Wayne

Information on Sergeant Thomas Hillier Denniston (3/195) of the Field Ambulance, New Zealand Medical Corps for you.

This file is 18 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm.

In total there are 7 main documents (1 to 7) 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.


Overview

Thomas Hillier Denniston was born in Dunedin, New Zealand on 19 January 1892, although his birth date on a history sheet is shown as 19 January 1894. However, his medical examination on enlistment records his apparent age as 22 years 7 months. He attested at Dunedin on 19 August 1914, New Zealand. He was a 3rd year medical student by ‘occupation.’ He was single, and prior to enlisting he was a member of the University Section Field Ambulance and had belonged to B Battery.

On enlistment he joined the Field Ambulance, New Zealand Medical Corps. His medical description on enlistment was that he was 5 feet 11 ½ inches tall and weighed 12 stone 4 lb. His complexion was medium and his colour of eyes blue, and colour of hair fair. His religious profession was Presbyterian.

On 23 August 1914 he is recorded as being in Auckland probably because the ‘Star of India’ (HMNZT No 8) – his transport ship - sailed from Auckland to Wellington and she had on board the Auckland Mounted Rifles and 208 New Zealand Field Ambulance personnel of which Thomas Denniston was one. He left New Zealand with the Main Body on this ship, which was one of 10 that transported the Main Body (8,444 troops) from New Zealand, departing Wellington on 16 October 1914 arriving Suez on 3 December 1914. OC Troops Lieut Col C E R Mackesy; Ship’s Master Kearney.

Between 3 - 5 November 1914 he spent 3 days in hospital on board ship suffering from influenza but it was described as ‘mild’ and he made a fully recovery. (I’ve read a number of diaries and this also happened to many other men on the transports.)

Thomas Denniston clearly had leadership qualities as he was promoted to sergeant on 12 November 1914.

He was based at Zeitoun, Egypt prior to departing for Mudros, Lemnos Island and Gallipoli.

Thomas Denniston would have landed at Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915 and lasted 73 days on Gallipoli before illness hit him. In this time he would have experienced as a member of the New Zealand Medical Corps Field Ambulance some very disturbing sights of wounded, ill and dying troops.

On 7 July 1915 he was admitted suffering from diarrhoea at Anzac Cove to the fleetsweeper, and transported to Mudros, where he was admitted to 16 Stationery Hospital. He obviously remained unwell and was sent on to Imtarfa Military hospital in Malta where he died of enteric on 28 July 1915. His file records he was buried Pieta Cemetery Row #3B Grave #3 by Rev A G McKinnon.

Again as with other men who died from enteric the sad irony is that he had received anti-typhoid inoculations on 1 and 14 October 1914 and had been re- vaccinated on 10th day of January 1915. According to the medical file (below) the result of the vaccination was “successful.”

Please also see earlier newspaper postings.


1 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)

ATTESTATION OF

No 3/195
Name Denniston T H
Regiment or Unit: Field Ambulance, New Zealand Medical Corps

Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)

1 What is your name? Denniston T H
2 Where were you born? Dunedin
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? Jan 19 1892 (Note birth date on history sheet is 19/1/94)
5 What is your trade or calling? Medical student
6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? No
7 What was the address at which you last resided? 36 Melville St Dunedin
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? -
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? University Section Field Ambulance
13 Have you ever served in any military or naval force? If so state which and cause of discharge. Yes B Battery: change of occupation
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 Dunedin Otago
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 Thomas Hillier Denniston 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 Thos H Denniston

Signature of Witness Eugene J O’Neil

Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation

I, Denniston Thomas Hillier, 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 Dunedin, NZ on this 19 day of Aug 1914.

Signature of Attesting Officer Eugene J O’Neil

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 Denniston, T H on Enlistment

Apparent age: 22 years 7 months
Height: 5 feet 11 ½ inches
Weight: 12 st 4 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 38 inches Maximum 42 ¼ inches
Complexion: Medium
Colour of eyes: Blue
Colour of hair: Fair
Religious profession: Presbyterian
Distinctive marks, and marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease. Nil

Medical Examination

Sight: right eye 6/6
Sight: Left eye 6/6
Hearing: Right ear Good
Hearing: Left ear Good
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? Both good (upper and lower)
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.

18 Aug 1914
SIGNED Alex R illegible last name Medical Officer (I think it was Alexander Robertson Falconer, Medical Practitioner, Dunedin.)


2 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4)
MEDICAL HISTORY
Of
Surname: Denniston
Christian Name: Thomas Hillier

Examined On 18 day of August, 1914
At Dunedin
Birthplace Town Dunedin
Country New Zealand
Declared age: 22 years 7 months
Trade or occupation Medical student
Height: 5 ft 11 ½ in
Weight 172 lb
Chest measurement Minimum, 38 in Maximum expansion 42 ½ in
Physical development: Fit
Small pox marks: Nil
Vaccination marks Arm Right Left Upper Number 3
When vaccinated 1892
Marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease: Nil

Anti-typhoid inoculation 1.10.14 – 14.10.14
Re- vaccinated on 10th day of January 1915
Result: Successful

Medical Officer deleted status and initials P?CHD written in place

Enlisted on 19 day of August 1914, at Dunedin
Joined on enlistment Field amb
Regimental No 3/195
Date 19/8/14


3 FORM – NO TITLES

Note: There two of the following forms:

Written down left hand side of forms:
Surname: Denniston
Christian Name: Thomas Hillier

One

While most of this form is blank the highlights are:

Station or Troopship: Dunedin; Date Arrival at the Station or of Embarkation: 19/8/14; Disease: Influenza; Number of days in hospital: 3; REMARKS ON NATURE OF DISEASE Mild Recovered completely; Signature of Medical Officer Pp J Connor Sgt

Station or Troopship: HMNZT 22: 17/4/15

Station or Troopship: Auckland; 23.8.14

Station or Troopship: HMNZT 8; 23.9.14

Station or Troopship: Zeitoun Egypt; 6.12.14

Two

Station or Troopship: Fleetsweeper; 7/7/15

Died of Enteric at Malta 28/7/15


4 ARMY FORM B 103
Casualty Form – Active Service

NOTE: Written on an angle across top right of this word are the words: “Died of Enteric Malta.”

Regiment or Corps Field Ambulance
Regimental Number 3/195
Rank Sergt
Name Denniston Thomas Hiller
Enlisted (a) 19.8.14
Terms of Service (a) End of war
Service reckons from (a) 19.8.14
Date of promotion to present rank 12.11.14
Qualification ( Med Student 3 years

The data on this form is recorded in order: 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 and Remarks Taken from Army Form B213, Army For A 35 or other official documents:

11.7.15; AFB213; Admitted on Fleet Sweeper; Anzac Cove; 7.7.15; Col Begg CO 11.7.15 Diarrhoea
31.7.15; A36; Admitted 16 Staty Hospital; Mudros; 8.7.15; AFA 36 1/8/15
3.8.15; A2053; Died of Enteric; Malta; 28.7.15; Cablegram WB751 1/8/15 from Commandant Malta

Signed N Fitz Herbert CAPT OC Records Section New Zealand for AAC GHQ 3rd Echelon MEF

File Stamped “Entered on history sheet LF 16/3/17


5 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (Form No 3

Military History Sheet

NOTE there are 3 of these forms - slightly less information recorded on the second form and the third form apart from his name is blank.

No 3/195
Name Denniston Thomas Hillier

The following data in recorded in order: Country; Date from; Date to; days: (all other entries on this form are blank)

1 Service record; New Zealand; 19.8.14; 22.9.14; 35 days
1 Service record; HMNZT 8; 23.9.14; 5.12.14; 74 days
1 Service record; Egypt; 6.12.14

2 Certificates; 3rd year medical, Sergeant, Hospital 2 years

10 Name and address of next of kin; Mr G L Denniston (father) Melville St Dunedin. Also a note to notify Mrs W Y? Reynolds 17 what looks like “Cam????e?” Rd Kensington (Dunedin).

Intended place of residence on discharge: Dunedin NZ


STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF No 3/195
NAME: Denniston Thomas Hillier

NOTE: There are four of these forms with slightly newer information recorded on the second, third, and fourth form

The following form has information in order: Regiment of Corps; Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &c; Rank, Dates, Signature of Officer certifying Correctness of Entry:

One

NZADep; Enlisted; Pvte; 19.8.14; Ernest Boxer
NZADep; Promoted; Sergt; 12.11.14; Ernest Boxer

Two

NZ Med; Confirmed; Sergt; 12.11.14; Letr from GOC

Three

Fld Amb; Admitted Fleetsweeper; Sgt; 7/7/15; H Jenkins
- ; Died of enteric Malta; Sgt; 28/7/15; HJ

Four

F Amb; Posted; Sgt; 12/11/14; blank
- ; Acting Non Com Officer Confirmed; Sgt; blank; blank
- ; Died; -; 28/7/15; -; -


6 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)

Unit: Field Ambulance
Rank: Sgt
Surname: Denniston
Christian Name: Thomas Hiller
No: 3/195
Occupation: Medical Student
Religion: Presbyterian
Place of Birth: Dunedin
Date of Birth: 19.1.94 4 - NOTE Date of birth on attestation is given as Jan 19 1892
Last New Zealand address: 36 Melville St Dunedin
Last employer: G L Denniston Noble St Dunedin (Father)

Medal action STAMPED “MEDAL ACTION COMPLETE 1 OCT 1923”

Legal next of kin, relationship and address: G L Denniston (F) 82 Bond St Dunedin

Chevrons 4 blue
Service NZ 19.8.14
Foreign 16.10.14

Died of sickness 751 5/8/15 Enteric at Malta 28/7/15
BR 9/2 Died Imtarfa Mil Hosp Buried Pieta Cemetery Row #3B Grave #3 by Rev A G McKinnon
AFB103 Died of Enteric. Malta 28 July 1915

Injuries in or by the Service Entered 16/3/17

Adv re medals to Mr G L Denniston (F) 82 Bond St Dunedin 13.4.21

PLAQUE AND SCROLL

Soldier’s name Denniston Thos Hillier
Reg No 3/195
Roll No 503275
Scroll despatched (Date) 8 Jun 1921
Plaque 6 Dec 1921
Recipient and address: Mr G L Denniston 82 Bond St Dunedin

Written down left hand side of form: “Cert posted 21.8.22 GLB”


7 FORM - NO TITLE

This form is very faded and a lot of it can’t be read. The following information can be read:

NZ Service 35 Days
Overseas 309 days
Total NZEF service 344 days


Reference source

Agency AABK
Series 18805
Accession W5537
Box / item 29
Record 0033372


Zack

Zack,
Thank you for posting these file summaries. I have posted a link to Stuart Everett's entry to 2 ladies who are researching the Everett family, both of whom are in Australia and have little chance of getting NZ files. They are thrilled to get so much information. Thanks again, Christine

Re: Albert Downes

I have an A Downes on the Gisborne War Memorial - not sure which brother this is supposed to be, but I'm guessing it's Albert as Matawai is not that far from Gisborne, whereas Arthur was living in Kawakawa (Bay?) up near Auckland.

