuthbert
Information shown in order as: Station or Troopship; Admission into Hospital; Number of Days in Hospital; REMARKS ON NATURE OF DISEASE:
Zeitoun; 8/2/15; 2 days; Tonsillitis recovered
BLANK; 10/4/15; All else blank
7 Acknowledge receipt of Memorial Plaque
Plaque No 56924
I hereby acknowledge receipt of Memorial Plaque issued on account of 13/466 L C Turton NZEF
Next of Kin Mr C M Turton
Address Belgravia Goole Yorkshire
Signature
C M Turton
October 7 1922
8 PUBLIC TRUST LETTER
Note: This is typed
The Officer in Charge
War Expenses
Defence Department
WELLINGTON
PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE
WELLINGTON NZ
810.1919
13/466 L C Turton
The Public Trustee has completed his administration of this soldier’s estate.
Please account for any undrawn field-pay and for the Active Service gratuity to the beneficiary under the will -
Mr T C Turton c/o Messrs Everrat and Silvester Solicitors 10 Victoria St Goole England
Medals should be handed to the same beneficiary, who is the sole legatee of deceased..
Signed Thos E Roberts
Controller
Soldiers’ Estates Division
Letter stamped FILE 3 SEP 1919 No 9”
9 FORM – NO TITLE
Note: This form is very faded
New Zealand: 13.8.14
Embarked on Active Service NZ: 23.9.14
Egypt up to 18/3/16: 3.12.14
Gallipoli: 27.7.15 (date may well be incorrect)
Mudros, Lemnos &c: 6.6.15 (only reference to this date)
Malta: DOW 25.8.15
Total NZEF service: 1 year 3 days
10 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (Form No 3) Military History Sheet
No 13/466
Name Turton L C
Information shown in order as: Country; From; To; Days:
1 Service record: NZ; 13/8/14; 12/10/14; 60 days
1 Service record: Transport; 15.10.14; 52 days
1 Service record: Egypt; 4/12/14; all else blank
5 Wounded: 8/8/15
10 Name and address of next of kin: Mr T C Turton The Firs Snaith Yorks England
STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF No 13/466
NAME: Turton L C
Information shown in order as: Regiment of Corps; Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &c; Rank; Dates:
AMR; Attested; Pte; 13/8/14
BLANK; WOUNDED; Pte; 8/8/15
AMR; Died of wounds D’nelles; Pte; 25.8.15
Reference source
Agency AABK
Series 18805
Accession W5557
Box / item 21
Record 0116548
Zack
Full Version: NZ Enlistment dates required
Wayne
Information on Private Edward Wright Vickers, 10/2346, Wellington Infantry Battalion, B Company, 5th Reinforcements for you.
This file is 14 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm. In total there are 8 main documents (1 to 8) of interest with the usual inserts on the original file. The order of the document / information below is in the order of the files. Abbreviations are as recorded on the file. Some uncertainty is expressed on the file with respect to where this man died e.g. “died of dysentery either Malta or Alexandria.” However, it is clear he died in Malta on 25 August 1915.
Sadly Edward’s brother, Gunner Frank Archibald Vickers, 35623, NZ Field Artillery, survived the fighting but died as a direct result of the war on 11 September 1923 in New Zealand.
Overview
Edward Wright Vickers was born in Midhirst, North Island, New Zealand on 6 April 1894. Midhirst is a small farming settlement situated on the North Island of New Zealand. It is located in the Taranaki region. His last New Zealand address is simply recorded as Midhirst. Edward was registered for compulsory military training under the Defence Act 1909 at Strafford (a major town close to Midhirst.)
Edward undertook his medical examination on 16 January 1915 (place not stated), and D Stevens, Medical Officer, declared him fit for service in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Edward enlisted on 16 February 1915 at Trentham and he joined the Wellington Infantry Battalion, B Company, 5th Reinforcements, as a Private with the regimental number 10/2346. He attested at Trentham on 17 February 1915. His service reckons from 16 February 1915. His stated prior military experience was three years with the “11th Regiment Infantry.” It's interesting to note that on Edward's file at the time of his enlisting someone noted that Edward's voiced preference with respect to enlisting was that he "prefers NZ Mounted."
His next of kin was his father: Edward Vickers of Midhirst, and then Beach Street, Fitzroy New Plymouth.
Edward was single. He was a farmer by ‘occupation’ which may explain why he voiced the preference he had to enlist in the NZ Mounted. Prior to enlisting he was living in Midhirst and working for his father Edward Vickers at Midhirst. Edward’s medical examination on enlistment was ‘normal’, and his teeth were described as “good.” His ‘declared age’ on enlistment was 20 years and 9 months. He was 5 feet 5½ inches tall, weighed 154 lbs, was of dark complexion, grey eyes, brown hair and his religious profession was Methodist.
He left Wellington, New Zealand on HMNZT No 24 (Maunganui) on 13 June 1915 as part of the 2,299, 5th reinforcements and disembarked at Suez on 24 July 1915. (OC Troops Major W H Fletcher; Ship’s Master L Worrall.) Edward’s file records that he was on this transport on 12 June 1915 in hospital for a cause not stated. Prior to leaving New Zealand he was inoculated against typhoid on 14 and 21 March 1915.
The file is silent as to when Edward landed in Gallipoli. However, on 13 August 1915 he was admitted to the 16th Casualty Clearing Station and transported to Mudros suffering from enteritis. On 19 August 1915 he departed Mudros on the Hospital Ship ‘Ascania’ heading for England. However, for reasons not stated, but probably connected to his deteriorating condition, he disembarked at Malta and was admitted to St Patrick’s hospital on 25 August 1915. Edward died in hospital of dysentery on the same day – 25 August 1915. He was buried in Pieta Cemetery.
He was 21 years old.
File details are:
1 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1
Personal Record of Registration 10/2346
NAME Vickers Edward Wright
2 FIELD SERVICE Army Form B2090A
Note: form is typed
Report of Death of a Soldier to be forwarded to the War Office with the least possible delay after receipt of notification of death on Army Form B 213 or Army Form A 36 or from other official documentary sources.
Regiment or Corps: Wellington Battalion NZEF
Squadron Troop, Battery or Company: 5th Reinforcements
Regtl No: 10/2346
Rank: Private
Name: VICKERS Edward Wright
Died Date: 25/8/15
Place: HOSPITAL MALTA
Cause of Death: DYSENTERY
Nature and Date of Report: AFW 3034 December 28th 1915
By whom made: Senior Medical Officer St Patrick’s Hospital Malta
Signature of Officer in charge of
Section Adjutant-General’s
Office at the Base N Fitzherbert Capt.
Station and date Alexandria 21/9/15
3 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (Form No 3) Military History Sheet
Note: Two forms exist and mostly typed
No 10/2346
Name VICKERS Edward Wright
NZ: from 16/2/15
Foreign: from 12.6.15
Name and address of next of kin: Father Edward Vickers MIDHIRST / NEW PLAYMOUTH
Intended place of residence on discharge: NZ
STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF No 10/2346
NAME: VICKERS, Edward Wright
Regiment of Corps: Wgton Infty
Rank: Pte
Dates: 16/2/15
4 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)
ATTESTATION OF
No 10/2346
Name Vickers Edward Wright
Regiment or Unit: B Coy 5th
Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)
1 What is your name? Edward Wright Vickers
2 Where were you born? Midhirst Taranaki
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? 6 April 1894 ticked
5 What is your trade or calling? Farmer
6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? No
7 What was the address at which you last resided? Midhirst
8 Have you passed the Fourth Educational Standard or its equivalent? Yes
9 What is the name and address of your present or last employer? Edward Vickers Midhirst
10 Are you married? No
11 Have you ever been sentenced to imprisonment by the Civil power? If so, when and where? No
12 Do you now belong to any military or naval force? If so to what corps? Yes 11th Regt Infantry
13 Have you ever served in any military or naval force? If so state which and cause of discharge. As in 12 - 3 years
14 Have you truly stated the whole (if any) of your previous service? Yes
15 Have you been registered for compulsory military training under the Defence Act 1909? If so, where? Yes Strafford
16 Have you ever been rejected as unfit for the military or naval forces of the Crown? If so, on what grounds? No
17 Are you willing to be vaccinated or revaccinated deleted ? And inoculated Yes
18 Are you willing to serve in the Expeditionary Force in or beyond the Dominion of New Zealand under the following conditions, provided your services should so long be required: For the term of the present European war and for such further period as is necessary to bring the Expeditionary Force back to New Zealand and to disband it? Yes
NOTE – Your discharge will not be granted before your return to New Zealand unless permission for discharge elsewhere be obtained from the GOC the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
I Edward Wright Vickers do solemnly declare that the above answers made by me to the above questions are true, and that I am willing to fulfil the engagement made.
Signature of Recruit E W Vickers
Signature of Witness Claude Henderson
Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation
I, Edward Wright Vickers, do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to our Sovereign Lord the King, his Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully serve in the New Zealand Military Forces, according to my liability under the Defence Act, and that I will observe and obey all order of His Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, and of the Generals and Officers set over me, until I shall be lawfully discharged So help me, God.
Certificate of Magistrate or Attesting Officer
The above questions were read to the above recruit in my presence. I have taken care that he understands each question, and that his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to, and the said recruit has made and signed the declaration and taken the oath before me at Trentham, NZ on this 17 day of February 1915
Signature of Attesting Officer Major looks like N W “illegible”
Description of Edward Wright Vickers on Enlistment (Written note “prefers NZ Mounted")
Apparent age: 20 years 9 months
Height: 5 feet 5½ inches
Weight: 154 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 34½ inches Maximum 38 inches
Complexion: Dark
Colour of eyes: Grey
Colour of hair: Brown
Religious profession: Methodist
Medical Examination
Sight: right eye 6/6
Sight: Left eye 6/6
Hearing: Right ear Normal
Hearing: Left ear Normal
Colour vision Normal
Are his limbs well formed? Yes
Are the movements of all his joints full and perfect? Yes
Is his chest well formed? Yes
Is his heart normal? Yes
Are his lungs normal? Yes
What is the condition of his teeth? Good
Is he free from hernia? Yes
Is he free from varicocele? Yes
Is he free from varicose veins? Yes
Is he free from haemorrhoids? Yes
Is he free from inveterate or contagious skin disease? Yes
Is there a distinct mark of vaccination? Yes
Is he in good bodily and mental health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the efficient performance of his duties? Yes
Are there any slight defects, but not sufficient to cause rejection? No
Remarks
Certificate of Medical Examination
I have examined the above named, and find he does not present any of the causes of rejection specified in the Regulations for Army Medical Services.
I consider him fit for service in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
Jan 16th 1915
SIGNED D Steven Medical Officer
5 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY
Of
Surname: Vickers Christian
Name: Edward Wright
Examined On 16 day of Jan, 1915
At BLANK
Birthplace Town Midhurst Taranaki
Country NZ
Declared age: 20 years 9 months
Trade or occupation Farmer
Height: 5 ft 5½ in
Weight 154 lb
Chest measurement Minimum, 34½ in Maximum expansion 38 in
Approved by D Steven Medical Officer
Enlisted on 16 day of Feb 1915, at Trentham
Joined on enlistment: Wgton Infantry
Regimental No: 10/2346
Date: 16.2.15
6 FORM – NO TITLE
Written down left hand side of form:
Surname: Vickers
Christian Name: Edward Wright
Information shown in order as: Station or Troopship; Date Arrival at the Station or of Embarkation; REMARKS ON NATURE OF DISEASE:
Trentham; 16.2.15; Inoculated Typhoid 14/3/15 Do 21.3.15
Transpt 24; BLANK; 12/6/15; BLANK
7 ARMY FORM B 103 Casualty Form – Active Service
Regimental Number: 10/2346
Regiment or Corps: Wellington Infantry Battalion (5th Reinforcements)
Rank: Pte
Name: Vickers Edward Wright
Enlisted: (a) 16.2.15
Terms of Service: (a) duration of war
Service reckons from: (a) 16.2.15
Information shown in order as: Date; From whom received; Record of promotions, reductions, transfers, causalities &c active service as reported on Army Form B 213, Army Form A33 and in other official documents; Place of casualty; Date of Casualty; Remarks Taken from Army Form B213, Army For A 35 or other official documents:
13.8.15; 16 Cas C Stn; Adm 16th Cas C Stn & trans to; Mudros; 13.8.15; Enteritis A36 A4772
25.8.15; H S Ascania; Emb on H S Ascania; Mudros; 19.8.15; For England A7643
25.8.15; H S Ascania; Disemb & admitted Hospital; Malta; 25.8.15; Roll A7643
28.8.15; Cable WB 1168 Commandant Malta; Died in hospital; Malta; 25.8.15; Dysentery Cable WB1168 A5692
Signed N Fitz Herbert CAPT OC Records Section New Zealand for DAG GHO 3rd Echelon MEF
Stamped FILE 15 NOV 1915 CAM
ENTERED ON HISTORY SHEET 30.3.17 initials illegible
8 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)
Unit: WIB
Rank: Pte
Surname: Vickers
Christian Name: Edward Wright
No: 10/2346
Occupation: Farmer
Religion: Methodist
Place of Birth: Taranaki
Date of Birth: 6 April 1894
Last New Zealand address: Midhirst Taranaki
Last employer: Edward Vickers Midhirst
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): Edward Vickers (Father) Midhirst crossed out and Beach Street N Plymouth written in
Medal action
Surname: Vickers
Christian names: Edward Wright
Rank at death: Pte
Reg No: 10/2346
Country resident in: In case of death, country next of kin are resident in: NZ
Legatee and address: No will
Legal next of kin, relationship and address: Mr E Vickers (F) Beach Street Fitzroy New Plymouth
STAMPED MEDAL ACTION COMPLETE 19 SEPT 1923
Service Medals issued:
1. 1914 – 15 Star
2. British War Medal
3. Victory Medal
Medals authorised to Mr Edward Vickers (F) Beach Street New Plymouth 19.10.21
PLAQUE AND SCROLL
Soldier’s name: Vickers Edward Wright
Reg No: 10/2346
Roll No: 51344
Scroll despatched (Date): 5 JUL 1921
Plaque: 11 NOV 1921
Recipient and address: Mr E Vickers Beach St New Plymouth
Written top left hand side “Cert posted 2.11.22”
STATEMENT OF THE SERVICES OF Vickers, Edward Wright
No 10/2346
Regiment or Corp: WIB
Rank: Pte
Date: 16.2.15
Service
NZ: from 16.2.15 to 13.6.15
Foreign: from 13.6.15
Sick
AFB 103 Died of dysentery in Hospital Malta August 25th 1915
BR9/2 Buried in Pieta Cemetery Malta
Died of sickness 31.8.15 Died of dysentery either Malta or Alexandria
Reference source
Agency: AABK
Series: 18805
Accession: W5557
Box / item: 29
Record: 0117307
Zack
PS: Only two to go!
Information on Private Edward Wright Vickers, 10/2346, Wellington Infantry Battalion, B Company, 5th Reinforcements for you.
This file is 14 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm. In total there are 8 main documents (1 to 8) of interest with the usual inserts on the original file. The order of the document / information below is in the order of the files. Abbreviations are as recorded on the file. Some uncertainty is expressed on the file with respect to where this man died e.g. “died of dysentery either Malta or Alexandria.” However, it is clear he died in Malta on 25 August 1915.
Sadly Edward’s brother, Gunner Frank Archibald Vickers, 35623, NZ Field Artillery, survived the fighting but died as a direct result of the war on 11 September 1923 in New Zealand.
Overview
Edward Wright Vickers was born in Midhirst, North Island, New Zealand on 6 April 1894. Midhirst is a small farming settlement situated on the North Island of New Zealand. It is located in the Taranaki region. His last New Zealand address is simply recorded as Midhirst. Edward was registered for compulsory military training under the Defence Act 1909 at Strafford (a major town close to Midhirst.)
Edward undertook his medical examination on 16 January 1915 (place not stated), and D Stevens, Medical Officer, declared him fit for service in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Edward enlisted on 16 February 1915 at Trentham and he joined the Wellington Infantry Battalion, B Company, 5th Reinforcements, as a Private with the regimental number 10/2346. He attested at Trentham on 17 February 1915. His service reckons from 16 February 1915. His stated prior military experience was three years with the “11th Regiment Infantry.” It's interesting to note that on Edward's file at the time of his enlisting someone noted that Edward's voiced preference with respect to enlisting was that he "prefers NZ Mounted."
His next of kin was his father: Edward Vickers of Midhirst, and then Beach Street, Fitzroy New Plymouth.
Edward was single. He was a farmer by ‘occupation’ which may explain why he voiced the preference he had to enlist in the NZ Mounted. Prior to enlisting he was living in Midhirst and working for his father Edward Vickers at Midhirst. Edward’s medical examination on enlistment was ‘normal’, and his teeth were described as “good.” His ‘declared age’ on enlistment was 20 years and 9 months. He was 5 feet 5½ inches tall, weighed 154 lbs, was of dark complexion, grey eyes, brown hair and his religious profession was Methodist.
He left Wellington, New Zealand on HMNZT No 24 (Maunganui) on 13 June 1915 as part of the 2,299, 5th reinforcements and disembarked at Suez on 24 July 1915. (OC Troops Major W H Fletcher; Ship’s Master L Worrall.) Edward’s file records that he was on this transport on 12 June 1915 in hospital for a cause not stated. Prior to leaving New Zealand he was inoculated against typhoid on 14 and 21 March 1915.
The file is silent as to when Edward landed in Gallipoli. However, on 13 August 1915 he was admitted to the 16th Casualty Clearing Station and transported to Mudros suffering from enteritis. On 19 August 1915 he departed Mudros on the Hospital Ship ‘Ascania’ heading for England. However, for reasons not stated, but probably connected to his deteriorating condition, he disembarked at Malta and was admitted to St Patrick’s hospital on 25 August 1915. Edward died in hospital of dysentery on the same day – 25 August 1915. He was buried in Pieta Cemetery.
He was 21 years old.
File details are:
1 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1
Personal Record of Registration 10/2346
NAME Vickers Edward Wright
2 FIELD SERVICE Army Form B2090A
Note: form is typed
Report of Death of a Soldier to be forwarded to the War Office with the least possible delay after receipt of notification of death on Army Form B 213 or Army Form A 36 or from other official documentary sources.
Regiment or Corps: Wellington Battalion NZEF
Squadron Troop, Battery or Company: 5th Reinforcements
Regtl No: 10/2346
Rank: Private
Name: VICKERS Edward Wright
Died Date: 25/8/15
Place: HOSPITAL MALTA
Cause of Death: DYSENTERY
Nature and Date of Report: AFW 3034 December 28th 1915
By whom made: Senior Medical Officer St Patrick’s Hospital Malta
Signature of Officer in charge of
Section Adjutant-General’s
Office at the Base N Fitzherbert Capt.
Station and date Alexandria 21/9/15
3 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (Form No 3) Military History Sheet
Note: Two forms exist and mostly typed
No 10/2346
Name VICKERS Edward Wright
NZ: from 16/2/15
Foreign: from 12.6.15
Name and address of next of kin: Father Edward Vickers MIDHIRST / NEW PLAYMOUTH
Intended place of residence on discharge: NZ
STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF No 10/2346
NAME: VICKERS, Edward Wright
Regiment of Corps: Wgton Infty
Rank: Pte
Dates: 16/2/15
4 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)
ATTESTATION OF
No 10/2346
Name Vickers Edward Wright
Regiment or Unit: B Coy 5th
Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)
1 What is your name? Edward Wright Vickers
2 Where were you born? Midhirst Taranaki
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? 6 April 1894 ticked
5 What is your trade or calling? Farmer
6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? No
7 What was the address at which you last resided? Midhirst
8 Have you passed the Fourth Educational Standard or its equivalent? Yes
9 What is the name and address of your present or last employer? Edward Vickers Midhirst
10 Are you married? No
11 Have you ever been sentenced to imprisonment by the Civil power? If so, when and where? No
12 Do you now belong to any military or naval force? If so to what corps? Yes 11th Regt Infantry
13 Have you ever served in any military or naval force? If so state which and cause of discharge. As in 12 - 3 years
14 Have you truly stated the whole (if any) of your previous service? Yes
15 Have you been registered for compulsory military training under the Defence Act 1909? If so, where? Yes Strafford
16 Have you ever been rejected as unfit for the military or naval forces of the Crown? If so, on what grounds? No
17 Are you willing to be vaccinated or revaccinated deleted ? And inoculated Yes
18 Are you willing to serve in the Expeditionary Force in or beyond the Dominion of New Zealand under the following conditions, provided your services should so long be required: For the term of the present European war and for such further period as is necessary to bring the Expeditionary Force back to New Zealand and to disband it? Yes
NOTE – Your discharge will not be granted before your return to New Zealand unless permission for discharge elsewhere be obtained from the GOC the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
I Edward Wright Vickers do solemnly declare that the above answers made by me to the above questions are true, and that I am willing to fulfil the engagement made.
Signature of Recruit E W Vickers
Signature of Witness Claude Henderson
Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation
I, Edward Wright Vickers, do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to our Sovereign Lord the King, his Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully serve in the New Zealand Military Forces, according to my liability under the Defence Act, and that I will observe and obey all order of His Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, and of the Generals and Officers set over me, until I shall be lawfully discharged So help me, God.
Certificate of Magistrate or Attesting Officer
The above questions were read to the above recruit in my presence. I have taken care that he understands each question, and that his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to, and the said recruit has made and signed the declaration and taken the oath before me at Trentham, NZ on this 17 day of February 1915
Signature of Attesting Officer Major looks like N W “illegible”
Description of Edward Wright Vickers on Enlistment (Written note “prefers NZ Mounted")
Apparent age: 20 years 9 months
Height: 5 feet 5½ inches
Weight: 154 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 34½ inches Maximum 38 inches
Complexion: Dark
Colour of eyes: Grey
Colour of hair: Brown
Religious profession: Methodist
Medical Examination
Sight: right eye 6/6
Sight: Left eye 6/6
Hearing: Right ear Normal
Hearing: Left ear Normal
Colour vision Normal
Are his limbs well formed? Yes
Are the movements of all his joints full and perfect? Yes
Is his chest well formed? Yes
Is his heart normal? Yes
Are his lungs normal? Yes
What is the condition of his teeth? Good
Is he free from hernia? Yes
Is he free from varicocele? Yes
Is he free from varicose veins? Yes
Is he free from haemorrhoids? Yes
Is he free from inveterate or contagious skin disease? Yes
Is there a distinct mark of vaccination? Yes
Is he in good bodily and mental health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the efficient performance of his duties? Yes
Are there any slight defects, but not sufficient to cause rejection? No
Remarks
Certificate of Medical Examination
I have examined the above named, and find he does not present any of the causes of rejection specified in the Regulations for Army Medical Services.
I consider him fit for service in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
Jan 16th 1915
SIGNED D Steven Medical Officer
5 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY
Of
Surname: Vickers Christian
Name: Edward Wright
Examined On 16 day of Jan, 1915
At BLANK
Birthplace Town Midhurst Taranaki
Country NZ
Declared age: 20 years 9 months
Trade or occupation Farmer
Height: 5 ft 5½ in
Weight 154 lb
Chest measurement Minimum, 34½ in Maximum expansion 38 in
Approved by D Steven Medical Officer
Enlisted on 16 day of Feb 1915, at Trentham
Joined on enlistment: Wgton Infantry
Regimental No: 10/2346
Date: 16.2.15
6 FORM – NO TITLE
Written down left hand side of form:
Surname: Vickers
Christian Name: Edward Wright
Information shown in order as: Station or Troopship; Date Arrival at the Station or of Embarkation; REMARKS ON NATURE OF DISEASE:
Trentham; 16.2.15; Inoculated Typhoid 14/3/15 Do 21.3.15
Transpt 24; BLANK; 12/6/15; BLANK
7 ARMY FORM B 103 Casualty Form – Active Service
Regimental Number: 10/2346
Regiment or Corps: Wellington Infantry Battalion (5th Reinforcements)
Rank: Pte
Name: Vickers Edward Wright
Enlisted: (a) 16.2.15
Terms of Service: (a) duration of war
Service reckons from: (a) 16.2.15
Information shown in order as: Date; From whom received; Record of promotions, reductions, transfers, causalities &c active service as reported on Army Form B 213, Army Form A33 and in other official documents; Place of casualty; Date of Casualty; Remarks Taken from Army Form B213, Army For A 35 or other official documents:
13.8.15; 16 Cas C Stn; Adm 16th Cas C Stn & trans to; Mudros; 13.8.15; Enteritis A36 A4772
25.8.15; H S Ascania; Emb on H S Ascania; Mudros; 19.8.15; For England A7643
25.8.15; H S Ascania; Disemb & admitted Hospital; Malta; 25.8.15; Roll A7643
28.8.15; Cable WB 1168 Commandant Malta; Died in hospital; Malta; 25.8.15; Dysentery Cable WB1168 A5692
Signed N Fitz Herbert CAPT OC Records Section New Zealand for DAG GHO 3rd Echelon MEF
Stamped FILE 15 NOV 1915 CAM
ENTERED ON HISTORY SHEET 30.3.17 initials illegible
8 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)
Unit: WIB
Rank: Pte
Surname: Vickers
Christian Name: Edward Wright
No: 10/2346
Occupation: Farmer
Religion: Methodist
Place of Birth: Taranaki
Date of Birth: 6 April 1894
Last New Zealand address: Midhirst Taranaki
Last employer: Edward Vickers Midhirst
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): Edward Vickers (Father) Midhirst crossed out and Beach Street N Plymouth written in
Medal action
Surname: Vickers
Christian names: Edward Wright
Rank at death: Pte
Reg No: 10/2346
Country resident in: In case of death, country next of kin are resident in: NZ
Legatee and address: No will
Legal next of kin, relationship and address: Mr E Vickers (F) Beach Street Fitzroy New Plymouth
STAMPED MEDAL ACTION COMPLETE 19 SEPT 1923
Service Medals issued:
1. 1914 – 15 Star
2. British War Medal
3. Victory Medal
Medals authorised to Mr Edward Vickers (F) Beach Street New Plymouth 19.10.21
PLAQUE AND SCROLL
Soldier’s name: Vickers Edward Wright
Reg No: 10/2346
Roll No: 51344
Scroll despatched (Date): 5 JUL 1921
Plaque: 11 NOV 1921
Recipient and address: Mr E Vickers Beach St New Plymouth
Written top left hand side “Cert posted 2.11.22”
STATEMENT OF THE SERVICES OF Vickers, Edward Wright
No 10/2346
Regiment or Corp: WIB
Rank: Pte
Date: 16.2.15
Service
NZ: from 16.2.15 to 13.6.15
Foreign: from 13.6.15
Sick
AFB 103 Died of dysentery in Hospital Malta August 25th 1915
BR9/2 Buried in Pieta Cemetery Malta
Died of sickness 31.8.15 Died of dysentery either Malta or Alexandria
Reference source
Agency: AABK
Series: 18805
Accession: W5557
Box / item: 29
Record: 0117307
Zack
PS: Only two to go!
Wayne
Information on Driver / Sapper Frank Henry Vickers, 4/222B, New Zealand Engineers, 1st Divisional Field Company for you.
There are 12 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm on this file with seven files (1 – 7) of interest. The order of the document / information below is in the order of the files. Abbreviations are as recorded on the file. The quality of the file is poor in terms of details, readability; and the ‘interpretation’ of the spelling is mine and hence all the errors created are mine! The file chronology in places is also questionable in that it varies from historical facts.
Unfortunately all of the following documents are blank in this file:
· Description on Enlistment
· Medical Examination
· New Zealand Expeditionary Force Medical History (Form No 4)
Frank Vickers is not listed on the NZSG CD Rom but is listed on the hardcopy nominal roll.
This man would have known Angus David George Quayle, 8/271, who served in the same company.
Overview
Frank Henry Vickers was born in Hove, Brighton, Sussex, England on 14 November 1889.
He enlisted in London on 4 December 1914 in the British Section, New Zealand Expeditionary Force with the service number 4/222B.
This British Section NZEF has an interesting beginning. In August 1914 a number of New Zealanders residing in the UK volunteered for service and the New Zealand High Commissioner was given the authority in September 1914 to accept a maximum of 250 volunteers. Captain F H Lampen, NZSC, was appointed to command the section. It was originally thought that the Main Body of the NZEF would proceed to the UK for service in Western Europe and that the British Section would join up with them there. When formed it commenced training as an infantry unit at Bulford. After the NZEF was diverted to Egypt the British Section embarked for the Middle East and joined up with the Main Body at Zeitoun Camp on 24 December 1914. Its members were posted to various regiments and corps, the majority to the Army Service Corps or Engineers. Worth also noting that on enlistment members of the British Section were allocated service numbers in the series 1 – 250, with the prefix ‘E.’ when posted to their Main Body unit, the original number was retained with an appropriate prefix number (‘2/’ for Artillery etc.) As the prime numbers had in most cases already been allotted a letter suffix had to be added.
Frank Henry Vickers’ file states that he enlisted in the British Section on 5 December 1914 at Bulford but the nominal roll gives the 4 December 1914 date. The file gives no insight into why he enlisted in a New Zealand regiment instead of a British one although he does state that he had been discharged or transferred from the Sussex Yeomanry, Officer Training Corps, 214 Batt, Royal Field Artillery. His attestation form records that he was “registered for compulsory military training under the Defence Act 1909” at Strafford. Perhaps he was referring to Strafford, UK and not Strafford, New Zealand. After joining the British Section NZEF, Frank transferred on 28 December 1914 from the Army Service Corps to New Zealand Engineers 1st Divisional Field Company with the service number 5/222A. He transferred again on 19 February 1915 to the Field Coy Engineers with the service number 4/222B. Frank’s service reckons from 5 December 1914.
Frank would have been 25 years old on enlistment. He was single and a ‘land agent’ by occupation’ working for himself. His last home address prior to enlisting was that of his parents - 4 Gwydyer Mansion, Hove, Brighton, England. His religious profession was Church of England. Frank listed four next of kin i.e. H Vickers (Father) 4 Gwydyer Mansion Hove Sussex England; mother: Mrs H Vickers; elder brother: Archibald Vickers, 93 Drayton Gardens London SW10 and H N? R Pears, Esq, 4 Hamilton Mansions, Kings Gardens, Hove, Sussex.
Frank died in Malta of wounds received in action at the Dardanelles on 31 May 1915. He was buried in Imtarfa Cemetery Plot 4 Row 1A Grave 1.
Frank Vickers is listed in the Official History of the NZ Engineers roll of honour on page 308. His rank in this book is sapper. His service medals went to his older brother.