Allie

That's great thanks Christine! I hope they enjoy it!

Zack

Allie

That's fantastic!! You must have an amazing resource that enabled you to pull up a photo of the memorial! Records will only ever show a little of events - it's the 'flesh on the bones' that make the difference!

Zack

Wouldn't it be fabulous if there was a CD rom of photos of a. war memorials around the country, and b. the name panels so you could see your family member listed? I wonder how one goes about putting together something like that? I'd be willing to contribute photos, if so.

Allie

I've just noticed that that same Gisborne memorial plaque has one of the other men on Wayne's list: H. Adair. Two birds with one stone.

Then, by sheer luck: L/Cpl CAMMOCK, William Rowland 10/1060 on the Dannevirke memorial (about 2/3 of the way down).

Allie

Allie

I agree! There are some websites and books on the subject but a single source would be great! Hopefully too Wayne will do something like this for his Malta men.

Zack

Wayne

Information on FAIRS, Trooper, Cecil Sydney (13/327) of the Auckland Mounted Rifles for you.

This file is 21 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.

Overview

Cecil Sydney Fairs was born in Auckland, New Zealand on 14 March 1887. His medical examination on enlistment records his ‘apparent age as 25 years’ and yet later on the file his ‘declared age: 27 years.’ (This latter age was much more accurate as his actual age on enlistment, based on his date of birth, was 27 years, 1 months, and 5 days.) He attested at Hamilton, New Zealand on 15 August 1914.

He was a Coach driver by ‘occupation’ and was living in Tauranga at the time of enlisting. He was single, and on enlisting he was a member of the 4th Waikato Mounted Rifles and prior to enlisting he had, for two years, been a member of the Opotiki Mounted Rifles where he had been living and working.

On enlistment he joined the Auckland Mounted Rifles (AMR) – 4th (Waikato) Squadron. He is recorded in the NZEF War Diary Nominal Roll. His commanding officer in this Squadron was Major Alfred Tattersall. Cecil Fairs’ medical description on enlistment was that he was 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed 168 lb. His complexion was dark and his colour of eyes grey, and colour of hair brown. His religious profession was Church of England.

He left New Zealand sailing from Auckland to Wellington and departing with the Main Body on HMNZT No 8 Star of India on 16 October 1914, arriving Alexandria 3 December 1914. 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.

Cecil Sydney Fairs like 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 and Fairs didn’t arrive until 13 August 1915 as part of two drafts to bring the AMR back up to strength after their mauling in the early August battle and the impact of disease, particularly diarrhoea. He would have been part of another assault on Hill 60 on 27 August and on August 20 he, with the remnants of the AMR, relieved from the trenches on Hill 60 and moved to Cheshire Ridge where they lay in reserve until September 4. Had Fairs survived he would have been have been one of the remaining (few) members of the AMR that were shipped off on Sep 13 to camp Sarpi at Mudros. Nicol says it all when he writes: “The whole Brigade when it left the Peninsula numbered only 20 officers and 229 other ranks, or about the strength of one squadron and a half.” “The regiments within a few short weeks had practically vanished, and it can be readily understood that the few who had escaped without wounds had difficulty in controlling their emotions. To honour the veterans it was the custom to parade them in a file by themselves in front of the reinforcements which now were coming in. Words can hardly describe the feelings which the sight of the short lines in front of each squadron produced. In front of one squadron would be four men; before another seven, and so on.” “Let us remember that if the brigade was practically annihilated in a struggle that failed, it was a glorious failure.” (Source: The Story of two Campaigns page 85/86).

Cecil Fairs had lasted 26 days before he received gunshot wounds to his side and arm (c 7 September 1915) and was admitted on the Hospital Ship Maheno at Anzac Cove and transported to Malta where on 3 October 1915 his condition was described as “dangerously ill.” Sadly it didn’t seem to be the gunshot wounds that killed him. He survived a further 28 days before dying of dysentery at Malta (St Elmo Hospital) on Tuesday, 5 October 1915, 54 days after landing in Gallipoli.

He was buried on October 6th in the Pieta Cemetery Grave No 2 Row 18B.



1 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (From No 3
Military History Sheet
No 13/327
Name C S Fairs

The data order below is: Country; From; To; Days (the initials of Officer making the Entry are eligible);

1 Service record; New Zealand; 15/8/14; Oct 12; 58 days

1 Service record; New Zealand; Transport No 8; Oct 13 Dec 3 Alexandria disembarkation; 52 days

5 Wounded; Anzac; Wdd Arm side; c7.10.15

10 Name and address of next of kin; New Zealand; Mrs G S (?) Fairs 45 Cooks St Auckland

Intended place of residence on discharge:

STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF
Two of these forms
No 13/327
NAME: C S Fairs

The data order below is: Regiment of Corps, Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &c, Rank, Dates (Signature of Officer certifying Correctness of Entry is illegible):

AMR 4th MR; Attested; Private; 15.8.14
AMR 4th MR; Wdd arm / side; Private; c 7.9.15
AMR 4th MR; Dangerously ill Malta; no date

STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF
No 13/327
NAME: Fairs Cecil Sydney

The data order below is: Regiment of Corps; Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &c; Rank; Dates Signature of Officer certifying Correctness of Entry:

AMR 4th MR; Posted to Unit D’nelles; Tpr; 13.8.15; G P Coates

AMR 4th MR, Died of Dysentery; Tpr; 5.10.15; GPC


2 ARMY FORM B 103
Casualty Form – Active Service

Regiment or Corps Auckland Mounted Rifles 4ths
Regimental Number 13/327
Rank Trooper Surname Fairs, Cecil Sydney
Enlisted (a) 15.8.14 Terms of Service (a) period of war Service reckons from (a) 15.8.14

The data order below is: 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:

15.8.15; AMR; Posted to unit at; Dardanelles; 13.8.15; AFB213
8.9.15; HS Maheno; Admitted (GSW side & arm); Anzac; 7.9.15; Nom Roll A10792
5.10.15; C in C; Dangerously ill; Malta; 3.10.15; Cable WB1868 5/10/15 A12572
7.10.15; C in C; Died of dysentery; Malta; 5.10.15; Cable WB1913 A12840

Signed N Fit Herbert Major OC Records Section New Zealand for DAG GHO 3rd Echelon MEF
Stamped “entered on history sheet M W 20.3.17”


3 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)

Unit: AMR
Rank: Tpr
Surname: Fairs
Christian Name: Cecil Sydney
No: 13/327
Occupation: Coach driver
Religion: Ang
Place of Birth: Auckland
Date of Birth: 14/3/1887
Last New Zealand address: Tauranga
Last employer: Mr Finlay Tauranga
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): Mrs Amelia Fairs “Will in favour of mother Mrs Amelia Fairs (mother)” 29/9/21 Two addresses crossed out i.e. 45 Cook St Auckland and 28 Croyden Rd Mt Eden

Medal action

Legal next of kin, relationship and address: Mrs A Fairs (M0 St Albans Ave Dominion Rd Auckland address crossed out and note written “G advise not found at this a/d 9.5.28.”

Died of sickness AFB103 Ent 30/3/17 Died of dysentery Malta (St Elmo Hospital) October 5th 1915. Buried Oct 6th in the Pieta Cemetery Grave No 2 Row 18B – see file

357 10.10.15 died of Dysentery Oct 3 Malta

Medals auth to Mrs A Fairs (M) St Albans Avenue Dominion Rd Auckland 15.9.21


PLAQUE AND SCROLL

Soldier’s name Fairs, Cecil Sydney
Reg No 13/327
Roll No 503937
Scroll despatched (Date) 14 JUN 1924
Plaque 11 Jan 1922
Recipient and address: Mrs A Fairs 17 St Albans Ave Dominion Rd Auckland
Written down left hand side: “Cert post 14.9.22 GRB”


4 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1
Personal Record of Registration No 13/327

NAME Fairs Cecil Sydney
Regiment Ak M R
Group: 4
Written: “Died of dysentery Oct 3rd Cable 357”


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 Auckland Mounted Rifles
Squadron Troop, Battery or Company 4th
Regtl No 13/327 Rank Trooper
Name Fairs, Cecil Sydney
Died Date 5.10.15
Place Malta ex Dardanelles
Cause of Death* Died of dysentery

Signature of Officer in charge of
Section Adjutant-General’s
Office at the Base N Fitz Herbert Major

Station and date Alexandria 13/10/15


6 MEDICAL HISTORY
Of
Surname: Fairs
Christian Name: Cecil Sydney

Examined On 15 day of Aug, 1914
At Hamilton
Birthplace Town Auckland
Country NZ
Declared age: 27 years
Trade or occupation Coach driver
Height: 5 ft 9 in
Weight 168 lb
Chest measurement Minimum, 34 ½ in Maximum expansion 38 in

Enlisted on 15 day of August 1914, at Hamilton

Joined on enlistment: A M R
Regimental No 13/327
Date 15/8/14


7 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)

ATTESTATION OF

No
Name Cecil Sydney Fairs
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? Cecil Sydney Fairs
2 Where were you born? Auckland NZ
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? 14 March 1887
5 What is your trade or calling? Coach driver
6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? No
7 What was the address at which you last resided? Tauranga
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? Mr Finlay Tauranga
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 Waikato M R
13 Have you ever served in any military or naval force? If so state which and cause of discharge. Yes Opotiki M R 2 years Left the place
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 Cecil Sydney Fairs 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 Cecil S Fairs

Signature of Witness E Purdon RQM Sergt NZPS

(Surname PURDON
Given Name Elliot
Category Nominal Roll Vol. 1
Regimental Number 13/233
Rank QMS
Body or Draft Main Body
Unit or Regiment Auckland Mounted Rifles
Marital Status S
Last NZ Address London St Hamilton
Next of Kin Title Mrs Isobella
Next of Kin Surname PURDON
Next of Kin Relationship Wife
Next of Kin Address London St Hamilton)

Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation

I, Cecil Sydney Fairs, 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 15 day of August 1914.