1 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1
Personal Record of Registration 4/222B
NAME: Vickers Frank Henry
Regiment: NZ Engineers 1st Div Field Coy Transferred from ASC
Written: Died of wounds 31/5/15
2 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)
ATTESTATION OF
No 4/222B
Name: Frank Henry Vickers
Regiment or Unit: Field Coy Engineers
Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)
1 What is your name? Frank Henry Vickers
2 Where were you born? Hove, Sussex
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? 14 Nov 1889 ticked
5 What is your trade or calling? Land Agent
6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? No
7 What was the address at which you last resided? 4 Gwdyn (note spelling) Mansion Hove
8 Have you passed the Fourth Educational Standard or its equivalent? Yes
9 What is the name and address of your present or last employer? Self
10 Are you married? No
11 Have you ever been sentenced to imprisonment by the Civil power? If so, when and where? No
12 Do you now belong to any military or naval force? If so to what corps? British Sector NZEF
13 Have you ever served in any military or naval force? If so state which and cause of discharge. Sussex Yeomanry OTC Dischrg 214 Batt RFA (transfer?)
14 Have you truly stated the whole (if any) of your previous service? Yes
15 Have you been registered for compulsory military training under the Defence Act 1909? If so, where? Yes Strafford
16 Have you ever been rejected as unfit for the military or naval forces of the Crown? If so, on what grounds? No
17 Are you willing to be vaccinated or revaccinated deleted ? And inoculated Yes
18 Are you willing to serve in the Expeditionary Force in or beyond the Dominion of New Zealand under the following conditions, provided your services should so long be required: For the term of the present European war and for such further period as is necessary to bring the Expeditionary Force back to New Zealand and to disband it? Yes
NOTE – Your discharge will not be granted before your return to New Zealand unless permission for discharge elsewhere be obtained from the GOC the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
I Frank Henry Vickers do solemnly declare that the above answers made by me to the above questions are true, and that I am willing to fulfil the engagement made.
Signature of Recruit Frank Henry Vickers
Signature of Witness illegible
Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation
I, BLANK, do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to our Sovereign Lord the King, his Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully serve in the New Zealand Military Forces, according to my liability under the Defence Act, and that I will observe and obey all order of His Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, and of the Generals and Officers set over me, until I shall be lawfully discharged So help me, God.
Certificate of Magistrate or Attesting Officer
The above questions were read to the above recruit in my presence. I have taken care that he understands each question, and that his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to, and the said recruit has made and signed the declaration and taken the oath before me at BLANK, NZ on this BLANK day of BLANK 1915
Signature of Attesting Officer BLANK
Description of BLANK on Enlistment (NOTE FORM IS MISSING!!)
Medical Examination Missing
3 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY
Of
Surname: Vickers
Christian Name: Frank Henry
Apart from one entry i.e. “Re- vaccinated on 13th day of Jan, 1915” this form is mostly blank
Enlisted on fifth day of Dec 1914, at Bulford
Information shown in order as: Corps; Regimental No; Date:
Joined on enlistment: British Section NZEF; E/222; 5.12.14
Transferred to: ASC Divisional; 5/222A; 28.12.14
Transferred to: Field Coy Engineers; 4/222B; 19.2.15
4 ARMY FORM B 103 Casualty Form – Active Service
Note: Two of these forms exist – compilation follows
Regimental Number: 4/222B
Regiment or Corps: NZ Engineers 1st Div Field Coy
Rank: Driver (note listed in other publications as Sapper.)
Name: Vickers Frank Henry
Enlisted: (a) 5.12.14
Terms of Service: (a) period of war
Service reckons from: (a) 5.12.14
31.5.15: From Commdt Malta: Death of wounds at Malta ex Gallipoli
Signed N Fitz Herbert CAPT OC Records Section New Zealand for DAG GHO 3rd Echelon MEF
Stamped FILE 15 NOV 1915 CAM
ENTERED ON HISTORY SHEET 30.3.17 initials illegible?
5 Military History Sheet
Note: This form uses roman numerals!
No 4/222B
Name Frank Henry Vickers
Information shown in order as: Country; From; To:
1 Service record: England; 8.7.14; 11.10.14
1 Service record: At sea; 12.11.14; 23.11.14 (questionable dates but maybe me!)
1 Service record: Egypt; 24.11.14
10 Name and address of next of kin: Mrs H Vickers (father) 4 Bryden Mansions, Hove, England
Also H N? R Pears Esq, 4 Hamilton Mansions, Kings Gardens, Hove, Sussex
STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF No 4/222B
NAME: F H Vickers
Regiment of Corps: ASC
Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &c: Transferred
Rank: Dvr
Dates: 28.12.14
6 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)
Unit: F E
Rank: Dvr
Surname: Vickers
Christian Name: Frank Henry
No: 410/222B
Occupation: Land Agent
Religion: C of E
Place of Birth: Hove Sussex
Date of Birth: Nov 14 1889
Last New Zealand address: 4 Gwydyer Mansion, Hove, England
Last employer: Self
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): H Vickers (Father) 4 Gwydyer Mansion Hove, Sussex, England
Note written: PT rec medals to be handed to H Vickers Eng “
Medal action
Surname: Vickers
Christian names: Frank Henry
Rank at death: Spr
Highest rank held:
Reg No: 4/222B
Casualty or reason for discharge: died of wounds
Legal next of kin, relationship and address: Mr H Vickers (F) 4 Gwydyer Mansion, Hove, Sussex, England deceased and therefore crossed out and Archibald Vickers (EB) 93 Drayton Gardens London SW10 written in place
STAMPED MEDAL ACTION COMPLETE 19 SEPT 1923
Service Medals issued:
1. 1914 – 15 Star
2. British War Medal
3. Victory Medal
Medals authorised to Mr Archibald Vickers (EB) 93 Drayton Gardens London SW10
PLAQUE AND SCROLL
Soldier’s name: Vickers Frank Henry
Reg No: 4/222B
Roll No: 56942
Scroll despatched: (Date) 13 JUL 1921
Plaque: ticked
Recipient and address: Mr A Vickers 93 Drayton Gardens London SW10
Written top left hand side “Cert posted 2.11.22”
Wounds
Died in Malta of wounds received in Action at the Dardanelles May 31st 1915
B R 9/2 Malta Buried in Imtarfa Cemetery Plot 4 Row 1A Grave 1 top 30.3.17 Death Card Received
7 Public Trust Letter
PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE
WELLINGTON NZ
31? 8 17
The Officer in Charge
War Expenses Office
Defence Department
WELLINGTON
4/222B F H Vickers
The Public Trust has completed his administration of this soldier’s estate
Please account for any undrawn field-pay and for the Active Service Gratuity to the next of kin viz
Mr H Vickers 4 Gwydyer Mansion Hove Brighton England
The person entitled to medals in accordance with the direction contained in paragraph 2 of the Royal Warrant of 11th May, 1917, is apparently the same beneficiary.
Thos E Roberts
Controller
Soldiers’ Estates Division
STAMPED FILE 3 Sept 1919 No 9”
ENTERED ON HISTORY SHEET 3.9.19
Reference source
Agency: AABK
Series: 18805
Accession: W5557
Box / item: 29
Record: 0117310
Zack
Information on Driver / Sapper Frank Henry Vickers, 4/222B, New Zealand Engineers, 1st Divisional Field Company for you.
There are 12 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm on this file with seven files (1 – 7) of interest. The order of the document / information below is in the order of the files. Abbreviations are as recorded on the file. The quality of the file is poor in terms of details, readability; and the ‘interpretation’ of the spelling is mine and hence all the errors created are mine! The file chronology in places is also questionable in that it varies from historical facts.
Unfortunately all of the following documents are blank in this file:
· Description on Enlistment
· Medical Examination
· New Zealand Expeditionary Force Medical History (Form No 4)
Frank Vickers is not listed on the NZSG CD Rom but is listed on the hardcopy nominal roll.
This man would have known Angus David George Quayle, 8/271, who served in the same company.
Overview
Frank Henry Vickers was born in Hove, Brighton, Sussex, England on 14 November 1889.
He enlisted in London on 4 December 1914 in the British Section, New Zealand Expeditionary Force with the service number 4/222B.
This British Section NZEF has an interesting beginning. In August 1914 a number of New Zealanders residing in the UK volunteered for service and the New Zealand High Commissioner was given the authority in September 1914 to accept a maximum of 250 volunteers. Captain F H Lampen, NZSC, was appointed to command the section. It was originally thought that the Main Body of the NZEF would proceed to the UK for service in Western Europe and that the British Section would join up with them there. When formed it commenced training as an infantry unit at Bulford. After the NZEF was diverted to Egypt the British Section embarked for the Middle East and joined up with the Main Body at Zeitoun Camp on 24 December 1914. Its members were posted to various regiments and corps, the majority to the Army Service Corps or Engineers. Worth also noting that on enlistment members of the British Section were allocated service numbers in the series 1 – 250, with the prefix ‘E.’ when posted to their Main Body unit, the original number was retained with an appropriate prefix number (‘2/’ for Artillery etc.) As the prime numbers had in most cases already been allotted a letter suffix had to be added.
Frank Henry Vickers’ file states that he enlisted in the British Section on 5 December 1914 at Bulford but the nominal roll gives the 4 December 1914 date. The file gives no insight into why he enlisted in a New Zealand regiment instead of a British one although he does state that he had been discharged or transferred from the Sussex Yeomanry, Officer Training Corps, 214 Batt, Royal Field Artillery. His attestation form records that he was “registered for compulsory military training under the Defence Act 1909” at Strafford. Perhaps he was referring to Strafford, UK and not Strafford, New Zealand. After joining the British Section NZEF, Frank transferred on 28 December 1914 from the Army Service Corps to New Zealand Engineers 1st Divisional Field Company with the service number 5/222A. He transferred again on 19 February 1915 to the Field Coy Engineers with the service number 4/222B. Frank’s service reckons from 5 December 1914.
Frank would have been 25 years old on enlistment. He was single and a ‘land agent’ by occupation’ working for himself. His last home address prior to enlisting was that of his parents - 4 Gwydyer Mansion, Hove, Brighton, England. His religious profession was Church of England. Frank listed four next of kin i.e. H Vickers (Father) 4 Gwydyer Mansion Hove Sussex England; mother: Mrs H Vickers; elder brother: Archibald Vickers, 93 Drayton Gardens London SW10 and H N? R Pears, Esq, 4 Hamilton Mansions, Kings Gardens, Hove, Sussex.
Frank died in Malta of wounds received in action at the Dardanelles on 31 May 1915. He was buried in Imtarfa Cemetery Plot 4 Row 1A Grave 1.
Frank Vickers is listed in the Official History of the NZ Engineers roll of honour on page 308. His rank in this book is sapper. His service medals went to his older brother.
1 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1
Personal Record of Registration 4/222B
NAME: Vickers Frank Henry
Regiment: NZ Engineers 1st Div Field Coy Transferred from ASC
Written: Died of wounds 31/5/15
2 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)
ATTESTATION OF
No 4/222B
Name: Frank Henry Vickers
Regiment or Unit: Field Coy Engineers
Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)
1 What is your name? Frank Henry Vickers
2 Where were you born? Hove, Sussex
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? 14 Nov 1889 ticked
5 What is your trade or calling? Land Agent
6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? No
7 What was the address at which you last resided? 4 Gwdyn (note spelling) Mansion Hove
8 Have you passed the Fourth Educational Standard or its equivalent? Yes
9 What is the name and address of your present or last employer? Self
10 Are you married? No
11 Have you ever been sentenced to imprisonment by the Civil power? If so, when and where? No
12 Do you now belong to any military or naval force? If so to what corps? British Sector NZEF
13 Have you ever served in any military or naval force? If so state which and cause of discharge. Sussex Yeomanry OTC Dischrg 214 Batt RFA (transfer?)
14 Have you truly stated the whole (if any) of your previous service? Yes
15 Have you been registered for compulsory military training under the Defence Act 1909? If so, where? Yes Strafford
16 Have you ever been rejected as unfit for the military or naval forces of the Crown? If so, on what grounds? No
17 Are you willing to be vaccinated or revaccinated deleted ? And inoculated Yes
18 Are you willing to serve in the Expeditionary Force in or beyond the Dominion of New Zealand under the following conditions, provided your services should so long be required: For the term of the present European war and for such further period as is necessary to bring the Expeditionary Force back to New Zealand and to disband it? Yes
NOTE – Your discharge will not be granted before your return to New Zealand unless permission for discharge elsewhere be obtained from the GOC the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
I Frank Henry Vickers do solemnly declare that the above answers made by me to the above questions are true, and that I am willing to fulfil the engagement made.
Signature of Recruit Frank Henry Vickers
Signature of Witness illegible
Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation
I, BLANK, do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to our Sovereign Lord the King, his Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully serve in the New Zealand Military Forces, according to my liability under the Defence Act, and that I will observe and obey all order of His Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, and of the Generals and Officers set over me, until I shall be lawfully discharged So help me, God.
Certificate of Magistrate or Attesting Officer
The above questions were read to the above recruit in my presence. I have taken care that he understands each question, and that his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to, and the said recruit has made and signed the declaration and taken the oath before me at BLANK, NZ on this BLANK day of BLANK 1915
Signature of Attesting Officer BLANK
Description of BLANK on Enlistment (NOTE FORM IS MISSING!!)
Medical Examination Missing
3 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY
Of
Surname: Vickers
Christian Name: Frank Henry
Apart from one entry i.e. “Re- vaccinated on 13th day of Jan, 1915” this form is mostly blank
Enlisted on fifth day of Dec 1914, at Bulford
Information shown in order as: Corps; Regimental No; Date:
Joined on enlistment: British Section NZEF; E/222; 5.12.14
Transferred to: ASC Divisional; 5/222A; 28.12.14
Transferred to: Field Coy Engineers; 4/222B; 19.2.15
4 ARMY FORM B 103 Casualty Form – Active Service
Note: Two of these forms exist – compilation follows
Regimental Number: 4/222B
Regiment or Corps: NZ Engineers 1st Div Field Coy
Rank: Driver (note listed in other publications as Sapper.)
Name: Vickers Frank Henry
Enlisted: (a) 5.12.14
Terms of Service: (a) period of war
Service reckons from: (a) 5.12.14
31.5.15: From Commdt Malta: Death of wounds at Malta ex Gallipoli
Signed N Fitz Herbert CAPT OC Records Section New Zealand for DAG GHO 3rd Echelon MEF
Stamped FILE 15 NOV 1915 CAM
ENTERED ON HISTORY SHEET 30.3.17 initials illegible?
5 Military History Sheet
Note: This form uses roman numerals!
No 4/222B
Name Frank Henry Vickers
Information shown in order as: Country; From; To:
1 Service record: England; 8.7.14; 11.10.14
1 Service record: At sea; 12.11.14; 23.11.14 (questionable dates but maybe me!)
1 Service record: Egypt; 24.11.14
10 Name and address of next of kin: Mrs H Vickers (father) 4 Bryden Mansions, Hove, England
Also H N? R Pears Esq, 4 Hamilton Mansions, Kings Gardens, Hove, Sussex
STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF No 4/222B
NAME: F H Vickers
Regiment of Corps: ASC
Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &c: Transferred
Rank: Dvr
Dates: 28.12.14
6 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)
Unit: F E
Rank: Dvr
Surname: Vickers
Christian Name: Frank Henry
No: 410/222B
Occupation: Land Agent
Religion: C of E
Place of Birth: Hove Sussex
Date of Birth: Nov 14 1889
Last New Zealand address: 4 Gwydyer Mansion, Hove, England
Last employer: Self
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): H Vickers (Father) 4 Gwydyer Mansion Hove, Sussex, England
Note written: PT rec medals to be handed to H Vickers Eng “
Medal action
Surname: Vickers
Christian names: Frank Henry
Rank at death: Spr
Highest rank held:
Reg No: 4/222B
Casualty or reason for discharge: died of wounds
Legal next of kin, relationship and address: Mr H Vickers (F) 4 Gwydyer Mansion, Hove, Sussex, England deceased and therefore crossed out and Archibald Vickers (EB) 93 Drayton Gardens London SW10 written in place
STAMPED MEDAL ACTION COMPLETE 19 SEPT 1923
Service Medals issued:
1. 1914 – 15 Star
2. British War Medal
3. Victory Medal
Medals authorised to Mr Archibald Vickers (EB) 93 Drayton Gardens London SW10
PLAQUE AND SCROLL
Soldier’s name: Vickers Frank Henry
Reg No: 4/222B
Roll No: 56942
Scroll despatched: (Date) 13 JUL 1921
Plaque: ticked
Recipient and address: Mr A Vickers 93 Drayton Gardens London SW10
Written top left hand side “Cert posted 2.11.22”
Wounds
Died in Malta of wounds received in Action at the Dardanelles May 31st 1915
B R 9/2 Malta Buried in Imtarfa Cemetery Plot 4 Row 1A Grave 1 top 30.3.17 Death Card Received
7 Public Trust Letter
PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE
WELLINGTON NZ
31? 8 17
The Officer in Charge
War Expenses Office
Defence Department
WELLINGTON
4/222B F H Vickers
The Public Trust has completed his administration of this soldier’s estate
Please account for any undrawn field-pay and for the Active Service Gratuity to the next of kin viz
Mr H Vickers 4 Gwydyer Mansion Hove Brighton England
The person entitled to medals in accordance with the direction contained in paragraph 2 of the Royal Warrant of 11th May, 1917, is apparently the same beneficiary.
Thos E Roberts
Controller
Soldiers’ Estates Division
STAMPED FILE 3 Sept 1919 No 9”
ENTERED ON HISTORY SHEET 3.9.19
Reference source
Agency: AABK
Series: 18805
Accession: W5557
Box / item: 29
Record: 0117310
Zack
Wayne
At last!
Information on your last man: Private Ra Wairau 16/53 1st New Zealand Maori Battalion, B Company.
There are 14 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm on this file with eight files (1 – 8) of interest. The order of the document / information below is in the order of the files. Abbreviations are as recorded on the file. It is difficult to read in places.
This man would have also known Albert Downes (16/508 - B Coy), Paetaha Paora (16/201 – B Coy) Te Rewa Ngore William Mangaroa (16/400 – A Coy) and Taiawhiao te Whare, (16/421 – A Coy) who were also in the same contingent travelling on the Warrimoo (HMNZT No 20). They all died in Malta.
This man’s brother Ramera Wairau, 16/779, Second Maori Battalion died of disease in the UK ex France on 30 October 1916. Interestingly the file lists 7 member of Ra’s family but there is no obvious reason why these details are on file. Probably included to clarify probate issues.
Overview
Ra Wairau was born in Muriwai, North Island, New Zealand on 23 June 1894.
Ra underwent his medical examination on 13 October 1914 at Gisborne, North Island, New Zealand and attested at Gisborne on 14 October 1914 after the contents of the form had been read over an explained to him by E Hooper, Licensed Interpreter at Gisborne, NZ. Ra had earlier registered for compulsory military training under the Defence Act 1909 at Nuheka(?) as a Native Cadet.
On enlistment he joined, as a private No 16/53, the New Zealand 1st Maori Contingent Infantry Battalion, B Company. For some reason his service reckons from 21 October 1914. He was a labourer by occupation and worked for G H Black Muriwai, North Island, New Zealand. He was single. His recorded next of kin was his sister Wahati Wairau, Mahia, Hawkes Bay.
Ra’s ‘apparent age' on enlistment was 20 years. He was 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 138 lbs. His complexion was dark, his colour of eyes dark, and colour of hair dark. His religious profession was Anglican. His medical examination revealed the condition of his teeth as “good” and it was noted on the file that he was a ‘Maori’ and had a ‘scar on his left leg’.
Ra left Wellington, New Zealand on HMNZT 20 (‘Warrimoo’) with the 1st Maori (515 troops) on 14 February 1915 and disembarked Suez 26 March 1915. OC Troops Captain W T Pitt; Ship’s Master A M Edwin. After the Maori Contingent disembarked at Suez and entrained for Cairo they were only at Zeitoun Camp for a week before they left on board the transport ‘Runic’ for Malta to begin garrison duty at Ghain Tuffiah Camp (about 16 miles from Valetta.) This posting was not well received as the Maoris Contingent were keen to join other New Zealanders at Gallipoli. They got their chance and they left Malta via Alexandria, arrived Mudros on 1 July 1915 and after being transhipped at Mudros to the steamer 'Prince Abbas' they arrived at Anzac on 3rd July 1915. The Maori Contingent on arrival at Anzac was attached to the New Zealand Mounted Brigade and was sent to No 1 Outpost, which became known as the “Maori Pa.” They were put to work enlarging the sap from the base of Walker’s ridge out to No 2 Outpost so that it would be wide enough to take mules.
On 6 August 1915 Ra was sent to hospital at Anzac suffering from a gunshot wound to the head resulting in a severe compound fracture of the skill. SS Itonus transported him from Anzac Cove firstly to Imbros on 13 August 1915 and then on to Malta. His condition at Malta initially was described on 22 August 1915 as “dangerously ill” and then on 8 September 1915 as “out of danger.” However, by the 10 September 1915 he was described again as “dangerously ill” and on 11 September 1915 he died of wounds received in action. He was buried the same day by Chap E E Smith at Pieta Cemetery Malta No 4 Row 10B. As his sister had died, his brother Paihau Wairau Opoutama, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand received his service medals.
Ra was 21 years old when he died.
1 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)
Unit: Maori
Rank: Pvte
Surname: Wairau
Christian Name: Ra
No: 16/53
Occupation: Labourer
Religion: C of E
Place of Birth: Muriwai
Date of Birth: June 23 1894
Last New Zealand address: Muriwai
Last employer: G H Black Muriwai
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): Sister Wahiti Wairau, Mahia, Hawkes Bay
Medal action
Service Medals issued:
1. 1914 – 15 Star
2. British War Medal
3. Victory Medal
Service
NZ: Date from 21.10.14; Date to 14.2.15
Foreign: Date from 14.2.15
Wounds
16.9.15: Soldier located Malta; W seriously in head Aug 6th
BR9/2/ Buried in Pieta Cemetery Malta
AFB103 Died of wounds received in action Malta September 11th 1915
Killed in action 155 19.9.15 Died September 11th 1915
Died of wounds Fr Siles? Rep 14/10/15 Died of wnds Malta 11/9/15 Buried 11/9/15 by Chap E E Smith at Peita Cemetery Malta No 4 Row 10B
Medals authorised to Wahiti Wairau (sister) Mahia Hawkes Bay crossed out and written in ‘Mr P Wairau (
Opoutama HB’
STATEMENT of the SERVICES OF Wairau, RA No 16/53
Regiment or Corps: Maori
Rank: Pvte
Date: 21.10.14
PLAQUE AND SCROLL
Soldier’s name: Wairau, Ra
Reg No: 16/53
Roll No: 513497
Scroll despatched: (Date) 5 JUL 1921? Faded
Plaque: 14 Nov 1921
Recipient and address: Mr P Wairau Opoutama
Written down left hand side “Cert posted 4.11.22”
2 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1
Personal Record of Registration No 16/53
NAME Wairau Ra
Regiment NZ Maori Contigent
Group: 7
All else BLANK
3 Typed form no Title
16/53 RA WAIRAU
1 Joe (brother) Mr Joe Wairau Mahia, Wairoa, HB
2 Anarua (brother) Mr Anarua Wairau, Mahia, Wairoa, HB
3 Paihau (brother) Mr Paihau Wairau C/O LDPT Gisborne
4 Hurawera (dec’d brother) do (As Trustee)
5 Waihata (dec’d sister) do (As Trustee)
6 Renata (sister) Public Trustee Wellington
7 Wiki (sister) Miss Wiki, Wairau C/O LDPT Gisborne
4 ARMY FORM B 103 Casualty Form – Active Service
Regimental Number: 16/53
Regiment or Corps: NZ Maori Contingent
Rank: Private
Name: Wairau Ra
Enlisted: (a) 21.10.14
Terms of Service: (a) Term of war
Service reckons from: (a) 21.10.14
Information shown in order as: Date; From whom received; Record of promotions, reductions, transfers, causalities &c active service as reported on Army Form B 213, Army Form A33 and in other official documents; Place of casualty; Date of Casualty; Remarks Taken from Army Form B213, Army For A 35 or other official documents:
14.8.15; O/C; Sent to hospital wounded; Anzac; 6/8/15; B213 Report O/C No 6 15.8.15 C pd frac of skull severe
13.8.15; SS Itonus; Adm on Board; Imbros; 13.8.15; Nom roll A4331 GSW head serious
14.8.15; SS Itonus; Sent to Hospital; Malta; 14.8.15; Nom roll A5688
25.8.15; C/O Malta; Dangerously ill; Malta; 22.8.15; Cable C/O Malta WB 1107A 5155
9.9.15; C/O Malta; Pronounced out of danger; Malta; 8.9.15; Cable C/O Malta WB 1402 A8294
12.9.15; C/O Malta; Dangerously ill; Malta; 10.9.15; Cable C/O Malta WB 1454 A8033
13.9.15; C/O Malta; Died of wounds; Malta; 11.9.15; Cable C/O Malta WB1467 A9505
Signed N Fitz Herbert CAPT OC Records Section New Zealand for DAG GHO 3rd Echelon MEF
FILE STAMPED “FILE 17 NOV 1915 CAM”
5 FIELD SERVICE Army Form B2090A
Report of Death of a Soldier to be forwarded to the War Office with the least possible delay after receipt of notification of death on Army Form B 213 or Army Form A 36 or from other official documentary sources.
Regiment or Corps: NZ Maori Contingent
Regtl No: 16/53 Rank Private
Name: Wairau Ra
Died Date: 11th September 1915
Place: Malta
Cause of Death: Died of wounds received in action
Signature of Officer in charge of
Section Adjutant-General’s
Office at the Base N Fitzherbert Capt
Station and date: Alexandria 19th September 1915
6 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)
ATTESTATION OF
No 16/53
Name Ra Wairau
Regiment or Unit: NZ Maori Cgt
Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)
1 What is your name? Ra Wairau
2 Where were you born? Muriwai
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? June 23rd 1894 ticked
5 What is your trade or calling? Labourer
6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? No
7 What was the address at which you last resided? Muriwai
8 Have you passed the Fourth Educational Standard or its equivalent? Yes
9 What is the name and address of your present or last employer? G H Black Muriwai
10 Are you married? No
11 Have you ever been sentenced to imprisonment by the Civil power? If so, when and where? No
12 Do you now belong to any military or naval force? If so to what corps? No
13 Have you ever served in any military or naval force? If so state which and cause of discharge. No
14 Have you truly stated the whole (if any) of your previous service? Yes
15 Have you been registered for compulsory military training under the Defence Act 1909? If so, where? Nuheka? Native Cadets
16 Have you ever been rejected as unfit for the military or naval forces of the Crown? If so, on what grounds? No
17 Are you willing to be vaccinated or revaccinated? Yes
18 Are you willing to serve in the Expeditionary Force in or beyond the Dominion of New Zealand under the following conditions, provided your services should so long be required: For the term of the present European war and for such further period as is necessary to bring the Expeditionary Force back to New Zealand and to disband it? Yes
NOTE – Your discharge will not be granted before your return to New Zealand unless permission for discharge elsewhere be obtained from the GOC the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
I Ra Wairau do solemnly declare that the above answers made by me to the above questions are true, and that I am willing to fulfil the engagement made.
Signature of Recruit Ra Wairau
Signature of Witness E E ? Hooper
Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation
I, Ra Wairau, do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to our Sovereign Lord the King, his Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully serve in the New Zealand Military Forces, according to my liability under the Defence Act, and that I will observe and obey all order of His Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, and of the Generals and Officers set over me, until I shall be lawfully discharged So help me, God.
Certificate of Magistrate or Attesting Officer
The above questions were read to the above recruit in my presence. I have taken care that he understands each question, and that his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to, and the said recruit has made and signed the declaration and taken the oath before me at “after the contents had been read over & explained to him by the undersigned interpreter at Gisborne, NZ on this 14th day of October 1914.
Signature of Attesting Officer O H Kane Lieutenant
If any alteration is required on this page of the Attestation, the Attesting Officer should be requested to make it and initial the alteration.
Signed E E D? Hooper, Licensed Interpreter Gisborne
Description of Ra Wairau on Enlistment
Apparent age: 20 years
Height: 5 feet 7 inches
Weight: 138 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 33 ½ inches Maximum 35¼ inches
Complexion: Dark
Colour of eyes: Dark
Colour of hair: Dark
Religious profession: Anglican
Distinctive marks, and marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease. Maori.
Scar on left leg
Medical Examination
Sight: right eye 6/6
Sight: Left eye 6/6
Hearing: Right ear Normal
Hearing: Left ear Normal
Colour vision Normal
Are his limbs well formed? Yes
Are the movements of all his joints full and perfect? Yes
Is his chest well formed? Yes
Is his heart normal? Yes
Are his lungs normal? Yes
What is the condition of his teeth? Good
Is he free from hernia? Yes
Is he free from varicocele? Yes
Is he free from varicose veins? Yes
Is he free from haemorrhoids? Yes
Is he free from inveterate or contagious skin disease? Yes
Is there a distinct mark of vaccination? Yes
Is he in good bodily and mental health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the efficient performance of his duties? Yes
Are there any slight defects, but not sufficient to cause rejection? No
Certificate of Medical Examination
I have examined the above named, and find he does not present any of the causes of rejection specified in the Regulations for Army Medical Services.
I consider him fit for service in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
October 13th 1914
Illegible SIGNED Medical Officer
7 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY
Of
Surname: Wairau
Christian Name: Ra
Examined On 13th day of October, 1914
At Gisborne
Birthplace Town Muriwai
Country NZ
Declared age: 20 years
Trade or occupation Labourer
Height: 5 ft 7 in
Weight 138 lb
Chest measurement Minimum, 33½ in Maximum expansion 35¼ in
Enlisted on 14th day of October 1914, at Gisborne
Joined on enlistment: NZ Maori Contingent
Regimental No: 16/53
Date: 14th Oct 1914
8 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (Form No 3) Military History Sheet
Note: Two of these forms – compilation follows:
No 16/53
Name Ra Wairau
Information shown in order as: Country; From; To; Days:
1 Service record: NZ; 21.10.14; 9.2.15; 112 days
1 Service record: At sea T 20; 10.2.15; 25.3.15; 44 days
1 Service record: Egypt; 26.3.15; 6.4.15; 11 days
10 Name and address of next of kin: Sister Wahati Wairau Mahia Hawkes Bay
Intended place of residence on discharge: New Zealand
STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF No 16/53
NAME: RA Wairau
Regiment of Corps: NZ Maori Contingent
Rank: Private
Dates: 21.10.14
Reference source
Agency: AABK
Series: 18805
Accession: W5557
Box / item: 33
Record: 0117747
Well it's taken a while! But it's complete minus I still need to send you the photos I've uncovered for some of the Malta men.
Hopefully other members of the forum will be able to add / clarify other details. If I come across any new information in my research I will add it.
Cheers
Zack
At last!
Information on your last man: Private Ra Wairau 16/53 1st New Zealand Maori Battalion, B Company.
There are 14 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm on this file with eight files (1 – 8) of interest. The order of the document / information below is in the order of the files. Abbreviations are as recorded on the file. It is difficult to read in places.