Signature of Attesting Officer J Coleman Capt NZPS ?

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 Cecil Sydney Fairs on Enlistment

Apparent age: 25 years - months
Height: 5 feet 9 inches
Weight: 168 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 34 ½ inches Maximum 38 inches
Complexion: Dark
Colour of eyes: Grey
Colour of hair: Brown
Religious profession: Ch of England

Distinctive marks, and marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease.

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? Medium
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? 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? BLANK

Remarks
BLANK

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.

Aug 15 1914
W W illegible Medical Officer


8 FORM NO TITLE

Very faded.

New Zealand 15.8.14
Embarked on Active Service NZ 23.9.14
Egypt up to 18/3/16: 3.12.14:
Gallipoli 10.8.15 ?

NZ Service 39 Days
Overseas 378 days
total NZEF service 1 year 52 days

Written “Died of illness 5/10/15”


Reference source:

Agency AABK
Series 18805
Accession W5537
Box / item 84
Record 0038803


Zack

Wayne

Information on Private Jack Ford, (10/1485), - real name David Wade of the Wellington Infantry Battalion for you.

This file is 21 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm. In total there are 9 main documents (1 to 9) 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.


Overview

Jack Ford or David Wade as was his real name, was born in Scotland on 10 May 1886.

He underwent his medical examination at Trentham, New Zealand on 20th December 1914 and attested at Trentham on 30 December 1914. His ‘apparent age’ on enlistment was 28 years 6 months. (He was 27 years, 8 months, and 7 days old years old on attesting according to the age calculator I use.)

He was a labourer by ‘occupation’ and working at the Wanganui Freezing Works and he lived in Wanganui prior to enlisting. He was single. His father lived in Scotland and his sister lived in Canada. On enlistment he joined the Wellington Infantry Battalion (7th Wellington West Coast B Coy).

His medical description on enlistment was that he was 5 feet 4½ inches tall and weighed 120 lb. His complexion was dark; his colour of eyes brown, and colour of hair dark brown. His religious profession was Presbyterian.
The only issue mentioned in his medical examination was “slight flat foot will tune up after physical drill.”

He left New Zealand sailing on HMNZT No 17 (Maunganui) on 14 February 1915, arriving Suez on 26 March 1915. OC Troops W S Cooper Ship’s Master L Worrall. This ship was one of three carrying the 3rd reinforcements (1,119 troops). He was inoculated against typhoid on 31 January 1915 and vaccinated again while at sea on 13 March 1915.

The 3rd Reinforcements of which David Wade was a member arrived at Anzac on 6 May 1915 and was sent to Helles in support of troops there before being relocated to Anzac Cove.

David Wade lasted 33 days in Gallipoli from landing before he received bullet wounds to the abdomen and head (7 June 1915). It is likely that he received these wounds at Courtney’s Post where the Wellington’s were located just prior to Lieut Col Malone WIB being put in charge of Quinn’s Post. The wounds were more likely received as a result of shrapnel as the Turks were using this artillery method a lot at this particular time at Courtney Post, in addition to sniping – except Malone sorted out the Turks on sniping both at Courtney’s and Quinn’s.

After being wounded David Wade was admitted to the 1st Aus Casualty Clearing Station at Anzac Cove and transferred to a hospital ship that took him and other sick and wounded troops to Malta. Curiously he was pronounced out of danger on 27 June 1915 but then reported as dangerously ill. He died from his wounds at Valetta Hospital, Malta on Friday, 3 July 1915 and was buried at Pieta Military Cemetery Row XXV. Grave 7. He had survived what would have been a very painful 26 days after receiving his wounds on Gallipoli. Age at death: 28 years, 5 months, and 2 days old (again according to the age calculator I use).

A question remains as to why he used a pseudonym? And how did the authorities find out? We may never know although if someone reads this and knows the answers……..


1 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1

NAME FORD Jack
Regiment 3rd Rfts

DIED OF WOUNDS 3/7/15

The above soldier attested under the assumed name FORD Jack. His correct name proves to be WADE David under which name all previous and subsequent papers are filed.


2 ARMY FORM B 103 Casualty Form – Active Service

Regiment or Corps: Wellington Infantry Battalion (7th WWC Coy)
Regimental Number: 10/1485
Rank: Private
Surname: Ford crossed out and Wade written in
Christian Name: Jack crossed out and David written in
Enlisted: (a) 15/12/1914
Terms of Service: (a) duration of war
Service reckons from: (a) 15/12/1914

Data is recorded 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:

13.6.1915; O/C WIR; Wounded in action; Dardanelles; 7.6.1915; B213 from O/C Batn
13.6.1915; 1st Aust Cas Clearing Station; Admtd 1st Aus Cas Clearing Station trans to Hos Ship; Anzac Cove Dardanelles; 7.6.1915; B w abdomen & head A36 (C1798)
27/6/1915; Cable WB419 C in C Malta; Pronounced out of danger; Malta; 27.6.1914; Cable WB 469 dated 27.6.1915
28.6.1915; Cable WB480 C in C Malta; Reported dangerously ill; Malta; 27.6.1915; Cable WB480 received & cabled 29.6.1915
3.7.1915; Cable WB517 C in C Malta; Died of wounds at Valletta Hospital; Malta; 3.7.1915; Cable WB517 received & cabled 5/7/1915 (Ref A495)

Stamped “entered on History Sheet 30.3.17”
Signed N Fitz Herbert CAPT OC Records Section New Zealand DAAG GHQ 3rd Echelon MEF


3 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: Wellington Battalion NZEF
Squadron Troop, Battery or Company: 7th
Regtl No: 10/1485
Rank: Private
Name: Ford Jack crossed out and Wade David written in
Died Date: 3rd July 1915
Place: Valletta Hospital Malta
Cause of Death: Died of wounds received in action at Dardanelles

Signature of Officer in charge of Section Adjutant-General’s Office at the Base: N Fitz Herbert Capt

Station and date Alexandria 6th July 1915


4 EF Form No 33 NEW ZEALAND MILITARY FORCES

Record No 10/1485
Certified that it appears by an official telegram received at this Office that No 10/1485 PRIVATE
JACK FORD Of the WELLINGTON INFANTRY BATTALION, New Zealand Expeditionary Force DIED OF WOUNDS RECIEVED IN ACTION At THE DARDENELLES on the THIRD day of JULY 1915

R N Fraser Capt NZEF
O/C Base Records for Lieut Colonel Adjutant General NZ Forces

Dated at Headquarters, New Zealand Military Forces, Wellington

This FIRST day pf SEPTEMBER 1915

The Solicitor
Public Trust Office
WELLINGTON


5 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)

ATTESTATION OF

No 10/1485
Name Ford Jack
Regiment or Unit: B Coy 3rd R

Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)

1 What is your name? Ford Jack
2 Where were you born? Scotland
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? May 10th 1886
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? C/o E F Copley Alma Rd Wanganui
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? Wanganui Freezing Works
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? 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 Jack Ford 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 Jack Ford
Signature of Witness Geo H Luty?

Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation

I, Jack Ford, 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 30th day of December 1914.

Signature of Attesting Officer W Aldridge Lieut

(Surname ALDRIDGE
Given Name William Peachey
Category Nominal Roll Vol. 1
Regimental Number 10/1394A
Rank Lieutenant
Body or Draft Third
Unit or Regiment Wellington Infantry Batln
Marital Status M
Last NZ Address Helmore St Wanganui
Next of Kin Title Mrs Lucy
Next of Kin Surname ALDRIDGE
Next of Kin Relationship Wife
Next of Kin Address C/- Mrs J V Grant Box 8 Inglewood)

Description of Jack Ford on Enlistment
Apparent age: 28 years 6 months
Height: 5 feet 4 ½ inches
Weight: 120 lb
Chest measurement: Minimum - inches Maximum - inches
Complexion: Dark
Colour of eyes: Brown
Colour of hair Dark brown
Religious profession: Presbyterian

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? Slight Right leg
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

Slight flat foot will tune up c (abbreviation for after) physical drill

“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.

20 November 1914
E E Porritt Capt. Medical Officer


6 TWO FORMS NOT TITLED

One

Surname: Ford Correct name “Wade”
Christian Name: Jack
Rank on discharge Death Pte
Highest rank held Pte
Reg No 10/1485
Casualty or cause for discharge: Died of wounds
Country resident in: (in the case of death, country, next of kin are resident in) Canada
Legatee and address: Mrs James Thomas 112 Barton St W Hamilton Ontario Canada
Nominated next of kin, relationship and address: Mrs James Thomas (s) 112 Barton St W Hamilton Ontario Canada
Legal next of kin, relationship and address: Mr Wade (F) 24 E Crawford St Greenock Scotland

One blue service chevron
Wound Stripes 7.6.15

Stamped “FILE 5 JUL 1920”

Two

New Zealand: 15.12.14
Embarked on Active Service NZ: 14.2.15
Egypt up to 18/3/16: 26/3/15; 3.7.15 D of W
Service ranks as Theatre: NZ 61; Egyptian 57; Balkan 77; Egyptian 6

NZ Service 61 Days
Overseas 140 days
Total NZEF service - year 201 days


7 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (Form No 3) Military History Sheet

Two of these.