This man would have also known Albert Downes (16/508 - B Coy), Paetaha Paora (16/201 – B Coy) Te Rewa Ngore William Mangaroa (16/400 – A Coy) and Taiawhiao te Whare, (16/421 – A Coy) who were also in the same contingent travelling on the Warrimoo (HMNZT No 20). They all died in Malta.
This man’s brother Ramera Wairau, 16/779, Second Maori Battalion died of disease in the UK ex France on 30 October 1916. Interestingly the file lists 7 member of Ra’s family but there is no obvious reason why these details are on file. Probably included to clarify probate issues.
Overview
Ra Wairau was born in Muriwai, North Island, New Zealand on 23 June 1894.
Ra underwent his medical examination on 13 October 1914 at Gisborne, North Island, New Zealand and attested at Gisborne on 14 October 1914 after the contents of the form had been read over an explained to him by E Hooper, Licensed Interpreter at Gisborne, NZ. Ra had earlier registered for compulsory military training under the Defence Act 1909 at Nuheka(?) as a Native Cadet.
On enlistment he joined, as a private No 16/53, the New Zealand 1st Maori Contingent Infantry Battalion, B Company. For some reason his service reckons from 21 October 1914. He was a labourer by occupation and worked for G H Black Muriwai, North Island, New Zealand. He was single. His recorded next of kin was his sister Wahati Wairau, Mahia, Hawkes Bay.
Ra’s ‘apparent age' on enlistment was 20 years. He was 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 138 lbs. His complexion was dark, his colour of eyes dark, and colour of hair dark. His religious profession was Anglican. His medical examination revealed the condition of his teeth as “good” and it was noted on the file that he was a ‘Maori’ and had a ‘scar on his left leg’.
Ra left Wellington, New Zealand on HMNZT 20 (‘Warrimoo’) with the 1st Maori (515 troops) on 14 February 1915 and disembarked Suez 26 March 1915. OC Troops Captain W T Pitt; Ship’s Master A M Edwin. After the Maori Contingent disembarked at Suez and entrained for Cairo they were only at Zeitoun Camp for a week before they left on board the transport ‘Runic’ for Malta to begin garrison duty at Ghain Tuffiah Camp (about 16 miles from Valetta.) This posting was not well received as the Maoris Contingent were keen to join other New Zealanders at Gallipoli. They got their chance and they left Malta via Alexandria, arrived Mudros on 1 July 1915 and after being transhipped at Mudros to the steamer 'Prince Abbas' they arrived at Anzac on 3rd July 1915. The Maori Contingent on arrival at Anzac was attached to the New Zealand Mounted Brigade and was sent to No 1 Outpost, which became known as the “Maori Pa.” They were put to work enlarging the sap from the base of Walker’s ridge out to No 2 Outpost so that it would be wide enough to take mules.
On 6 August 1915 Ra was sent to hospital at Anzac suffering from a gunshot wound to the head resulting in a severe compound fracture of the skill. SS Itonus transported him from Anzac Cove firstly to Imbros on 13 August 1915 and then on to Malta. His condition at Malta initially was described on 22 August 1915 as “dangerously ill” and then on 8 September 1915 as “out of danger.” However, by the 10 September 1915 he was described again as “dangerously ill” and on 11 September 1915 he died of wounds received in action. He was buried the same day by Chap E E Smith at Pieta Cemetery Malta No 4 Row 10B. As his sister had died, his brother Paihau Wairau Opoutama, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand received his service medals.
Ra was 21 years old when he died.
1 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)
Unit: Maori
Rank: Pvte
Surname: Wairau
Christian Name: Ra
No: 16/53
Occupation: Labourer
Religion: C of E
Place of Birth: Muriwai
Date of Birth: June 23 1894
Last New Zealand address: Muriwai
Last employer: G H Black Muriwai
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): Sister Wahiti Wairau, Mahia, Hawkes Bay
Medal action
Service Medals issued:
1. 1914 – 15 Star
2. British War Medal
3. Victory Medal
Service
NZ: Date from 21.10.14; Date to 14.2.15
Foreign: Date from 14.2.15
Wounds
16.9.15: Soldier located Malta; W seriously in head Aug 6th
BR9/2/ Buried in Pieta Cemetery Malta
AFB103 Died of wounds received in action Malta September 11th 1915
Killed in action 155 19.9.15 Died September 11th 1915
Died of wounds Fr Siles? Rep 14/10/15 Died of wnds Malta 11/9/15 Buried 11/9/15 by Chap E E Smith at Peita Cemetery Malta No 4 Row 10B
Medals authorised to Wahiti Wairau (sister) Mahia Hawkes Bay crossed out and written in ‘Mr P Wairau (
Opoutama HB’ STATEMENT of the SERVICES OF Wairau, RA No 16/53
Regiment or Corps: Maori
Rank: Pvte
Date: 21.10.14
PLAQUE AND SCROLL
Soldier’s name: Wairau, Ra
Reg No: 16/53
Roll No: 513497
Scroll despatched: (Date) 5 JUL 1921? Faded
Plaque: 14 Nov 1921
Recipient and address: Mr P Wairau Opoutama
Written down left hand side “Cert posted 4.11.22”
2 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1
Personal Record of Registration No 16/53
NAME Wairau Ra
Regiment NZ Maori Contigent
Group: 7
All else BLANK
3 Typed form no Title
16/53 RA WAIRAU
1 Joe (brother) Mr Joe Wairau Mahia, Wairoa, HB
2 Anarua (brother) Mr Anarua Wairau, Mahia, Wairoa, HB
3 Paihau (brother) Mr Paihau Wairau C/O LDPT Gisborne
4 Hurawera (dec’d brother) do (As Trustee)
5 Waihata (dec’d sister) do (As Trustee)
6 Renata (sister) Public Trustee Wellington
7 Wiki (sister) Miss Wiki, Wairau C/O LDPT Gisborne
4 ARMY FORM B 103 Casualty Form – Active Service
Regimental Number: 16/53
Regiment or Corps: NZ Maori Contingent
Rank: Private
Name: Wairau Ra
Enlisted: (a) 21.10.14
Terms of Service: (a) Term of war
Service reckons from: (a) 21.10.14
Information shown in order as: Date; From whom received; Record of promotions, reductions, transfers, causalities &c active service as reported on Army Form B 213, Army Form A33 and in other official documents; Place of casualty; Date of Casualty; Remarks Taken from Army Form B213, Army For A 35 or other official documents:
14.8.15; O/C; Sent to hospital wounded; Anzac; 6/8/15; B213 Report O/C No 6 15.8.15 C pd frac of skull severe
13.8.15; SS Itonus; Adm on Board; Imbros; 13.8.15; Nom roll A4331 GSW head serious
14.8.15; SS Itonus; Sent to Hospital; Malta; 14.8.15; Nom roll A5688
25.8.15; C/O Malta; Dangerously ill; Malta; 22.8.15; Cable C/O Malta WB 1107A 5155
9.9.15; C/O Malta; Pronounced out of danger; Malta; 8.9.15; Cable C/O Malta WB 1402 A8294
12.9.15; C/O Malta; Dangerously ill; Malta; 10.9.15; Cable C/O Malta WB 1454 A8033
13.9.15; C/O Malta; Died of wounds; Malta; 11.9.15; Cable C/O Malta WB1467 A9505
Signed N Fitz Herbert CAPT OC Records Section New Zealand for DAG GHO 3rd Echelon MEF
FILE STAMPED “FILE 17 NOV 1915 CAM”
5 FIELD SERVICE Army Form B2090A
Report of Death of a Soldier to be forwarded to the War Office with the least possible delay after receipt of notification of death on Army Form B 213 or Army Form A 36 or from other official documentary sources.
Regiment or Corps: NZ Maori Contingent
Regtl No: 16/53 Rank Private
Name: Wairau Ra
Died Date: 11th September 1915
Place: Malta
Cause of Death: Died of wounds received in action
Signature of Officer in charge of
Section Adjutant-General’s
Office at the Base N Fitzherbert Capt
Station and date: Alexandria 19th September 1915
6 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)
ATTESTATION OF
No 16/53
Name Ra Wairau
Regiment or Unit: NZ Maori Cgt
Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)
1 What is your name? Ra Wairau
2 Where were you born? Muriwai
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? June 23rd 1894 ticked
5 What is your trade or calling? Labourer
6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? No
7 What was the address at which you last resided? Muriwai
8 Have you passed the Fourth Educational Standard or its equivalent? Yes
9 What is the name and address of your present or last employer? G H Black Muriwai
10 Are you married? No
11 Have you ever been sentenced to imprisonment by the Civil power? If so, when and where? No
12 Do you now belong to any military or naval force? If so to what corps? No
13 Have you ever served in any military or naval force? If so state which and cause of discharge. No
14 Have you truly stated the whole (if any) of your previous service? Yes
15 Have you been registered for compulsory military training under the Defence Act 1909? If so, where? Nuheka? Native Cadets
16 Have you ever been rejected as unfit for the military or naval forces of the Crown? If so, on what grounds? No
17 Are you willing to be vaccinated or revaccinated? Yes
18 Are you willing to serve in the Expeditionary Force in or beyond the Dominion of New Zealand under the following conditions, provided your services should so long be required: For the term of the present European war and for such further period as is necessary to bring the Expeditionary Force back to New Zealand and to disband it? Yes
NOTE – Your discharge will not be granted before your return to New Zealand unless permission for discharge elsewhere be obtained from the GOC the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
I Ra Wairau do solemnly declare that the above answers made by me to the above questions are true, and that I am willing to fulfil the engagement made.
Signature of Recruit Ra Wairau
Signature of Witness E E ? Hooper
Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation
I, Ra Wairau, do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to our Sovereign Lord the King, his Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully serve in the New Zealand Military Forces, according to my liability under the Defence Act, and that I will observe and obey all order of His Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, and of the Generals and Officers set over me, until I shall be lawfully discharged So help me, God.
Certificate of Magistrate or Attesting Officer
The above questions were read to the above recruit in my presence. I have taken care that he understands each question, and that his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to, and the said recruit has made and signed the declaration and taken the oath before me at “after the contents had been read over & explained to him by the undersigned interpreter at Gisborne, NZ on this 14th day of October 1914.
Signature of Attesting Officer O H Kane Lieutenant
If any alteration is required on this page of the Attestation, the Attesting Officer should be requested to make it and initial the alteration.
Signed E E D? Hooper, Licensed Interpreter Gisborne
Description of Ra Wairau on Enlistment
Apparent age: 20 years
Height: 5 feet 7 inches
Weight: 138 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 33 ½ inches Maximum 35¼ inches
Complexion: Dark
Colour of eyes: Dark
Colour of hair: Dark
Religious profession: Anglican
Distinctive marks, and marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease. Maori.
Scar on left leg
Medical Examination
Sight: right eye 6/6
Sight: Left eye 6/6
Hearing: Right ear Normal
Hearing: Left ear Normal
Colour vision Normal
Are his limbs well formed? Yes
Are the movements of all his joints full and perfect? Yes
Is his chest well formed? Yes
Is his heart normal? Yes
Are his lungs normal? Yes
What is the condition of his teeth? Good
Is he free from hernia? Yes
Is he free from varicocele? Yes
Is he free from varicose veins? Yes
Is he free from haemorrhoids? Yes
Is he free from inveterate or contagious skin disease? Yes
Is there a distinct mark of vaccination? Yes
Is he in good bodily and mental health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the efficient performance of his duties? Yes
Are there any slight defects, but not sufficient to cause rejection? No
Certificate of Medical Examination
I have examined the above named, and find he does not present any of the causes of rejection specified in the Regulations for Army Medical Services.
I consider him fit for service in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
October 13th 1914
Illegible SIGNED Medical Officer
7 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY
Of
Surname: Wairau
Christian Name: Ra
Examined On 13th day of October, 1914
At Gisborne
Birthplace Town Muriwai
Country NZ
Declared age: 20 years
Trade or occupation Labourer
Height: 5 ft 7 in
Weight 138 lb
Chest measurement Minimum, 33½ in Maximum expansion 35¼ in
Enlisted on 14th day of October 1914, at Gisborne
Joined on enlistment: NZ Maori Contingent
Regimental No: 16/53
Date: 14th Oct 1914
8 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (Form No 3) Military History Sheet
Note: Two of these forms – compilation follows:
No 16/53
Name Ra Wairau
Information shown in order as: Country; From; To; Days:
1 Service record: NZ; 21.10.14; 9.2.15; 112 days
1 Service record: At sea T 20; 10.2.15; 25.3.15; 44 days
1 Service record: Egypt; 26.3.15; 6.4.15; 11 days
10 Name and address of next of kin: Sister Wahati Wairau Mahia Hawkes Bay
Intended place of residence on discharge: New Zealand
STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF No 16/53
NAME: RA Wairau
Regiment of Corps: NZ Maori Contingent
Rank: Private
Dates: 21.10.14
Reference source
Agency: AABK
Series: 18805
Accession: W5557
Box / item: 33
Record: 0117747
Well it's taken a while! But it's complete minus I still need to send you the photos I've uncovered for some of the Malta men.
Hopefully other members of the forum will be able to add / clarify other details. If I come across any new information in my research I will add it.
Cheers
Zack
The following is a summary of the Malta hospitals recorded on the NZEF men’s files where they died:
Valetta Military Hospital – 200 beds in the Main Hall only - the major hospital also had quarters for 65 non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Army Medical Corps – patients were transferred from here to other hospitals and camps like:
1. Cottonera Hospital – 800 beds (apparently had globigerina floors which were considered unsuitable)
2. Floriana Military Hospital – 1300 beds
3. Imtarfa Military hospital – 1853 beds
4. Ricasoli Military Hospital – can’t trace this one – suggestions?
5. St Andrews Hospital – 1258 beds
6. St David’s hospital - 1168 beds
7. St Elmo Hospital Valletta – 348 beds
8. St Georges Hospital - 1412 beds
9. St John’s Hospital - 520 beds – Elementary School – Sliema
10. St Patrick’s Military Hospital - 1168 beds – Consisted of tents near Spinola
11. Tigne Hospital Sliema - 348 beds, which was last to be closed
12. Ghajn Tuffie 4,000 which could take in the largest number of convalescents
There were of course other hospitals on Malta at the time i.e.: Bighi, Hamrun, St. Paul’s, St. Ignatius, Forrest House in Villa Spinola, Baviere, Manoel, All Saints, Pembroke, Fort Chambray – Gozo, Mellicha, Dragonara, Verdala, San Anton and Citta Vecchia Sanitarium.
There was even one specially for officers only - Blue Sisters – 120 beds
The total list certainly gives new meaning to the concept that in WW1 Malta was the “Nurse of the Mediterranean."
Zack
Valetta Military Hospital – 200 beds in the Main Hall only - the major hospital also had quarters for 65 non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Army Medical Corps – patients were transferred from here to other hospitals and camps like:
1. Cottonera Hospital – 800 beds (apparently had globigerina floors which were considered unsuitable)
2. Floriana Military Hospital – 1300 beds
3. Imtarfa Military hospital – 1853 beds
4. Ricasoli Military Hospital – can’t trace this one – suggestions?
5. St Andrews Hospital – 1258 beds
6. St David’s hospital - 1168 beds
7. St Elmo Hospital Valletta – 348 beds
8. St Georges Hospital - 1412 beds
9. St John’s Hospital - 520 beds – Elementary School – Sliema
10. St Patrick’s Military Hospital - 1168 beds – Consisted of tents near Spinola
11. Tigne Hospital Sliema - 348 beds, which was last to be closed
12. Ghajn Tuffie 4,000 which could take in the largest number of convalescents
There were of course other hospitals on Malta at the time i.e.: Bighi, Hamrun, St. Paul’s, St. Ignatius, Forrest House in Villa Spinola, Baviere, Manoel, All Saints, Pembroke, Fort Chambray – Gozo, Mellicha, Dragonara, Verdala, San Anton and Citta Vecchia Sanitarium.