One

No 10/1485
Name Ford Jack

1 Service record Country NZ From 15/12/14
10 Name and address of next of kin (Sister) Mrs James Thomas 550 James St N Hamilton Ontario Canada
11 Particulars of marriage: Not married
12 Particulars of children: None

Intended place of residence on discharge: New Zealand

STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF No 10/1485
NAME: Ford Jack

Wgtn Infty, Rank Pte; Dates 15/12/14 Signature of Officer certifying Correctness of Entry G Saundisson? Cooper

Two

No 10/1485
Name Ford Jack

1 Service record: Country: NZ; from 15.12.14 to 12.2.15; 59 days
1 Service record: Transport No 17; from 13/2/15 to 26.3.15, dis Suez, 42 days
5 Wounded Dardanelles wounded
10 Name and address of next of kin Sister Mrs James Thomas 550 James St N Hamilton Ontario Canada
11 Particulars of marriage Not married
12 Particulars of children None

Intended place of residence on discharge: New Zealand


8 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY
Of

Surname: Ford
Christian Name: Jack

Lots of blanks on this form

Examined On 20 day of Nov, 1914 (note two forms with different months – more likely the Dec month is correct as most men undertook the medical examination prior to attesting.)
At BLANK
Birthplace Town BLANK
Country Scotland
Declared age: 28 years 6 months
Trade or occupation Labourer
Height: 5 ft 4 ½ in
Weight 120 lb
Chest measurement Minimum, 33 in Maximum expansion 37 in
Marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease:
Slight flat foot

Approved by E E Porritt Medical Officer

Enlisted on 20th day of Dec 1914, at Trentham

Joined on enlistment B Coy 3rd R;
Regimental No 10/1485;
Date 20/12/14

Station or Troopship Trentham
Date Arrival at the Station or of Embarkation 20.12.14
Station or Troopship HMNZT No 17 (Maunganui) at Sea Inoculated Typhoid 31 Jan 1915 Vaccinated 13.3.15


9 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)

Unit: WIB
Rank: Pvte
Surname: Ford crossed out and Wade inserted
Christian Name: Jack crossed out and David inserted
No: 10/1485
Occupation: Labourer
Religion: Presbyterian
Place of Birth: Scotland
Date of Birth: 10/5/1886
Last New Zealand address: C/O E F Copsley Alma Road Wanganui
Last employer:
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): (1) Legal N/K Wm Jas Wade (f) 24 East Crawford St Greenock Scotland (2) Mrs James Thomas (sister) 550 James Street Hamilton Ontario Canada crossed out and 188 Hughson St ? written in place

Medal action

Died of wounds
At death Pte
Reg No 10/1485
Stamped ‘Medal Action Complete 10 Sept 1923’

Legal next of kin, relationship and address: Wm Jas Wade (F) 24 East Crawford St Greenock Scotland sister address 112 Barton St Hamilton Ontario Canada crossed out

Wounds
Ent 30.3.17 Died of wounds in Valletta Hosp Malta July 3rd 1915 Buried in the Pieta Cemetery Malta Grave no 7 Row 25 – see file.

Data in order as: Cable No; Date; Where soldier located; Message and remarks:

AFB 103; 13.6.15; Dardanelles; Wounded in action 7.6.15
AFB 103; 13.6.15; Dardanelles; Adm 1st CCS Anzac Cove & trans to Hosp Ship 7.6.15
-; 27.6.15; Malta; Pronounced out of danger 27.6.15
-; 28.6.15; Malta; Reported dangerously ill 27.6.15

Died of wounds 30 6.4.15 Died of wounds on July 3rd at Valetta Hospital

Medals authorised to

Mrs James Thomas (sister)
188 Hughson St N Hamilton Ontario Canada


PLAQUE AND SCROLL

Soldier’s name Wade David
Reg No 10/1485
Roll No 504232
Scroll despatched (Date) 13 FEB 1923
Plaque 10 MAR 1922
Recipient and address: Mr Wm Wade (f) 24E Crawford St Greenock Scotland

Written down left hand side Cert posted 1.11.22 initial illegible


Reference source:

Agency AABK
Series 18805
Accession W5557
Box / item 31
Record 0117593


Zack

Wayne

Information on FRASER, 11/254 Trooper, Geoffrey Erle Wellington Mounted Rifles for you.

This file is 17 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm. In total there are 7 main documents (1 to 7) 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.


Overview

Geoffrey Erle Fraser was born in Timaru, New Zealand on 29 June 1891.

Geoffrey Fraser underwent his medical examination at Dannevirke, New Zealand on 16 August 1914 and attested at Dannevirke on 17 August 1914. His stated prior military experience had been gained as a member of the Timaru Hight School Cadets. On enlistment he joined the Wellington Mounted Rifles 9th Squadron (Wellington East Coast).

His declared age on enlistment was 24 years 2 months. (He was 23 years, 0 months, and 2 days old years old on attesting according to the age calculator I use.)

He was a shepherd by ‘occupation’ and working for Mr A B Williams at the Takapau Station Waipiro Bay prior to enlisting. He was single. His father and sister lived in Timaru.

His medical description on enlistment was that he was 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed 160 lb. His complexion was dark; his colour of eyes brown, and colour of hair dark. His religious profession was Church of England.

He left New Zealand sailing from Wellington on HMNZT No 6 (Orari) on 16 October 1914, arriving Alexandria on 3 December 1914. OC Troops Major J WH Whyte, Ship’s Master T S Weston. This ship was one of 10 carrying the Main Body (8,444 troops) to Egypt.

While his file refers to his rank being described on the ‘Malta List’ as ‘Lance Corporal’ there is no evidence of this rank.

He received a bullet wound to the right eye on the 10 August 1915 and was transferred from Anzac Cove to the hospital ship Ascanius that took him and other sick and wounded troops to Malta. He died from his gunshot wounds to the head at St Patrick’s Hospital, Malta on, Sept 20th 1915 and was buried in Pieta Cemetery Malta Grave 5 Row 13B 20/9/15. Medals went to his sister Mrs W Wright, Timaru.

He had survived 41 days after receiving his wounds on Gallipoli. Age at death: 24 years, 1 months, and 3 days old (again according to the age calculator I use).

1 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1
Personal Record of Registration No 11/254

NAME Fraser Geoffrey Erle
Regiment W M R
Group: 6


2 ARMY FORM B 103 Casualty Form – Active Service

Regimental Number: 11/254
Regiment or Corps: Wellington Mounted Rifles 9th Sqdn
Rank: Trooper
Name: Fraser Geoffrey Erle
Enlisted: (a) 17/8/14
Terms of Service: (a) Period of war
Service reckons from: (a) 17/8/14

Data in order of: 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:

15/8/15; O/C WMR; Report wounded; Anzac Cove; 10.8.15; B213
31/8/15; H S Ascanius; Admit Hos Bul W Rt Eye; Malta; 31.8.15; A9652
21.9.15; Commdt Malta; Died of wounds (GSW head); Malta; 20.9.15; Cablegram WB1616 Commandant Malta A 10502

Stamped “Entered on history sheet M W 20.3.17
Signed N Fitzherbert Capt


3 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)

ATTESTATION OF

No 11/254
Name Fraser, Geoffrey Erle
Regiment or Unit: BLANK

Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)

1 What is your name? Fraser, Geoffrey Erle
2 Where were you born? Timaru
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? 29 June 1891
5 What is your trade or calling? Shepherd
6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? No
7 What was the address at which you last resided? Takapau Stn Waipiro Bay
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 B Williams Waipiro Bay
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. Yes Timaru Cadets H School
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. In exemption area now
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 Geoffrey Erle Fraser 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 G E Fraser

Signature of Witness Rob Blartau?

Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation

I, Geoffrey Erle Fraser, 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 Dannevirke, NZ on this 17 day of August 1914

Signature of Attesting Officer Digby E Caidale(?) Captain 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 Fraser, Geoffrey on Enlistment

Apparent age: 24 years 2 months
Height: 5 feet 9 inches
Weight: 160 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 33 inches Maximum 36 inches
Complexion: Dark
Colour of eyes: Brown
Colour of hair; Dark
Religious profession: Anglican

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?
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? No decay
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

Nil

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.

16 August 1914
SIGNED F Reid Mackay CAPT MD Medical Officer


4 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4)
MEDICAL HISTORY
Of

Surname: Fraser
Christian Name: Geoffrey Erle

Examined On 16 day of Aug, 1914
At Dannevirke
Birthplace Town Timaru
Country New Zealand
Declared age: 24 years 2 months
Trade or occupation Shepherd
Height: 5 ft 9 in
Weight 160 lb
Chest measurement Minimum, 33 in Maximum expansion 36 in
Physical development: Good

Approved by F Reid Mackay Capt Medical Officer NZMC
Enlisted on 17 day of Aug 191 1914, at Dannevirke

(Surname MACKAY
Given Name Frederick Reid
Category Second Reserves
Last NZ Address High St Dannevirke
Occupation Medical Practitioner
Classification A)


5 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (Form No 3) Military History Sheet

No 11/254
Name Fraser, Geoffrey Erle

Data recorded in order: Country, From; To; Days, Initials of Officer making entry

1 Service record: New Zealand; 17 Aug 1914; 14 Oct 1914; 59 days; WSC
1 Service record: On transport No 6; 15 Oct 1914; 3 Dec 1914; 50 days; JS
1 Service record: Disembarked Alexandria Egypt 3 Dec 1914
1 Service record; Egypt; 4 Dec 1914
5 Wounded Dardanelles wounded
10 Name and address of next of kin: C S Fraser (Father) Timaru

Intended place of residence on discharge: Waipiro Bay

STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF No 11/254
NAME: Geoffrey Erle Fraser

Two of these forms: Data in order of: Regiment of Corps; Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &c; Rank; Dates:

One
WMR; Attested; Trooper; 17/8/14
Dardanelles wounded
WMR; Died of wounds (Malta); Tpr; 9.8.15 - 20.9.15

Two
WMR; BLANK; Trooper
9th Squadron: BLANK; L/C

NOTE: Malta list says L/Cpl AFB does not give promotion


6 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)

Unit: BLANK
Rank: BLANK
Surname: Fraser
Christian Name: Geoffrey Erle
No: 11/254
Occupation: Shepherd
Religion: Church of England
Place of Birth: Timaru
Date of Birth: 29/6/1891
Last New Zealand address: Takapau Stn Waipiro Bay
Last employer: C B Williams Waipiro Bay
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): C S Fraser Timaru NZ

Medal action

Legatee and address: Mrs Winifred Wright (sister) Timaru
Legal next of kin, relationship and address: C S Fraser (F) Box 57 Timaru

Wounds

AFB 103 15.8.15 Dardanelles Reported wounded Anzac Cove 10.8.15
AFB 103 31.8.15 Malta Adm Hosp Ship Ascanius and transferred to Malta BW Rt Eye 31.8.15
Died of wounds AFB103 20.9.15 Malta Died at Malta of gunshot wounds head Sept 20th 1915
Died at St Patricks Hosp Malta Sept 20th 1915 Buried Pieta Cemetery Malta Grave 5 Row 13B 20/9/15

Medals auth to Mrs W Wright (s) c/o PO Box 57 Timaru

PLAQUE AND SCROLL

Soldier’s name: Fraser Geoffrey Erle
Reg No: 11/254
Roll No: 50434
Scroll despatched: (Date) 28 JUL 1921
Plaque: 18 Feb 1922
Recipient and address: Mr C S Fraser Timaru

Written down left hand side “Cert posted 28.9.22 GLB”


7 FORM BUT NO TITLE

New Zealand: 17.8.14
Embarked on Active Service NZ: 16.10.14
Egypt up to 18/3/16: 3.12.14; 20.9.15 DOW
NZ Service 60 Days
Overseas 340 days


Reference source:

Agency AABK
Series 18805
Accession W5537
Box / item 117
Record 0042142


Zack

Wayne

Information on FALDER, 2/873 Gunner, George Victor Wakefield, New Zealand Field Artillery for you.

This file is 21 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm. In total there are 7 main documents (1 to 7) 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. The file is ambiguous in places and contains different versions of the same forms but with different information on them.


Overview

George Victor Wakefield Falder was born in Adelaide South Australia on 12 April 1893.

George Falder underwent his medical examination on 21 October 1914 and attested at Trentham, NZ on 10 November 1914. The file also records that he attested on 18 November 1914. The file is silent with respect to any explanation for the gap between the medical examination and the formal attestation. His stated prior military experience had been gained as a member of the NZ Territorials for 3½ years. On enlistment he joined the New Zealand Field Artillery, 2nd Battery, 2nd Brigade.

His apparent age on enlistment was 21 years 6 months. (He was according to his birth date and referencing it to his medical examination date 20 years, 9 months, and 6 days old at the time.)

He was a farmer by ‘occupation’ and was working for his father F G Falder, Kahouri Bridge, Stratford, Taranaki, New Zealand prior to enlisting. He was single.

His medical description on enlistment was that he was 6 feet tall and weighed 161 lb. His complexion was fair; his colour of eyes blue, and colour of hair brown. His religious profession was Church of England.

He left New Zealand with the 2nd reinforcements (1,752 troops) on 14 December 1914, arriving Suez on 28 January 1915. His file doesn’t detail which transport he was on but it would have been either the Verdala (No 13), or Willochra (No 14) or Knight of Garter (No 15).

He was promoted to Corporal on 18 November 1914 but then reverts to rank of ‘gunner’ on 1 February 1915. His file gives no indication was to why this happened.

On Gallipoli he became sick and was sent to hospital on 13 July 1915. His condition obviously worsened and the Hospital Ship ‘Gascon’ took him to Malta from Anzac on 18 July 1915 suffering from dysentery. 10 days later he died at Imtarfa Hospital Malta on 27 July 1915 after been admitted there on 24 July 1915. He is buried in Pieta Cemetery Grave no 1 row 3b 27.7.15 and interesting to note on his file that Chaplain Tobin was the informant on George Falder’s death.

Mr L G Falder who had moved from Kahouri Bridge Stratford to 14 Percival St Wellington received his son’s medals. George Falder was 21 years, 3 months, and 3 days old on his death.


1 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1
Personal Record of Registration No 2/873

NAME Falder George Victor Wakefield
Regiment Field artillery
2nd Reinforcements
Deceased


2 ARMY FORM B 103 Casualty Form – Active Service

Regiment or Corps: NZ Field Artillery 2nd Battery 2nd Brigade
Regimental Number: 2/873
Rank: Gunner
Name: Falder, George Victor Wakefield
Enlisted (a) 10/11/14
Terms of Service (a) Period of war
Service reckons from (a) 10/11/14

Data in order as follows: 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:

18/7/15; OC 2nd Btty; Sent to hospital; Anzac; 13/7/15; Sick B213
18/7/15; H S Gascon; Disembarked ex H S Gascon; Malta; 18/7/15; Dysentery A36 A1991
24/7/15; Imtarfa; Admitted Imtarfa Hosp; Malta; 24/7/15; Enteric Serious A36 C270
27/8/15; Chap Tobin; Died and buried Pieta cemetery; Malta; 27/7/15; Enteric Cablegram

Signed N Fitz Herbert Capt OC Records Section New Zealand for DAG GHO 3rd Echelon MEF
Stamped “FILE 17 Nov 1915 OAM”
Entered on history sheet MW 20.3.17


3 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)

ATTESTATION OF

No 2/873
Name Falder George Victor Wakefield
Regiment or Unit: NZFA

Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)

1 What is your name? George V W Falder
2 Where were you born? Adelaide S Australia
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? 12 April 1893
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? Kahorui Bridge Strafford NZ
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? Mr F G Falder, Kahorui Bridge Stratford New Zealand
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 NZ Territorials
13 Have you ever served in any military or naval force? If so state which and cause of discharge. Yes 3 ½ years NZ Territorials
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
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 G V W Falder 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 George V W Falder

Signature of Witness R G Coates

Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation

I, George V W Falder, 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 18 day of Nov 1914.

Signature of Attesting Officer Norman E Lee Lieut

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 G V W Falder on Enlistment

Apparent age: 21 years 6 months
Height: 6 feet - inches
Weight: 161 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 34 inches Maximum 38 ½ inches
Complexion: fair
Colour of eyes: blue
Colour of hair: Brown
Religious profession: Church of England

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? 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.

Oct 21 1914
D Paget Medical Officer


4 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY
Of

Surname: Falder
Christian Name: George Victor Wakefield

Examined On 21 day of October, 1914
At PLACE BLANK
Birthplace Town Adelaide
Country South Australia
Declared age: 21½ years
Trade or occupation Farmer
Height: 6 ft - in
Weight 161 lb
Chest measurement Minimum, 34 in Maximum expansion 38 ½ in

Approved by D Paget Medical Officer Stratford
Enlisted on 10 day of November 1914 YEAR, at Trentham

Joined on enlistment: Field Artillery
Regimental No: 2/873
Date: 10/11/14


5 FORM NO TITLE

Form very faded

New Zealand: 10.11.14
Egypt up to 18/3/16: 28.1.15

New Zealand Service 34 Days
Overseas 226 days
Total NZEF service year 260 days


6 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (Form No 3) Military History Sheet

Note: there are three of these forms and I have summarised them on to one to capture all information recorded.

No 2/873
Name Falder George Victor Wakefield
Intended place of residence on discharge: NZ

Data in order as: Country; From; To; Days

1 Service record; New Zealand; 10/11/14; 14/12/14; 35 days
1 Service record; At sea; 15/12/14; 28/1/15 Disembarked Suez; 45 days
1 Service record; Egypt; 29/1/15; rest is blank

10 Name and address of next of kin: Father Mr F G FALDER Kahouri Bridge Stratford Taranaki

STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF No 2/873
NAME: Falder GVW

Data in order as: Regiment or corps; Promotions, reductions, casualties; rank; dates; Signature of Officer certifying Correctness of Entry:

Field artillery; Enlisted; Gunr; 10.11.14; F Cooke Lt
FA; Admitted to Hospital; Gunner; 14.11.14; F Cooke Lt
FA; Promoted Cpl; Cpl; 18.11.14; R/O 34 Lt Potter C/C
2nd Btb FA (AFB 103 & 2090); Reverts to Gunner; Gunner; 1.2.15; See Pay Sheet (not on file!)
NZFA; Admitted to Hospital; Gunner; 13.7.15; C J Cormach?
NZFA; Died at Malta (103); Gunner; 27.7.15; BLANK

Intended place of residence on discharge: NZ

Falder G V W written down left hand side of this form

Admitted to hospital Day Month Year 13.7.15 Diarrhoea

Died at Malta (103) 27.7.15


7 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)

Unit: F A 2nd Batty
Rank: Cpl Gnr crossed out
Surname: Falder
Christian Name: George Victor Wakefield
No: 2/873
Occupation: Farmer
Religion: C of Eng
Place of Birth: Adelaide
Date of Birth: 12/41893
Last New Zealand address: Kahouri Bridge Stratford NZ
Last employer: c/o L G Falder
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): Mr L G Falder Father 14 Percival St Wellington written in over Kahouri Bridge Stratford NZ

Sick

Data shown as: No; Date; Where Soldier located; Message and Remarks:

AFB 103; 18.7.15; Anzac; Sent to Hosp sick 13.7.15
AFB 103; 18.7.15; Malta; Disembarked ex H S Gascon 18.7.15 Dysentery
AFB 103; 24.7.15; Malta; Adm Imtarfa Hosp 24.7.15 Enteric serious

Died of sickness AFB103 Ent 30.3.17 Died of Enteric Fever at Malta July 27 1915 (Imtarfa Hosp) Buried in Pieta Cemetery Grave no 1 row 3b 27.7.15 – see file

Medals auth to Mr J G Falder (f) 14 Percival Str Wellington

PLAQUE AND SCROLL

Soldier’s name: Falder Geo Victor Wakefield
Reg No: 2/873
Roll No: 503947
Scroll despatched (Date): 16 Nov 1921
Plaque: 11 Jan 1922
Recipient and address: Mrs G Falder 14 Percival St Wellington – Kahouri Bridge Stratford crossed out
Written down left hand side “Cert posted 14.9.22 GRB”


Source reference

Agency AABK
Series 18805
Accession W5537
Box / item 84
Record 0038869


Zack

Wayne

The following is a transcription of Trooper Robert McKinley Frazer’s (9/820) probate file. This is only three pages long. Transcription of military file to follow.


Cover sheet:

18498

In the Supreme Court of New Zealand

Wellington District

IN THE MATTER of the will of Robert McKinley Frazer, late of Seacliff in the Provincial District of Otago in the Dominion of New Zealand, Carpenter, but at his death a Trooper No 9/820 in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force operating at the Dardanelles, deceased.

ELECTION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF TESTATE PERSON

(WITH WILL ANNEXED)

J W Macdonald
Solicitor
Public Trust Office
Wellington



Page one

In the Supreme Court of New Zealand

Wellington District

IN THE MATTER of the Public Trust Office Act 1908 and its amendments; and

IN THE MATTER of the will of Robert McKinley Frazer, late of Seacliff in the Provincial District of Otago in the Dominion of New Zealand, Carpenter, but at his death a Trooper No 9/820 in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force operating at the Dardanelles, deceased, (hereinafter referred to as “the said deceased.”)

WHEREAS it has been reported to the Public Trustee and he has reasonable cause of belief that the said deceased died on or about the 4th of September 1915 AND WHEREAS the Public Trustee after due enquiries believes that the document hereto annexed and marked “A” and bearing date the 16th day of March 1915 is the last will and testament of the said deceased and was executed by the said deceased while on actual military service within the meaning of section 11 of the Wills Act 1837 and that according to the provisions of such section such will has been validly executed AND WHEREAS no executor is appointed by the said will and the Public Trustee has been requested to administer the estate of the said deceased according to the provisions of such will AND WHEREAS as now known the real and personal estate of the said deceased is set forth in the schedule hereto annexed and marked “B” and the gross value of the same does not exceed the sum of £400 AND WHEREAS probate of the said will has not been obtained NOW THIS IS TO NOTIFY all whom it may concern that in pursuance of section 18 of the Public Trust Office Amendment Act 1913 the Public Trustee being so entitled DOTH HEREBY ELECT TO ADMINISTER the property of the said deceased according to the provisions of such will.