There was even one specially for officers only - Blue Sisters – 120 beds
The total list certainly gives new meaning to the concept that in WW1 Malta was the “Nurse of the Mediterranean."
Zack
Wayne
Thought you might be interested in this interesting little mystery.
Nicholas Boyack in his book ‘Behind the Lines – The Lives of New Zealand Soldiers in the First World War’ refers to a Private McRae who ended up in Malta ex Gallipoli as follows:
“On 7 August, during the desperate fighting for Chunuk Bair, McRae wrote in his small pocket diary: ‘A lot of prisoners taken. We rushed trenches after they left got hit on thigh.’ The entire entry for the following day read: ‘Lay out all day yesterday without dressing. Auck lost very heavy. Was carried down to second dressing station last night, our boys are still holding there trench.’ The 9th of August saw no improvement in McRae’s predicament: ‘Still lying in same place’, while by 10 August he must have been getting desperate: ‘Carried down to the beach in afternoon no hope of getting on boat. Sniper hit four wounded on beach.’ It must have been with great relief when he was able, on 11 August, to record: ‘Moved on to boat at last.’ His problems were far from over, however, as the hospital ship was unable to find room for him at Lemnos. He eventually ended up in Malta where, after a series of operations to fix his shattered thigh and hip, he died on 20 October 1915. During his stay in Malta he befriended an English nurse, who wrote to McRae’s sister after his death, making it clear that he died not as a result of his operations but because of the need to shift him to England to make space for the incoming wounded.”
Source: Page 53 (Book published by Allen & Unwin Port Nicolson Press 1989; ISBN 0 04 6140123)
While it reads like this man died on Malta, according to the CWGC site, he died in the UK and was buried in Netley Military Cemetery, which is at the back of the Royal Victoria Military Hospital (presumably where McRae was being treated ex Malta for his wounds).
The only match to the date of death, 20 October 1915, is Private Donald McRae, 12/821, Auckland Infantry Battalion.
Sources:
(1) Nominal Roll
Surname MCRAE
Given Name Donald McRae
Category Nominal Roll Vol. 1
Regimental Number 12/821
Rank Private
Body or Draft Main Body
Unit or Regiment Auckland Infantry Battalion
Marital Status S
Last NZ Address Whangarei
Next of Kin Title Alec Duncan
Next of Kin Surname MCRAE
Next of Kin Address Mataura Southland
(2) CWGC Source:
Name: McRAE, DONALD
Initials: D
Nationality: New Zealand
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Auckland Regiment, N.Z.E.F.
Age: 35
Date of Death: 20 October 1915
Service No: 12/821
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: N. 350
Cemetery: Netley Military Cemetery
Certificate
In Memory of
Private DONALD McRAE
12/821, Auckland Regiment, N.Z.E.F.
who died age 35
on 20 October 1915
Son of Finlay and Isabella McRae, of Hokonui, Southland, New Zealand. Served at Gallipoli.
Remembered with honour
NETLEY MILITARY CEMETERY
(3) Archway
Agency: AABK
Series: 18805
Accession: W5544
Box / item: 100
Record: 0076468
Unfortunately Boyack is silent on the source of the information re the man’s diary, the Nurse / Sister. Is he buried in Netley? Does anyone know any more?
Zack
Thought you might be interested in this interesting little mystery.
Nicholas Boyack in his book ‘Behind the Lines – The Lives of New Zealand Soldiers in the First World War’ refers to a Private McRae who ended up in Malta ex Gallipoli as follows:
“On 7 August, during the desperate fighting for Chunuk Bair, McRae wrote in his small pocket diary: ‘A lot of prisoners taken. We rushed trenches after they left got hit on thigh.’ The entire entry for the following day read: ‘Lay out all day yesterday without dressing. Auck lost very heavy. Was carried down to second dressing station last night, our boys are still holding there trench.’ The 9th of August saw no improvement in McRae’s predicament: ‘Still lying in same place’, while by 10 August he must have been getting desperate: ‘Carried down to the beach in afternoon no hope of getting on boat. Sniper hit four wounded on beach.’ It must have been with great relief when he was able, on 11 August, to record: ‘Moved on to boat at last.’ His problems were far from over, however, as the hospital ship was unable to find room for him at Lemnos. He eventually ended up in Malta where, after a series of operations to fix his shattered thigh and hip, he died on 20 October 1915. During his stay in Malta he befriended an English nurse, who wrote to McRae’s sister after his death, making it clear that he died not as a result of his operations but because of the need to shift him to England to make space for the incoming wounded.”
Source: Page 53 (Book published by Allen & Unwin Port Nicolson Press 1989; ISBN 0 04 6140123)
While it reads like this man died on Malta, according to the CWGC site, he died in the UK and was buried in Netley Military Cemetery, which is at the back of the Royal Victoria Military Hospital (presumably where McRae was being treated ex Malta for his wounds).
The only match to the date of death, 20 October 1915, is Private Donald McRae, 12/821, Auckland Infantry Battalion.
Sources:
(1) Nominal Roll
Surname MCRAE
Given Name Donald McRae
Category Nominal Roll Vol. 1
Regimental Number 12/821
Rank Private
Body or Draft Main Body
Unit or Regiment Auckland Infantry Battalion
Marital Status S
Last NZ Address Whangarei
Next of Kin Title Alec Duncan
Next of Kin Surname MCRAE
Next of Kin Address Mataura Southland
(2) CWGC Source:
Name: McRAE, DONALD
Initials: D
Nationality: New Zealand
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Auckland Regiment, N.Z.E.F.
Age: 35
Date of Death: 20 October 1915
Service No: 12/821
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: N. 350
Cemetery: Netley Military Cemetery
Certificate
In Memory of
Private DONALD McRAE
12/821, Auckland Regiment, N.Z.E.F.
who died age 35
on 20 October 1915
Son of Finlay and Isabella McRae, of Hokonui, Southland, New Zealand. Served at Gallipoli.
Remembered with honour
NETLEY MILITARY CEMETERY
(3) Archway
Agency: AABK
Series: 18805
Accession: W5544
Box / item: 100
Record: 0076468
Unfortunately Boyack is silent on the source of the information re the man’s diary, the Nurse / Sister. Is he buried in Netley? Does anyone know any more?
Zack
Hello Zack !
Many thanks for all the time and trouble undertaken on my behalf. I will never be able to thank you enough for this most generous gesture.
With regards Ricasoli Military Hospital mentioned in post #155, this is a 17th century fortress that stands at the entrance to Grand Harbour - opposite Fort St Elmo. In recent years the interior of Fort Ricasoli has been used as a set for the filming of movies such as Gladiator (Russel Crowe) and Troy (Brad Pitt).
Regards
Wayne
A contemporary postcard showing Fort Ricasoli in the background.
Many thanks for all the time and trouble undertaken on my behalf. I will never be able to thank you enough for this most generous gesture.
With regards Ricasoli Military Hospital mentioned in post #155, this is a 17th century fortress that stands at the entrance to Grand Harbour - opposite Fort St Elmo. In recent years the interior of Fort Ricasoli has been used as a set for the filming of movies such as Gladiator (Russel Crowe) and Troy (Brad Pitt).
Regards
Wayne
A contemporary postcard showing Fort Ricasoli in the background.
Gunner Allan Joseph Strawbridge, 2/567, New Zealand Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Headquarters
Cambridge Memorial:
Click to view attachment
Cambridge Memorial:
Click to view attachment
Private Taiawhiao te Whare, 16/421 New Zealand Maori Contingent, A Company
Taupo Memorial:
Click to view attachment
Note: PAORA, Paetaka (16/201) Private, New Zealand Maori Contingent Infantry Battalion is not on this memorial, despite his recorded next of kin being his father Paora Kohatu, Taupo. (Zack notes " there is a written note on the file that states "All medals to go to (apparently) Father Paul Rokino, Taupo" ) Also, his last address was Waiwhare (near Hastings), but he's not on the Hastings memorial either - unless there's one at Waiwhare that I've not come across.
Taupo Memorial:
Click to view attachment
Note: PAORA, Paetaka (16/201) Private, New Zealand Maori Contingent Infantry Battalion is not on this memorial, despite his recorded next of kin being his father Paora Kohatu, Taupo. (Zack notes " there is a written note on the file that states "All medals to go to (apparently) Father Paul Rokino, Taupo" ) Also, his last address was Waiwhare (near Hastings), but he's not on the Hastings memorial either - unless there's one at Waiwhare that I've not come across.
ROBINSON, 7/1280 Lance Corporal, Clifford Kossuth, 8th Canterbury Mounted Rifles 6th Reinforcements
Woodville memorial:
Click to view attachment
Woodville, by the way, is a very small town of less than 2,000 people. Yet there are 81 names on their WW1 memorial. Of course, one must take into account the rural area. But still - that is a huge number for such a small place.
Woodville memorial:
Click to view attachment
Woodville, by the way, is a very small town of less than 2,000 people. Yet there are 81 names on their WW1 memorial. Of course, one must take into account the rural area. But still - that is a huge number for such a small place.
Allie - the photos are great! You have been busy. Thank you!
Zack
Zack
I have photos of:
Ashurst (no names listed)
Bulls
Cambridge
Clevedon
Clive
Dannevirke
Feilding (also Boer War memorial)
Gisborne (one panel only)
Hastings
Havelock North
Leigh
Makotuku (this includes the Ormondville area)
Maramarua
Matakana
Matamata
Napier
Norsewood
Ongaonga
Otane
Pakowai (lists only WW2 names)
Palmerston North (Terrace End School memorial only)
Papakura
Sanson - both old and new memorials
Taradale (they list all those who went to the war, and then those who died on another set of plaques. Rather nice to see all those who returned remembered as well!)
Taupo
Te Haute
Tirokino
Tuakau
Turakina
Waipawa
Waipu
Waipukurau
Wanganui - main town
Wanganui - Queens Park school (no names listed)
Warkworth (however, no names listed on this memorial)
Woodville
So if I've missed anyone who might be on one of those, I'll put it up.
Allie
Ashurst (no names listed)
Bulls
Cambridge
Clevedon
Clive
Dannevirke
Feilding (also Boer War memorial)
Gisborne (one panel only)
Hastings
Havelock North
Leigh
Makotuku (this includes the Ormondville area)
Maramarua
Matakana
Matamata
Napier
Norsewood
Ongaonga
Otane
Pakowai (lists only WW2 names)
Palmerston North (Terrace End School memorial only)
Papakura
Sanson - both old and new memorials
Taradale (they list all those who went to the war, and then those who died on another set of plaques. Rather nice to see all those who returned remembered as well!)
Taupo
Te Haute
Tirokino
Tuakau
Turakina
Waipawa
Waipu
Waipukurau
Wanganui - main town
Wanganui - Queens Park school (no names listed)
Warkworth (however, no names listed on this memorial)
Woodville
So if I've missed anyone who might be on one of those, I'll put it up.
Allie
Wayne
The following are some observations from reading and recording the files for you on the NZEF Malta men who died in Malta:
The general quality of the files is hugely variable for a variety of reasons:
[*]Culling over the years prior to the files being placed in the National Archives means that data has been irretrievably lost (this is reflected in the varying lengths of the files)
[*]Severe fading and poor handwriting defies interpretation
[*]Wide use of non-standard acronyms reflects the different ‘hands’ entering data and this can cause misinterpretation at times
[*]Inconsistencies with details like dates, and personal details results in conflicting information being recorded
[*]I have deliberately excluded sensitive personal data like medical conditions for a variety of reasons not least of which is to keep focus on the sacrifice and to pay respect to the individual soldier and his descendants
Cross checking other records is really important although even this presents problems when the other sources are also inaccurate. I’ve learnt that some resources i.e. books and websites out there are not accurate in recording details and can’t be relied on. (Begs the question about the thoroughness or not applied by some writers and publishers!)
What I couldn’t substantiate from the files or other sources I didn’t state hence the ‘gaps’ in the summary of events.
Some mysteries about the men will always remain and probably even their descendants won’t have explanations….but that’s life! The ‘flesh on the bones’ is still out there……and if I come across anymore information in my researching I will post it.
Please keep in mind that given the above ‘file variations’ mistakes can be made in the interpretation and while I’ve tried to avoid making them there will be some mistakes contained in the forum data that are purely mine.
Finally what really had an impact on me was the absolute waste of young lives that such files evidenced! Talent unrealised - so sad!
Zack
The following are some observations from reading and recording the files for you on the NZEF Malta men who died in Malta:
The general quality of the files is hugely variable for a variety of reasons:
[*]Culling over the years prior to the files being placed in the National Archives means that data has been irretrievably lost (this is reflected in the varying lengths of the files)
[*]Severe fading and poor handwriting defies interpretation
[*]Wide use of non-standard acronyms reflects the different ‘hands’ entering data and this can cause misinterpretation at times
[*]Inconsistencies with details like dates, and personal details results in conflicting information being recorded
[*]I have deliberately excluded sensitive personal data like medical conditions for a variety of reasons not least of which is to keep focus on the sacrifice and to pay respect to the individual soldier and his descendants
Cross checking other records is really important although even this presents problems when the other sources are also inaccurate. I’ve learnt that some resources i.e. books and websites out there are not accurate in recording details and can’t be relied on. (Begs the question about the thoroughness or not applied by some writers and publishers!)
What I couldn’t substantiate from the files or other sources I didn’t state hence the ‘gaps’ in the summary of events.
Some mysteries about the men will always remain and probably even their descendants won’t have explanations….but that’s life! The ‘flesh on the bones’ is still out there……and if I come across anymore information in my researching I will post it.
Please keep in mind that given the above ‘file variations’ mistakes can be made in the interpretation and while I’ve tried to avoid making them there will be some mistakes contained in the forum data that are purely mine.
Finally what really had an impact on me was the absolute waste of young lives that such files evidenced! Talent unrealised - so sad!
Zack
Click to view attachment
Yippee
Please bear in mind that these photos are very old and clarity is not the best. Puts a face to a name.
Zack
Yippee
Please bear in mind that these photos are very old and clarity is not the best. Puts a face to a name.
Zack
Hi Wayne
I won't add any more photos as I'm conscious of the space issue so I will 'snail mail' to you all the other photos of the NZEF Malta men that I have. I got a bit carried away with having (at last) worked out how to post photos! By the way these photos are not taken from any websites - they are a result of my efforts over the years.
Regards
Zack
I won't add any more photos as I'm conscious of the space issue so I will 'snail mail' to you all the other photos of the NZEF Malta men that I have. I got a bit carried away with having (at last) worked out how to post photos! By the way these photos are not taken from any websites - they are a result of my efforts over the years.
Regards
Zack
It's fantastic to see the faces behind the names, Zack. You have certainly put a huge amount of effort into this and are in definite need of a medal or three!
Allie
Allie
Thanks Zack !
I look forward to viewing the material being sent by snail mail. Depending on circumstances, I will attempt to complete my detailed Roll of Honour of AIF and NZEF servicemen buried on Malta in time for next Anzac Day.
Needless to say, I will probably also approach a number of other individuals who contributed material to this thread, in response to my request, to request permission to use it.
Many thanks for your generous support,
Regards
Wayne
I look forward to viewing the material being sent by snail mail. Depending on circumstances, I will attempt to complete my detailed Roll of Honour of AIF and NZEF servicemen buried on Malta in time for next Anzac Day.
Needless to say, I will probably also approach a number of other individuals who contributed material to this thread, in response to my request, to request permission to use it.