Dated the 23rd day of March 1916.

Signed illegible
Public Trustee

Page Two

“A”

13
Short Form of Will

In the event of my death I give to

(a) My Mother Mrs J Frazer
( Of Stirling Otago NZ

All my real and personal estate whatsoever

Signature R M Frazer

Date 16/3/15

9/820

This is the document marked “A” referred to in the annexed Election by me dated the 23rd day of March 1916.

Signed illegible
Public Trustee

Page Three

“B”

Schedule of [property of Robert McKinley Frazer, deceased, as now known to the Public Trustee

Cash in Post Office Savings Bank: £36 2 5
Military Pay £20

Total: £56 2 5

This is the schedule marked “B”: referred to in the annexed election by me dated the 23rd day of March 1916.

Signed illegible
Public Trustee


Reference Source

Agency AAOM
Series 6029
Accession W3265
Box / item -
Record 18498/1916


Zack

Hi there,
Eric Sargisson is my wife's great uncle. I have a picture of him. Will seek out some details for you. In the meantime, he married just before he left NZ. Was wounded in the throat at Hill 60, Gallipoli, and spent several days on an hospital ship where he battled for his life. Sargisson sent a number of letters home from the peninsula, and his family was sent letters describing his last hours from the nurse who tended him.
Andy M

Anndy

That would be be absolutely brilliant. It's all flesh on the bones so to speak! I haven't got to review his file yet but I will.

Thank you.

Zack

Wayne

Information on FOSTER, 9/968 Trooper, William Otago Mounted Rifles for you.

Please note the correct regimental number.

This file is 24 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.


Overview

William Foster was born in Dunedin, New Zealand on 25 May 1888.

He underwent his medical examination at Dunedin, New Zealand on 19 October 1914 and attested at Trentham on ‘16 October 1914.’ His file, however, also states that he enlisted on 20 October 1914, at Dunedin. This last date I think is correct. On enlistment he joined the 12th Squadron, Otago Mounted Rifles.

His declared age on enlistment was 26 years. (He was 26 years, 7 months, and 5 days old years old on attesting according to the age calculator I use.)

He was a labourer by ‘occupation’ and working for Vincent County Council prior to enlisting. He was single. His mother Christina Foster lived at Lowburn Ferry Cromwell Otago and she also had two other sons who also served in WW1 – Robert (8/137 – Otago Infantry Battalion) who was killed at Gallipoli on 4 August 1915 and Henry (9/1163 - Otago Mounted Rifles) who I think died of disease in France on 16 December 1917. (The Nominal roll - CD Rom version - has Henry’s number as 9/1163 whereas all other references describe his number as 9/1168.) A family like lots of others wiped out! Tragic!

William Foster’s medical description on enlistment was that he was 6 feet tall and weighed 123 lb (also described as 173 lb). His complexion was dark; his colour of eyes blue, and colour of hair dark. His religious profession was Presbyterian.

He left New Zealand sailing on HMNZT No 13 (‘Verdala’) from New Zealand on 14 December 1914, disembarking Alexandria on 2 February 1915. OC Troops Major Mitchell, Ship’s Master S J Grosswaithe. This ship was one of three carrying the 2nd reinforcements (1,752 troops) to Egypt.

On Gallipoli while he was reported as missing on 21 August 1915 he obviously had been admitted by the New Zealand Field Ambulance to the Base Hospital at Anzac on 13 August 1915 suffering from debility and pleurisy and they had placed him on the Hospital Ship Salta on 17 August 1915 and transferred him to Malta for treatment where he arrived on 17 August 1915. Just over 13 weeks later he died at Malta of enteric and bronchial pneumonia on 16 November 1915. He was buried at Pieta Military Cemetery Plot D. Row V. Grave 5.

He was 27 years, 3 months, and 6 days old.


1 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1
Personal Record of Registration No 9/698

NAME Foster
Regiment Otago Mounted Rifles
Group: 13


2 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)

Unit: OMR
Rank: trooper
Surname: Foster
Christian Name: William
No: 9/698
Occupation: Labourer
Religion: Presbyterian
Place of Birth: Dunedin
Date of Birth: 25/5/1888
Last New Zealand address: Tarras Central Otago
Last employer: Vincent County Council
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): Christina Foster (Mother) Lowburn Ferry Central Otago

Also written: Copy of paybook will in file in favour of Mrs C Foster Lowburn Ferry (mother) Central Otago. Memo from PI 16819 any medals to go to Mrs C Foster (M) Lowburn Ferry Cromwell

Medal action

STAMPED MEDAL ACTION COMPLETE 15 Oct 1923
Mrs C Foster PO Cromwell Central Otago

Sick

Data shown in order as: Date; Where soldier located; Message and remarks:

27.8.15; Malta; Disembarked 17.8.15 seriously ill debility and pleurisy
12.10.15; Malta; Dangerously ill 2/10/15
14.8.15; Anzac; Adm Base Hospital Anzac 13.8.15
13.8.15; Anzac; Adm NZ Field Amb & transferred to Base (Pleurisy) 13/8/15

Died of sickness 603 18/11/15 Died of Enteric & Bronchial pneumonia Nov 16

Missing AFB103 Ent 30.8.15 Reported missing Anzac 21.8.15

PLAQUE AND SCROLL

Soldier’s name: Foster William
Reg No: 9/698
Roll No: 504284
Scroll despatched (Date): 10 Jun 1921
Plaque: 24.2.22

Recipient and address: Mrs C Foster PO Cromwell Central Otago crossed out and Mr H Perriam Lowburn Ferry via Cromwell Central Otago to old in trust) written in

Written down left hand side “Cert posted 26.9.22 GLB”


3 ARMY FORM B 103 Casualty Form – Active Service

Regiment or Corps Otago Mtd Rifles 5th
Regimental Number 9/698
Rank Trooper
Surname Foster William
Enlisted (a) 20.10.14
Terms of Service (a) Period of war
Service reckons from (a) 20.10.14

Data 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/CO MR; Admit to Base Hosp; Anzac; 13.8.15; B213
22.8.15; O/CO MR; Reported missing; Anzac; 21.8.15; B213
-; NZ Field Amb; Adm Pleurisy Transf to Base; Anzac; 13.8.15; A36 C2944
-; H S Salta; Admitd hosp; Malta; 17.8.15; Roll from H S Salta
4.10.15; Commandant Malta; Dangerously ill; Malta; 2.10.15; Cable from Cdth WB1841
16.11.15; Commandant Malta; Died of enteric & bronchial pneumonia; Malta; 16.11.15; Ex cable WB2808 from Cdt Malta A18972

Signed N Fitz Herbert Major OC Records Section New Zealand for DAG GHO 3rd Echelon MEF

Stamped “Entered on history sheet 30.3.17”


4 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (Form No 3 Military History Sheet

No 9/698
Name Foster, William

Data shown in order as: Country; From; To; Days

1 Service record; New Zealand; 20/10/14; 14/12/14; 55 days
1 Service record; At sea transport No 13; 15/12/14; 2/2/15 disembarked Alexandria; 49 days
1 Service record; Egypt; 3/2/15; rest blank

4 Wounded; Missing 21.8.15; rest blank

10 Name and address of next of kin: (Mother) Christina Foster Lowburn Ferry Central Ferry

Intended place of residence on discharge: NZ

STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE

Data shown in order as: Regiment of Corps; Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &c; Rank; Dates; Signature of Officer certifying Correctness of Entry:

Otago Mounted; BLANK; Tpr: 20/10/14; J C MacLean
Otago Mounted; Missing Dardanelles; Tpr; 21/8/15 BLANK
Otago Mounted; Now reported adm to hospital Malta; Tpr; 17/8/15
Otago Mounted; Seriously ill Pneumonia Pleurisy, Debility not missing; Tpr; c 28.9.15; BLANK
Otago Mounted; Dangerously ill Malta Tpr; 2/10.15 c 8/10.15


5 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

This form is typed

Personal record of
Foster Tpr W
Registration No 9/698
Regiment OMR

Previously reptd Unit missing 21/8.15. further reptd Ad Hos Malta 17/8/15. Seriously ill Debility Pleurisy & not missing Cabled 28/9/15

Died of enteric & bronchial pneumonia at Malta 16/11/15


6 Form – no title

This form is badly faded which explains why the data cannot be correct.

New Zealand: 20.10.14
Embarked on Active Service NZ: 14.12.14

NZ Service 45 Days
Overseas 338 days


7 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)

ATTESTATION OF

No 9/698
Name Foster William
Regiment or Unit: OMR

Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)

1 What is your name? William Foster
2 Where were you born? Dunedin
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? May 25 1888?
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? Tarras Central Otago
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? Vincent County Council
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? 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 William Foster 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 William Foster

Signature of Witness W H Donaldson Stg

Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation

I, William Foster, 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 16th day of October 1914

Signature of Attesting Officer E S Perry Lieut

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 Foster on Enlistment

Apparent age: 26 years - months
(To be determined according to the instructions given in the Regulations for Army Medical Service.)

Height: 6 feet 0½ inches
Weight: 123 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 38 inches Maximum 40 inches
Complexion: Dark
Colour of eyes: Blue
Colour of hair: Dark
Religious profession: Presbyterian

Medical Examination

Sight: right eye 6/6
Sight: Left eye 6/6
Hearing: Right ear Good
Hearing: Left ear Good
Colour vision Good
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? Fair
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.

Oct 19 1914
James Fitzgerald Major Medical Officer


8 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY

Of

Surname: Foster
Christian Name: William

Examined On 19 day of Oct, 1914
At Dunedin
Birthplace Town Dunedin
Country NZ
Declared age: 26 years
Trade or occupation Labourer
Height: 6 ft 0½ in
Weight 173 lb
Chest measurement Minimum, 38 in Maximum expansion 40 in

Approved by Jas Fitzgerald Major D/n Medical Officer

Enlisted on 20th day of October 19114, at Dunedin

Joined on enlistment: Otago M R
Regimental No 9/698
Date 20/10/14

STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE

Data shown in order as: Regiment of Corps; Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &c; Rank: Dates; Signature of Officer certifying Correctness of Entry:

Otago MR 12th Sqdn; Admit base hospital; Tpr; 13/8/15; illegible
Otago MR 12th Sqdn; Died enteric Malta (103); Tpr; 16/11/15; W H Shore


Reference Source

Agency: AABK
Series: 18805
Accession: W5537
Box / item: 112
Record: 0041642


Zack

Wayne

Information on GILLESPIE, 8/2339 Private, Frank, Otago Infantry Battalion for you.