Many thanks for your generous support,
Regards
Wayne
Thanks Allie/Wayne for your kind words - appreciated.
As I said I will place further details as I come across them - the following is Charles Everett Stuart Probate file
Note that it is clear from the will that the man’s first name was “Stuart' and not "Stewart."
The following file is three pages long.
PAGE ONE
1407
Supreme Court of New Zealand
Nelson District
I Horatio Everett of Riwaka, in the provincial district of Nelson….
(1) That I knew Stuart Charles Everett of Riwaka in the provincial district of Nelson….and when alive….was resident at Riwaka.
(2) That the said Stuart Charles Everett died in Egypt while on a service with His Majesty’s New Zealand Expeditionary Force on or about the thirty first day of July 1915 as I am able to depose from having received official intimation of the death of the said Stuart Charles Everett from the Adjutant-General of the New Zealand Military Forces whose certificate is annexed and marked with the letter “A.”
(3) That I believe the written document now produced and marked with the letter “B” bearing date of the 15th day of August 1914 to be the last will and testament of the said deceased and that I am the executor therein named.
(4) That I will faithfully execute the said will by paying the debts and legacies of the said deceased so far as the property will extend and the law binds.
(5) That according to my knowledge and belief the estate and effects of the said deceased in respect of which probate is sought to be obtained is under the value of £450.
Signed H Everett
in City of Nelson
Dated 7 October 1915
PAGE TWO
“A”
NEW ZEALAND MILITARY FORCES
Record No 7/194
Certified that it appears by an official telegram received at this
office that No 7/194 SERGEANT
(rank)
STEWART CHARLES EVERETT
(Name)
Of the CANTERBURY MOUNTED RIFLES, New Zealand
(Unit)
Expeditionary Force DIED OF ENTERIC
IN EGYPT
(Place)
on the 31 day of JULY 1915
R N Fraser Capt NZEF
O/C Base Records
Adjutant General NZ Forces
Dated at Headquarters, New Zealand Military Forces, Wellington
This FIRST day of OCTOBER 1915
PAGE THREE
“B”
This is the last will and testament of me Stuart Charles Everett of Riwaka in the Provincial District of Nelson in the Dominion of New Zealand Farmer. I give, devise and bequeath all my real and personal property wheresoever and whatsoever to which I shall be entitled at the time of my death including any moneys due to me from the New Zealand Government or any other sources unto my father Horatio Everett of Riwaka Farmer absolutely and I appoint the said Horatio Everett to be the executor of this my will. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this fifteen day of August nineteen hundred and fourteen.
Signed Stuart C Everett
Signed by the testator the said Stuart Charles Everett as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us both being present at the same time who at his request in his presence and sight have hereunto subscribed our names as witness.
Noel P Adams Solicitor Nelson
Looks like “H R Harvey” Solicitor Nelson
Marked “B” in the affidavit of Horatio Everett given before me 7 day of October 1915
Signed C Richmond (looks like) “Sill” or “Gill”
Solicitor of Supreme Court
Reference Source
Agency: AAOO
Series: 17072
Accession: W5410
Box/item: 67
Record: 1407
Zack
As I said I will place further details as I come across them - the following is Charles Everett Stuart Probate file
Note that it is clear from the will that the man’s first name was “Stuart' and not "Stewart."
The following file is three pages long.
PAGE ONE
1407
Supreme Court of New Zealand
Nelson District
I Horatio Everett of Riwaka, in the provincial district of Nelson….
(1) That I knew Stuart Charles Everett of Riwaka in the provincial district of Nelson….and when alive….was resident at Riwaka.
(2) That the said Stuart Charles Everett died in Egypt while on a service with His Majesty’s New Zealand Expeditionary Force on or about the thirty first day of July 1915 as I am able to depose from having received official intimation of the death of the said Stuart Charles Everett from the Adjutant-General of the New Zealand Military Forces whose certificate is annexed and marked with the letter “A.”
(3) That I believe the written document now produced and marked with the letter “B” bearing date of the 15th day of August 1914 to be the last will and testament of the said deceased and that I am the executor therein named.
(4) That I will faithfully execute the said will by paying the debts and legacies of the said deceased so far as the property will extend and the law binds.
(5) That according to my knowledge and belief the estate and effects of the said deceased in respect of which probate is sought to be obtained is under the value of £450.
Signed H Everett
in City of Nelson
Dated 7 October 1915
PAGE TWO
“A”
NEW ZEALAND MILITARY FORCES
Record No 7/194
Certified that it appears by an official telegram received at this
office that No 7/194 SERGEANT
(rank)
STEWART CHARLES EVERETT
(Name)
Of the CANTERBURY MOUNTED RIFLES, New Zealand
(Unit)
Expeditionary Force DIED OF ENTERIC
IN EGYPT
(Place)
on the 31 day of JULY 1915
R N Fraser Capt NZEF
O/C Base Records
Adjutant General NZ Forces
Dated at Headquarters, New Zealand Military Forces, Wellington
This FIRST day of OCTOBER 1915
PAGE THREE
“B”
This is the last will and testament of me Stuart Charles Everett of Riwaka in the Provincial District of Nelson in the Dominion of New Zealand Farmer. I give, devise and bequeath all my real and personal property wheresoever and whatsoever to which I shall be entitled at the time of my death including any moneys due to me from the New Zealand Government or any other sources unto my father Horatio Everett of Riwaka Farmer absolutely and I appoint the said Horatio Everett to be the executor of this my will. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this fifteen day of August nineteen hundred and fourteen.
Signed Stuart C Everett
Signed by the testator the said Stuart Charles Everett as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us both being present at the same time who at his request in his presence and sight have hereunto subscribed our names as witness.
Noel P Adams Solicitor Nelson
Looks like “H R Harvey” Solicitor Nelson
Marked “B” in the affidavit of Horatio Everett given before me 7 day of October 1915
Signed C Richmond (looks like) “Sill” or “Gill”
Solicitor of Supreme Court
Reference Source
Agency: AAOO
Series: 17072
Accession: W5410
Box/item: 67
Record: 1407
Zack
Regarding spelling of names, Zack... it's possible that he used both forms fairly interchangeably himself. I see that he was born in NZ, but his family may have been Scottish. (I've no idea - just hazarding a potential devil's advocate guess.) If he came from a Scottish fmaily who spoke gaelic at home, the anglicised version of his name may have just been a matter of what was written down from one time to another.
I cite my Mackenzie relatives as an example. Uncle Alec would sometimes write his name Alexander, Alec or Aleck... and then also Alisdair. The surname changed from one day to the next from Mackenzie to McKenzie to MacKenzie, with MacCoinneach thrown in for good measure. It's enough to drive one batty. No one form can said to be entirely 'correct'.
Allie
I cite my Mackenzie relatives as an example. Uncle Alec would sometimes write his name Alexander, Alec or Aleck... and then also Alisdair. The surname changed from one day to the next from Mackenzie to McKenzie to MacKenzie, with MacCoinneach thrown in for good measure. It's enough to drive one batty. No one form can said to be entirely 'correct'.
Allie
Allie
Quite correct Allie. In this instance I was drawing attention to how he spelled his name in his will as signed by him in comparison to the military file which shows the different spelling of his name. I guess family descendants if any may know the truth.
Zack
Quite correct Allie. In this instance I was drawing attention to how he spelled his name in his will as signed by him in comparison to the military file which shows the different spelling of his name. I guess family descendants if any may know the truth.
Zack
Hi Wayne
I'm still stumbling across information on this little project - came across recently a photo of John Joseph Bryant I will send you.
Cheers
Zack
I'm still stumbling across information on this little project - came across recently a photo of John Joseph Bryant I will send you.
Cheers
Zack
Thanks Zack !
I am really looking forward to delving into the material when it is sent over.
Regards
Wayne
I am really looking forward to delving into the material when it is sent over.
Regards
Wayne
Wayne
I came across in Archives an index book that lists the effects of dead soldiers ex Gallipoli - so some further information on Lieut Vincent Fosbery Nancarrow, 7/688, 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles for you. His effects on death are listed as:
“Pistol in holster, belt with ammunition case and 2 refills, 2 letter cases, F S Pckt bk, whistle, knife, watch, compass in strap, torch & 2 refills, letters, cigtte holder, safety razor & strop, disc, key on ring, glass & comb.”
Zack
I came across in Archives an index book that lists the effects of dead soldiers ex Gallipoli - so some further information on Lieut Vincent Fosbery Nancarrow, 7/688, 8th (South Canterbury) Mounted Rifles for you. His effects on death are listed as:
“Pistol in holster, belt with ammunition case and 2 refills, 2 letter cases, F S Pckt bk, whistle, knife, watch, compass in strap, torch & 2 refills, letters, cigtte holder, safety razor & strop, disc, key on ring, glass & comb.”
Zack
Sergeant John Philip Roughan 8/275 effects of dead soldiers
Wayne
Some further information on Sergeant John Philip Roughan for you. His effects on death are listed as:
“Wrist watch & strap, rosary, disc, post cards.”
Zack
Wayne
Some further information on Sergeant John Philip Roughan for you. His effects on death are listed as:
“Wrist watch & strap, rosary, disc, post cards.”
Zack
Keith-Murray Private Walter Herbert 6/1593 effects of dead soldiers
Wayne
Some further information on Private Walter Herbert Keith-Murray 6/1593 for you. His effects on death are listed as:
“Pipe, 2 medallions – Posted to England Nov 21st 1915.”
Zack
Wayne
Some further information on Private Walter Herbert Keith-Murray 6/1593 for you. His effects on death are listed as:
“Pipe, 2 medallions – Posted to England Nov 21st 1915.”
Zack
Thanks for these Zack !
Regards
Wayne
Regards
Wayne
Wayne
I’ve suddenly realised that while I gave you the probate details for Alexander William Andrew 10/205 I didn’t give his files details – which I will rectify ASAP. In the meantime he enlisted at Masterton on 14 Aug 1914.
Sorry!
Zack
I’ve suddenly realised that while I gave you the probate details for Alexander William Andrew 10/205 I didn’t give his files details – which I will rectify ASAP. In the meantime he enlisted at Masterton on 14 Aug 1914.
Sorry!
Zack
Wayne
Information (at last) on, Private William Andrew Alexander (10/205) Wellington Infantry Battalion for you –sorry I had overlooked it!!
This archive file is 14 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm. In total there are 5 main documents (1 to 5) of interest with the usual inserts on the original file. Abbreviations are as recorded on the file. This file as for other WW1 files is difficult to read in places.
Overview
William Andrew Alexander was born in Green Island, Dunedin, New Zealand on 6 June 1891. His last New Zealand address was C/O Mrs Diamond, Albert Street, Dannevirke.
William undertook his medical examination on and was declared fit for service in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force on 11 August 1914 at Masterton, North Island, New Zealand. He attested on and his service reckons from 14 August 1914.
On enlisting he joined the 17 Ruahine Company, Wellington Infantry Battalion, as a Private with the regimental number 10/205. While he stated that his prior military experience was with the “Dannevirke High School Cadets” he admitted on attestation that he had been rejected as unfit for the military or naval forces of the Crown but the reason why is illegible on the file! (Don’t you hate that – I will see what I can find out!)
His next of kin was his father, David Alexander of Coutts Road, Gore New Zealand.
William was single and a school teacher by ‘occupation.’ Prior to enlisting he was working for the Dannevirke High School Board.
William’s medical examination on enlistment was ‘normal’, and his teeth were described as “top false.” His ‘apparent age’ on enlistment was 23 years and 2 months. He was 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighed 159 lbs, was of dark complexion, grey eyes, black hair and his religious profession was Church of England.
Stowers in his book Bloody Gallipoli (page 276) describes William as attending “Gore School, Southland High School and Otago University (MSc Honours in geology and physics).” His parents are listed as David and Martha Alexander, West Gore. Unfortunately there is no reference note provided for the source of this entry.
William left Wellington, New Zealand on 16 October 1914 on HMNZT No 10 Arawa along with the rest of the Wellington Battalion. He arrived in Alexandria, Egypt on 3 December 1914. While his file doesn’t state he would have been on board the Itonus with the bulk of the Wellington Battalion under the command of the great Lt Col W G Malone when it left Alexandria and travelled on to Lemnos and then to Gallipoli where he would have landed on the evening of 25 April 1915.
William’s file is very clear that on 8 August 1915 he went ‘missing’ - the same day as his military commander Lieut Col Malone was killed probably by friendly fire on Chunk Bair. William was almost certainly the victim of the Turkish bomb attack as described on page 71 of the History of the Wellington Regiment by Cunningham, Treadwell and Hanna and William was admitted to the 16th casualty clearing station with what is described variously on his file as a “gunshot wound to the buttock / bomb wound left thigh.” Chunuk Bair was described “as an absolute charnel house” by those survivors who lived through it! A great book to read on this is No Better Death – The Great War Diaries and letters of William G Malone edited by John Crawford (Reed 2005 ISBN 0790010062.)
William made it to Malta on 10 August 1915 where on 23 August 1915 he died from his wounds. He was buried in the Pieta cemetery.
He was 24 years old.
1 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)
Unit: WIB
Rank: Pvt
Surname: Alexander
Christian Name: William Andrew
No: 10/205
Occupation: School Teacher
Religion: C of E
Place of Birth: Green Island Dunedin
Date of Birth: 6.6.1891
Last New Zealand address: C/O Mrs Mrs Diamond Albert St Dannevirke
Last employer: Dannevirke High School
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): D Alexander (Father) Gore, NZ
Note reads: From Public Trustee Active service gratuity to go to beneficiary (Father) Mr David Alexander, Gore and apparently the war medals to go to same beneficiary.
Service
Country or Troopship: NZ date from 14/8/14 to 16.10.14
Foreign from 16.10.14
Medal action
Stamped MEDAL ACTION COMPLETE
Surname: Alexander
Christian names: William Andrew
Rank on death: Pte
Highest rank held: Blank
Reg No: 10/205
Legatee and address: David Alexander (F)
Nominated next-of-kin, relationship and address Gore
Eligible for the following medals:
1914 – 15 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Reported missing 8.8.15 (not cabled) Died of gun shot wounds received in action Gallipoli
Wounds
Date: 18.8.15
Where soldier located: Dardanelles
Message and remarks: Admin 16th Cas C Stat. Transferred to Base. Bomb wound left thigh
Died of wounds 23.8.15 gun shot in action
Note written: “Died from gun shot wound buttocks Malta 23.8.15 Pieta cemetery. The burial ground at Malta of above name soldier.” Extract from letter file.
PLAQUE AND SCROLL
Soldier’s name Alexander Wm Andrew
Reg No 10/205
Roll No 500122
Scroll despatched (Date) 18 May 1921
Plaque 20 Jan 1922
Recipient and address: Mr D Alexander Coutts Rd Gore
Written down left hand side “Cert posted 27.7.22.”