This file is 13 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.


Overview


Frank Gillespie was born in Clinton, Ireland on 14 February 1891. His parents lived at separate addresses in Dunedin. Mrs Bridget Gillespie, (mother) at Abbotsford, Dunedin and Mr G F Gillespie (father) PO Green Island Ohapu via Dunedin.

It is not stated on his file where Frank Gillespie underwent his medical examination but his last New Zealand address was the Café De Paris, Dannevirke, New Zealand. (Sounds very exotic for what was a very small rural town in 1915!!) He completed his medical examination on 30 January 1915. His apparent age was 24 years. (He was 24 years, 3 months, and 29 days old years old.) He attested at Trentham on either 11 or 14 February 1915 (both dates are given on the file) although the 11th Feb date features more than the 14th date.

It is likely that he was medically examined in Dannevirke because not only was he working in the area but the Medical Practitioner on the file was Frederick Reid MacKay as was the witness - Sergeant-major Frederick Martin both residents of Dannevirke.

On enlistment Frank Gillespie joined the Wellington Infantry but then transferred to the Otago Infantry Battalion 8th Coy “D” Company 4th Reinforcements. It was not unusual for a man to be enlisted to a regiment outside of the place where they lived and worked. It was a way of ensuring that Battalion numbers could be met.

Frank Gillespie was a Labourer by ‘occupation’ and prior to enlisting he was working for J Neilson at Titree Point (near Cape Turnagain in the Hawkes Bay near the coast close to Dannevirke). Frank Gillespie was single.

His medical description on enlistment was that he was 6 feet tall and weighed 180 lb. His complexion was dark; his colour of eyes blue, and colour of hair dark. His religious profession was Roman Catholic.

He left New Zealand sailing on HMNZT No 21 (Willochra) on 17 April 1915, arriving Suez on 25 May 1915. OC Major Childs, Ship’s Master R Neville. This ship was one of three carrying the 4th Reinforcements (2,254 troops) to Egypt. (The others were the Knight Templar -No 22- and Waitoma -No 23.)

It is not clear when he would have landed in Gallipoli and like other troops he had been inoculated against typhoid on 14 / 21 March 1915 and 25 April 1915.

He died in hospital, Malta of enteric fever on 1 August 1915. His file states he was buried in Addolorata Civil Cemetery Malta Grave No 656 (note different grave reference) Division East Section E A Compartment A OR & G 175 3/9382 No 6.


1 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1
Personal Record of Registration No 8/2339

NAME Gillespie Frank
Regiment “D” Company 4th Reinforcements


2 Casualty Form – Active Service Army Form B 103

Regiment or Corps Otago Infantry Battalion 8th Coy
Regimental Number 8/2339
Rank Private
Name: Gillespie Frank
Enlisted (a) 11.2.15
Terms of Service (a) End of war
Service reckons from (a) 11.2.15

Data is shown in order as: Date; From whom received; Place of casualty; Date of Casualty; Remarks
Taken from Army Form B213, Army For A 35 or other official documents:

4.8.15; C in C Malta; Died in hospital; Malta; 1.8.15; Enteric fever A2154 Cablegram WB 777

Signed N Fitz Herbert

Stamped “Entered on History Sheet 26.1.17”


3 Military History Sheet

No 8/2339

Name Gillespie Frank

Data shown in order as: Country; From; To:

1 Service record; New Zealand; 11/2/15; 16.4.15
1 Service record; Foreign; 17.4.15; BLANK

10 Name and address of next of kin: Father G F Gillespie Oturehua Otago Central crossed out and PO Green Island Ohapu Dunedin written in.

STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE

Regiment of Corps: Otago Infantry 8th Coy: Joined Battn taken on strength 8th Coy; Rank: Pte; Date: 8.6.15

Buried in Addolorata Civil Cemetery Malta Grave No 656 (note different grave) Division East Section E A Compartment A OR & G 175 3/9382 No 6 Date 2.8.15


4 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)

ATTESTATION OF

No 8/2339
Name Gillespie Frank
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? Gillespie Frank
2 Where were you born? Clinton Ireland
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? 14 February 1891
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? Café De Paris 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? J Neilson Titru Point or Titree
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? 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 Frank Gillespie 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: F Gillespie

Signature of Witness: F Martin SM

Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation

I, Frank Gillespie, 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 14th day of Feb 1915.

Signature of Attesting Officer illegible Major

Description of Gillespie Frank on Enlistment

Apparent age: 24 years - months
Height: 6 feet - inches
Weight: 180 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 36 inches Maximum 40 inches
Complexion: Dark
Colour of eyes: Blue
Colour of hair: Dark
Religious profession: R Catholic
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? No decay
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? 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

No forensic illness or fits

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.

30 Jan 1915
SIGNED F Reid Mackay Capt MD Medical Officer


5 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY
Of

Surname: Gillespie
Christian Name: Frank

Examined On 30th day of Jan, 1915
At BLANK (don’t you hate that!)
Birthplace Town Clinton
Country Ireland
Declared age: 24 years
Trade or occupation Labourer
Height: 6 ft - in
Weight 180 lb
Chest measurement Minimum, 36 in Maximum expansion 40 in

Approved by F Reid Mackay MD Capt Medical Officer

Enlisted on 11th day of Feby 1915, at Trentham

Joined on enlistment: Wellington Infantry
Transferred to OIB
Regimental No 8/2339


6 FORM NO TITLE

Written down left hand side of form: Surname: Gillespie Christian Name: Frank

Data is shown as follows: Station or Troopship; Date Arrival at the Station or of Embarkation; REMARKS ON NATURE OF DISEASE;

Trentham; 11/2/15; Inoculated typhoid 14/3/15
Trentham; Inoculated typhoid 21.3.15
Embarked HMNZT 21; 17/4/15 Vaccinated 25/4/15


7 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)

Unit: Otago Infaty Battn 8th Coy
Rank: Pvt
Surname: Gillespie
Christian Name: Frank
No: 8/2339
Occupation: Labourer
Religion: R Catholic
Place of Birth: Ireland
Date of Birth: 14th Feb 1891
Last New Zealand address: Café de Paris Dannevirke
Last employer: J Neilson
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): G F Gillespie Post Office Green Island Ohapu Via Dunedin

Medal action

Stamped “MEDAL ACTION COMPLETE 11 Oct 1923”

Legatee and address: Mrs Bridget Gillespie, Abbotsford Dunedin (M)
Nominated next-of-kin, relationship and address
Legal next of kin, relationship and address: Mr G F Gillespie (F) PO Green Island Ohapu via Dunedin

Service

NZ 11/2/15
Foreign 17.4.15

Sick

Army Form B103 Died in Malta Hospital of enteric fever on 1st August 1915. Buried Addolorata Cemetery Malta

Pension
Medals to Mrs B Gillespie (M) Abbotsford Dunedin

PLAQUE AND SCROLL

Soldier’s name Gillespie Frank
Reg No 8/2339
Roll No 504689
Scroll despatched (Date) 15 JUN 1921
Plaque 16 DEC 1921

Recipient and address: Mr G F Gillespie PO Green Island Ohapa via Dunedin


8 FORM NO TITLE

Written on left hand side “Cert posted 25/9/22”

New Zealand: 11.2.15
Embarked on Active Service NZ: 17.4.15
NZ Service 65 Days
Overseas 107 days
Total NZEF service 172 days


Reference source

Agency AABK
Series 18805
Accession W5539
Box / item 24
Record 0044828


Zack

Zack, there's a Café De Paris hotel in Palmerston North that has been there for decades. I wonder if the Dannevirke one was another run by the same family or company, and may also have been a hotel rather than an actual café?


Allie

Thanks Allie - I wonder...... sounds reasonable! Wonder who could advise further?

Zack

I've just emailed the Dannevirke historical society to see if they know. If not, we've a Clan gathering next weekend and I'll see if any of the old Dannevirke-ites present can enlighten me.

Allie

Excellent - thanks Allie

Zack

Wayne

Information on FRAZER, Robert McKinley, 9/820 Trooper, Otago Mounted Rifles for you.

This file is 16 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm. In total there are nine main documents (1 to 9) 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.


Overview

Robert McKinley Frazer was born in Kaitangata, a small town near the coast of South Otago on the Clutha River, South Island New Zealand on 2 February 1891.

Robert Frazer underwent his medical examination on 14th day of November 1914 (place not stated) and he attested at Trentham, New Zealand on 17 December 1914. His stated prior military experience had been gained as a member of the Kaitangata Rifles Volunteers, to which he belonged for two years. On enlistment he joined the Otago Mounted Rifles - D Squadron. His service, for reasons not covered by his file, reckons from 15 December 1914.

The Nominal Roll states that Robert Frazer enlisted as a signaller and while this detail is not contained in his military file it may explain why he was on a transport to Lemnos dated 12 April 1915 which is recorded in his file. His brother Lance Corporal James Parker Frazer (8/1737), Otago Infantry Battalion, also served on Gallipoli and survived the war.

His apparent age on enlistment was 23 years.

He was a carpenter by ‘occupation’ and was living and working at the Mental Hospital Seacliff prior to enlisting. He was single. His parents lived in Stirling, Otago, New Zealand.

His medical description on enlistment was that he was 5 feet 11½ inches tall and weighed 163 lb. His complexion was fair; and colour of hair light brown. The colour of eyes is not recorded. His religious profession was Presbyterian. He had a distinctive port wine mark 3 inches in diameter on his left thigh below groin. In all respects he was considered fit by Thos Fergus, Medical Officer, for service in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

He left New Zealand on HMNZT No 19 (Aparima) on 14 Feb 1915, arriving Suez 26 March 1915. OC Troops Major Herbert; Ship’s Master J E Macdonald. This ship was one of three transports carrying the 3rd reinforcements (1,719 troops) to Egypt. He was inoculated against typhoid on 31 January 1915 and on board the Aparima on 7 March 1915 – not that this saved him.

He was admitted to 16th Casualty Clearing Station on 15 August 1915 who directed him to Mudros. Such, however, was his condition (dysentery and debility), that he was redirected to Malta where he was admitted to hospital ex HS “Ascania” on 25 August 1915. He died of enteric on 4 September 1915.