2 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (Form No 3) Military History Sheet
No 10/205
Name William Andrew Alexander
1 Service record
Country New Zealand From 14.8.14 to 14.10.14
At sea Transport No 10 from 15.10.14 to 3.12.14
Egypt from 4.12.14
10 Name and address of next of kin: David Alexander, Gore, New Zealand
STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF No 10/205
NAME: William Andrew Alexander
Regiment of Corps: Ruahine Company Wellington Infantry
Attested Private 14.8.14
Died of wounds 23.8.15
3 ARMY FORM B 103 Casualty Form – Active Service
Regimental Number: 10/205
Regiment or Corps: Wellington Infantry Btn (17th Ruahine Coy)
Rank: Pte
Name: Alexander, William Andrew
Enlisted (a) 14.8.14
Terms of Service (a) end of war
Service reckons from (a) 14.8.14
Information shown in order as: Date; From whom received; Record of promotions, reductions, transfers, casualties &c active service as reported on Army Form B 213, Army Form A33 and in other official documents; the authority to quoted in each case; Place of casualty; Date of Casualty; Remarks Taken from Army Form B213, Army For A 35 or other official documents:
15.8.15; O/C WIB; Missing; Dardanelles; 8.8.15; B213 5.8.15 (not cabled)
10.8.15; 16th Cas C Stat; admitted 16thg Cas C Stn & transferred to; Base; 10.8.15; bomb in l thigh
25.8.15; Cable Commandant Malta; Died from GSW buttocks; Malta; 23.8.15; Cable
Signed N Fitz Herbert CAPT OC Records Section New Zealand for DAG GHO 3rd Echelon MEF
4 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY
Of
Surname: Alexander
Christian Name: William Andrew
Examined On 14th day of August, 1914
At Masterton
Birthplace Town Green Island, Dunedin
Country New Zealand
Declared age: 23 years 2 months
Trade or occupation: School teacher
Height: 5 ft 11 in
Weight: 159 lb
Chest measurement: Minimum, 32 in Maximum expansion 35½ in
Physical development: normal
Small pox marks: nil
Marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease: nil
Approved by F Reid Mackay Medical Officer Capt
Enlisted on 14th day of August 1914, at Masterton
Joined on enlistment Wellington Infantry
Regimental No 10/205
Date: 14/8/14
5 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)
ATTESTATION OF
No 10/205
Name
Regiment or Unit:
Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)
1 What is your name? William Andrew Alexander
2 Where were you born? Green Island Dunedin NZ
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? 6th June 1891
5 What is your trade or calling? School teacher
6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? No
7 What was the address at which you last resided? C/O Mrs Diamond, Albert Street Dannevirke
8 Have you passed the Fourth Educational Standard or its equivalent? Yes
9 What is the name and address of your present or last employer? Dannevirke High School Board
10 Are you married? No
11 Have you ever been sentenced to imprisonment by the Civil power? If so, when and where? No
12 Do you now belong to any military or naval force? If so to what corps? Yes Dannevirke High School Cadets
13 Have you ever served in any military or naval force? If so state which and cause of discharge. Yes as above
14 Have you truly stated the whole (if any) of your previous service? Yes
15 Have you been registered for compulsory military training under the Defence Act 1909? If so, where? No
16 Have you ever been rejected as unfit for the military or naval forces of the Crown? If so, on what grounds? Yes illegible phrase
17 Are you willing to be vaccinated or revaccinated? Yes
18 Are you willing to serve in the Expeditionary Force in or beyond the Dominion of New Zealand under the following conditions, provided your services should so long be required: For the term of the present European war and for such further period as is necessary to bring the Expeditionary Force back to New Zealand and to disband it? Yes
NOTE – Your discharge will not be granted before your return to New Zealand unless permission for discharge elsewhere be obtained from the GOC the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
I William Andrew Alexander do solemnly declare that the above answers made by me to the above questions are true, and that I am willing to fulfil the engagement made.
Signature of Recruit W A Alexander
Signature of Witness illegible
Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation
I, William Andrew Alexander, do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to our Sovereign Lord the King, his Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully serve in the New Zealand Military Forces, according to my liability under the Defence Act, and that I will observe and obey all order of His Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, and of the Generals and Officers set over me, until I shall be lawfully discharged So help me, God.
Certificate of Magistrate or Attesting Officer
The above questions were read to the above recruit in my presence. I have taken care that he understands each question, and that his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to, and the said recruit has made and signed the declaration and taken the oath before me at Masterton, NZ on this 14th day of August 1914.
Signature of Attesting Officer illegible NZSC
If any alteration is required on this page of the Attestation, the Attesting Officer should be requested to make it and initial the alteration.
Description of William Andrew Alexander on Enlistment
Apparent age: 23 years 2 months
Height: 5 feet 11 inches
Weight: 159 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 32 inches Maximum 35½ inches
Complexion: Dark
Colour of eyes: Grey
Colour of hair: Black
Religious profession: English
Distinctive marks, and marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease. None
Medical Examination
Sight: right eye Normal
Sight: Left eye Normal
Hearing: Right ear Normal
Hearing: Left ear Normal
Colour vision Normal
Are his limbs well formed? Yes
Are the movements of all his joints full and perfect? Yes
Is his chest well formed? Yes
Is his heart normal? Yes
Are his lungs normal? Yes
What is the condition of his teeth? Top false
Is he free from hernia? Yes
Is he free from varicocele? Yes
Is he free from varicose veins? Yes
Is he free from haemorrhoids? Yes
Is he free from inveterate or contagious skin disease? Yes
Is there a distinct mark of vaccination? Yes No
Is he in good bodily and mental health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the efficient performance of his duties? Yes
Are there any slight defects, but not sufficient to cause rejection? No
Remarks
None
Certificate of Medical Examination
I have examined the above named, and find he does not present any of the causes of rejection specified in the Regulations for Army Medical Services.
I consider him fit for service in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
11 Aug 1914
F Reid Mackay MD Medical Officer Capt
Regards
Zack
Information (at last) on, Private William Andrew Alexander (10/205) Wellington Infantry Battalion for you –sorry I had overlooked it!!
This archive file is 14 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm. In total there are 5 main documents (1 to 5) of interest with the usual inserts on the original file. Abbreviations are as recorded on the file. This file as for other WW1 files is difficult to read in places.
Overview
William Andrew Alexander was born in Green Island, Dunedin, New Zealand on 6 June 1891. His last New Zealand address was C/O Mrs Diamond, Albert Street, Dannevirke.
William undertook his medical examination on and was declared fit for service in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force on 11 August 1914 at Masterton, North Island, New Zealand. He attested on and his service reckons from 14 August 1914.
On enlisting he joined the 17 Ruahine Company, Wellington Infantry Battalion, as a Private with the regimental number 10/205. While he stated that his prior military experience was with the “Dannevirke High School Cadets” he admitted on attestation that he had been rejected as unfit for the military or naval forces of the Crown but the reason why is illegible on the file! (Don’t you hate that – I will see what I can find out!)
His next of kin was his father, David Alexander of Coutts Road, Gore New Zealand.
William was single and a school teacher by ‘occupation.’ Prior to enlisting he was working for the Dannevirke High School Board.
William’s medical examination on enlistment was ‘normal’, and his teeth were described as “top false.” His ‘apparent age’ on enlistment was 23 years and 2 months. He was 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighed 159 lbs, was of dark complexion, grey eyes, black hair and his religious profession was Church of England.
Stowers in his book Bloody Gallipoli (page 276) describes William as attending “Gore School, Southland High School and Otago University (MSc Honours in geology and physics).” His parents are listed as David and Martha Alexander, West Gore. Unfortunately there is no reference note provided for the source of this entry.
William left Wellington, New Zealand on 16 October 1914 on HMNZT No 10 Arawa along with the rest of the Wellington Battalion. He arrived in Alexandria, Egypt on 3 December 1914. While his file doesn’t state he would have been on board the Itonus with the bulk of the Wellington Battalion under the command of the great Lt Col W G Malone when it left Alexandria and travelled on to Lemnos and then to Gallipoli where he would have landed on the evening of 25 April 1915.
William’s file is very clear that on 8 August 1915 he went ‘missing’ - the same day as his military commander Lieut Col Malone was killed probably by friendly fire on Chunk Bair. William was almost certainly the victim of the Turkish bomb attack as described on page 71 of the History of the Wellington Regiment by Cunningham, Treadwell and Hanna and William was admitted to the 16th casualty clearing station with what is described variously on his file as a “gunshot wound to the buttock / bomb wound left thigh.” Chunuk Bair was described “as an absolute charnel house” by those survivors who lived through it! A great book to read on this is No Better Death – The Great War Diaries and letters of William G Malone edited by John Crawford (Reed 2005 ISBN 0790010062.)
William made it to Malta on 10 August 1915 where on 23 August 1915 he died from his wounds. He was buried in the Pieta cemetery.
He was 24 years old.
1 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)
Unit: WIB
Rank: Pvt
Surname: Alexander
Christian Name: William Andrew
No: 10/205
Occupation: School Teacher
Religion: C of E
Place of Birth: Green Island Dunedin
Date of Birth: 6.6.1891
Last New Zealand address: C/O Mrs Mrs Diamond Albert St Dannevirke
Last employer: Dannevirke High School
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): D Alexander (Father) Gore, NZ
Note reads: From Public Trustee Active service gratuity to go to beneficiary (Father) Mr David Alexander, Gore and apparently the war medals to go to same beneficiary.
Service
Country or Troopship: NZ date from 14/8/14 to 16.10.14
Foreign from 16.10.14
Medal action
Stamped MEDAL ACTION COMPLETE
Surname: Alexander
Christian names: William Andrew
Rank on death: Pte
Highest rank held: Blank
Reg No: 10/205
Legatee and address: David Alexander (F)
Nominated next-of-kin, relationship and address Gore
Eligible for the following medals:
1914 – 15 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Reported missing 8.8.15 (not cabled) Died of gun shot wounds received in action Gallipoli
Wounds
Date: 18.8.15
Where soldier located: Dardanelles
Message and remarks: Admin 16th Cas C Stat. Transferred to Base. Bomb wound left thigh
Died of wounds 23.8.15 gun shot in action
Note written: “Died from gun shot wound buttocks Malta 23.8.15 Pieta cemetery. The burial ground at Malta of above name soldier.” Extract from letter file.
PLAQUE AND SCROLL
Soldier’s name Alexander Wm Andrew
Reg No 10/205
Roll No 500122
Scroll despatched (Date) 18 May 1921
Plaque 20 Jan 1922
Recipient and address: Mr D Alexander Coutts Rd Gore
Written down left hand side “Cert posted 27.7.22.”
2 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (Form No 3) Military History Sheet
No 10/205
Name William Andrew Alexander
1 Service record
Country New Zealand From 14.8.14 to 14.10.14
At sea Transport No 10 from 15.10.14 to 3.12.14
Egypt from 4.12.14
10 Name and address of next of kin: David Alexander, Gore, New Zealand
STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF No 10/205
NAME: William Andrew Alexander
Regiment of Corps: Ruahine Company Wellington Infantry
Attested Private 14.8.14
Died of wounds 23.8.15
3 ARMY FORM B 103 Casualty Form – Active Service
Regimental Number: 10/205
Regiment or Corps: Wellington Infantry Btn (17th Ruahine Coy)
Rank: Pte
Name: Alexander, William Andrew
Enlisted (a) 14.8.14
Terms of Service (a) end of war
Service reckons from (a) 14.8.14
Information shown in order as: Date; From whom received; Record of promotions, reductions, transfers, casualties &c active service as reported on Army Form B 213, Army Form A33 and in other official documents; the authority to quoted in each case; Place of casualty; Date of Casualty; Remarks Taken from Army Form B213, Army For A 35 or other official documents:
15.8.15; O/C WIB; Missing; Dardanelles; 8.8.15; B213 5.8.15 (not cabled)
10.8.15; 16th Cas C Stat; admitted 16thg Cas C Stn & transferred to; Base; 10.8.15; bomb in l thigh
25.8.15; Cable Commandant Malta; Died from GSW buttocks; Malta; 23.8.15; Cable
Signed N Fitz Herbert CAPT OC Records Section New Zealand for DAG GHO 3rd Echelon MEF
4 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY
Of
Surname: Alexander
Christian Name: William Andrew
Examined On 14th day of August, 1914
At Masterton
Birthplace Town Green Island, Dunedin
Country New Zealand
Declared age: 23 years 2 months
Trade or occupation: School teacher
Height: 5 ft 11 in
Weight: 159 lb
Chest measurement: Minimum, 32 in Maximum expansion 35½ in
Physical development: normal
Small pox marks: nil
Marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease: nil
Approved by F Reid Mackay Medical Officer Capt
Enlisted on 14th day of August 1914, at Masterton
Joined on enlistment Wellington Infantry
Regimental No 10/205
Date: 14/8/14
5 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)
ATTESTATION OF
No 10/205
Name
Regiment or Unit:
Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)
1 What is your name? William Andrew Alexander
2 Where were you born? Green Island Dunedin NZ
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? 6th June 1891
5 What is your trade or calling? School teacher
6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? No
7 What was the address at which you last resided? C/O Mrs Diamond, Albert Street Dannevirke
8 Have you passed the Fourth Educational Standard or its equivalent? Yes
9 What is the name and address of your present or last employer? Dannevirke High School Board
10 Are you married? No
11 Have you ever been sentenced to imprisonment by the Civil power? If so, when and where? No
12 Do you now belong to any military or naval force? If so to what corps? Yes Dannevirke High School Cadets
13 Have you ever served in any military or naval force? If so state which and cause of discharge. Yes as above
14 Have you truly stated the whole (if any) of your previous service? Yes
15 Have you been registered for compulsory military training under the Defence Act 1909? If so, where? No
16 Have you ever been rejected as unfit for the military or naval forces of the Crown? If so, on what grounds? Yes illegible phrase
17 Are you willing to be vaccinated or revaccinated? Yes
18 Are you willing to serve in the Expeditionary Force in or beyond the Dominion of New Zealand under the following conditions, provided your services should so long be required: For the term of the present European war and for such further period as is necessary to bring the Expeditionary Force back to New Zealand and to disband it? Yes
NOTE – Your discharge will not be granted before your return to New Zealand unless permission for discharge elsewhere be obtained from the GOC the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
I William Andrew Alexander do solemnly declare that the above answers made by me to the above questions are true, and that I am willing to fulfil the engagement made.
Signature of Recruit W A Alexander
Signature of Witness illegible
Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation
I, William Andrew Alexander, do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to our Sovereign Lord the King, his Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully serve in the New Zealand Military Forces, according to my liability under the Defence Act, and that I will observe and obey all order of His Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, and of the Generals and Officers set over me, until I shall be lawfully discharged So help me, God.
Certificate of Magistrate or Attesting Officer
The above questions were read to the above recruit in my presence. I have taken care that he understands each question, and that his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to, and the said recruit has made and signed the declaration and taken the oath before me at Masterton, NZ on this 14th day of August 1914.
Signature of Attesting Officer illegible NZSC
If any alteration is required on this page of the Attestation, the Attesting Officer should be requested to make it and initial the alteration.
Description of William Andrew Alexander on Enlistment
Apparent age: 23 years 2 months
Height: 5 feet 11 inches
Weight: 159 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 32 inches Maximum 35½ inches
Complexion: Dark
Colour of eyes: Grey
Colour of hair: Black
Religious profession: English
Distinctive marks, and marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease. None
Medical Examination
Sight: right eye Normal
Sight: Left eye Normal
Hearing: Right ear Normal
Hearing: Left ear Normal
Colour vision Normal
Are his limbs well formed? Yes
Are the movements of all his joints full and perfect? Yes
Is his chest well formed? Yes
Is his heart normal? Yes
Are his lungs normal? Yes
What is the condition of his teeth? Top false
Is he free from hernia? Yes
Is he free from varicocele? Yes
Is he free from varicose veins? Yes
Is he free from haemorrhoids? Yes
Is he free from inveterate or contagious skin disease? Yes
Is there a distinct mark of vaccination? Yes No
Is he in good bodily and mental health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the efficient performance of his duties? Yes
Are there any slight defects, but not sufficient to cause rejection? No
Remarks
None
Certificate of Medical Examination
I have examined the above named, and find he does not present any of the causes of rejection specified in the Regulations for Army Medical Services.
I consider him fit for service in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
11 Aug 1914
F Reid Mackay MD Medical Officer Capt
Regards
Zack
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