If one assumes he landed on 25 April 1015 as a signaller he lasted 113 days (over three months) until his evacuation to Mudros and then Malta on 15 August 1915. He survived 20 days after leaving Gallipoli and was buried in the Pieta Cemetery, Malta, Grave 6 Row 7b on 4 September 1915.

He was 24 years old at his death.


1 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1

Personal Record of Registration No 9/820
NAME Frazer Robert McKinley
Regiment OMR


2 Casualty Form – Active Service Army Form B103

Regiment or Corps Otago Mounted Rifles
Regimental Number 9/820
Rank Trooper
Surname Frazer Robt McKinley
Enlisted (a) 15.12.14
Terms of Service (a) end of war
Service reckons from (a) 15.12.14

Data 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:

15.8.15; 16 CCS; Admd 16th CCS; transferred to; Anzac, Mudros, 15.8.15; 15.8.15; A26 A4712
6.9.15; Commandeth Malta; Died of enteric; Malta; 4.9.15; Cablegram WB1380 A7562

Signed N Fit Herbert CAPT OC Records Section New Zealand for AAG GHQ 3rd Echelon MEF

Stamped “FILE 17 NOV 1915 CAM”

Stamped “Entered on history sheet” written “MW 20.3.17”


3 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)

NOTE: A very faded photocopy

ATTESTATION OF

No 9/820
Name Frazer Robert McKinley
Regiment or Unit: BLANK

Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)

1 What is your name? Robert McKinley Frazer
2 Where were you born? Kaitangata
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? 2 February 1891
5 What is your trade or calling? Carpenter
6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? ?
7 What was the address at which you last resided? Mental Hospital Seacliff
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? Govermt Mental Hospital Seacliff
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 Kaitangata Rifles Volunteers
13 Have you ever served in any military or naval force? If so state which and cause of discharge. Yes. Expiration of service / 2 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? 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 Robert McKinley Frazer 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 Robt McK Frazer

Signature of Witness illegible

Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation

I, Robert McKinley Frazer, 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 17th day of December 1914.

Signature of Attesting Officer 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 Robert McKinley on Enlistment

Apparent age: 23 years
Height: 5 feet 11½ inches
Weight: 163 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 34 inches Maximum 36 inches
Complexion: Fair
Colour of eyes: not stated
Colour of hair: Light Brown
Religious profession: Presbyterian
Distinctive marks, and marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease. Port wine mark left thigh below groin 3 inches in diameter

Medical Examination

Sight: right eye 6/6
Sight: Left eye 6/6
Hearing: Right ear Good
Hearing: Left ear Good
Colour vision Fair
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? Slight colour blindness for finer shades

Remarks

Crossed out: “All teeth extracted plate being made” and written in “Teeth satisfactory.”

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.

Nov 14 1914
SIGNED Thos Fergus Medical Officer


4 Military History Sheet

No 9/820
Name Frazer, Robert McKinlay

Data is in order as follows: Country; From; To; Days

1 Service record; New Zealand; - ; 12/2/15; 59 days
1 Service record; HMNZT No 19; 13/2/15; 26/3/15; Dis Suez 42 days
1 Service record; Egypt; 27/3/15; -

10 Name and address of next of kin(Mother) Mrs John Frazer Stirling Otago NZ

11 Particulars of marriage: Not married

12 Particulars of children: None

Intended place of residence on discharge: New Zealand

STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE

Two of these forms exist below is a compilation on data shown in order as: Regiment of Corps; Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &c; Rank; Dates; Signature of Officer certifying Correctness of Entry:

D Squadron OMR; - ; Trooper; 15/12/14; E H Beamish Capt
D Squadron OMR; Admtd Hospital; Trooper; 15.8.15; F M Pyle
D Squadron OMR; Died of Enteric; Trooper; 4.9.15; W H Short?


5 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY

(NOTE this form is mostly typed)

Of

Surname: Frazer
Christian Name: Robert McKinley (note spelling with “e” incorrect according to his signature – should “a” )

Examined On 14th day of November, 1914
At BLANK
Birthplace Town Kaitangata
Country NZ
Declared age: 23 years
Trade or occupation Carpenter
Height: 5 ft 11 ½ in
Weight 163 lb
Chest measurement Minimum, 34 in Maximum expansion 36 in

Marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease: Port wine mark on left thigh below groin about 3 inches in diameter.

Approved by Thomas Fergus Medical Officer

Enlisted on 17th day of December 1914, at Trentham

Joined on enlistment: OMR 3rd Reinf D
Regimental No: 9/820
Date: 17/12/14


6 FORM NO TITLE

Typed down left hand side of form: Surname: FRAZER Christian Name: ROBERT MCKINLEY

Data is shown in order as: Station or Troopship; Date Arrival at the Station or of Embarkation; REMARKS ON NATURE OF DISEASE:

Trentham; 15/12/14; Inoculated Typhoid 31.1.15
HMNZT No 19; 12/2/15; Vaccinated 7.3.15
Hosp; - ; 15/8/15; Enteritis


7 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

? RECORD of Frazer Tpr R M
Regiment OMR Robert McKinlay

“Adm Hos Mlata ex HS “Ascania” 25/8/15. Dysentery & Debility. Died of Enteric. Dardanelles. 4/9/15

(Typos as is on file)


8 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)

Unit: OMR
Rank: Tpr
Surname: Frazer
Christian Name: Robert McKinlay
No: 9/820
Occupation: Carpenter
Religion: Presbyterian
Place of Birth:
Date of Birth: 2/2/1891
Last New Zealand address: Mental Hospital Seacliff
Last employer: Govt Mental Hospital Seacliff
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): (Mother) Mrs John Frazer Sterling Otago NZ

Note: Will in favour of mother Jean Frazer Memo from PT 13.8.19 Any medals to go to Mrs J Frazer (m) Sterling (Note name ‘Jean’ here but ‘Jane’ below.)

Medal action

Stamped “MEDAL ACTION COMPLETE 5 Oct 1923”

Legatee and address: Mrs Jane Frazer Box 33 Sterling Otago
Legal next of kin, relationship and address: as above

Sick

AFB103 15.8.15 At Anzac Adm 16th CCS Anzac & transferred to Mudros

Died of sickness AFB103 Ent 30/3/17 Died of enteric fever (at St Andrews Hospital) Malta Sept 4th 1915 (Buried in the Pieta Cemetery Malta Grave 6 Row 7b on 4.9.15 – see file.)

11.9.15 Died at Malta of Enteric 4.9.15

Medals to Mrs J Frazer Box 33 Sterling Otago NZ

PLAQUE AND SCROLL

Soldier’s name Frazer Robert McKinley
Reg No 9/820
Roll No 504369
Scroll despatched (Date) 10 JUN 1921
Plaque 18 FEB 1922
Recipient and address: Mr J Frazer Box 33 Sterling Otago

Written down left side: “Cert posted 29.2.22 GLB”


9 FORM – NO TITLE

New Zealand: 15.12.14
Embarked on Active Service NZ: 24/2/15 (note: incorrect date)
Egypt up to 18/3/16: 26/3/15
Gallipoli: 12/4/15
Mudros, Lemnos &c: 15/8/15
Malta D of disease 4.9.15

NZ Service 61 Days
Overseas 203 days
Total NZEF service 264 days


Reference Source

Agency AABK
Series 18805
Accession W5537
Box / item 119
Record 0042327


Zack

Wayne

Information on FRANCIS, Gilbert Bryan 10/2138, Private, Wellington Infantry Battalion B Coy 5th Reinforcements for you.

This file is 18 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm. In total there are nine main documents (1 to 9) 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. Apologies in advance of any misspellings! This man was Welsh and the spelling of his home address was a challenge in terms of deciphering it correctly from the file!


Overview

Gilbert Bryan Francis was born in Cardiganshire, South Wales England, on 17th October 1886.

Gilbert Francis underwent his medical examination on 31 December 1914 (place not stated) and he attested at Trentham, New Zealand on 13 February 1915. The file also records 16 February 1915 as his ‘enlistment’ at Trentham but as the 13 February is mentioned more often in the file it is therefore the more creditable date for me.

On enlistment he joined the Wellington Infantry Battalion, B Coy, 5th Reinforcements.

Gilbert Francis’s medical description was that he was 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 147 lb. His complexion was dark; colour of eyes: brown, and colour of hair dark. His religious profession was Church of England. He had the following three distinctive marks noticed by the doctor undertaking the medical examination: two carbuncle scars at back of neck; supercritical mole between shoulder blades and a scar from a left side inguinal hernia operation. More importantly he had six teeth missing and yet was still passed as fit for active service. Perhaps he had a plate fitted before leaving New Zealand

His apparent age on enlistment was 28 years 2 months.

He was a farmer by ‘occupation’ and his last employer prior to enlisting was Mr Small, Fernside, Otane.

He was single. His father, Rev David Francis, lived at Llandygwydd Vicarage Llechryd Cardiganshire South Wales.

While his file doesn’t record what transport he left New Zealand on it would have been either the Maunganui (No 24) or Tahiti (No 24) or Aparima (No 26) – the three transports taking 2,299 troops of the 5th reinforcements to Egypt. Gilbert Francis joined his battalion in Gallipoli on 11 August 1915. He was inoculated against typhoid on 14 and 21 March 1915.

On 3 September 1915 he was admitted to the 16th Casualty Cleaning Station suspected of suffering from scarlet fever and was transferred the same day to Mudros for treatment. He was transferred from Mudros to St George’s Hospital Malta on the Hospital Ship Neuralia and on disembarkation at Malta (10 September 1915) he was described as being “slightly sick (rheumatism). However, by 4 October 1915 he was reported as dangerously ill. He died of enteric fever in St Georges Hospital on 13 November 1915 and was buried in the Pieta Cemetery, Malta, Plot D. Row VI. Grave 2.

He had lasted 23 days on Gallipoli until his evacuation to Mudros and then Malta. He survived a further 72 days after leaving Gallipoli. Sadly he would have ‘celebrated’ his birthday in hospital.

He was 29 years old at his death.


1 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1

Stamped “5th REINFORCEMENTS”

Personal Record of Registration No 10/2138

NAME Francis Gilbert Bryan
Regiment B Coy 5th Reinfrs


2 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)
ATTESTATION OF

No 10/2138
Name Francis, Gilbert Bryan
Regiment or Unit: B Coy 5th 17th Reft

Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)

1 What is your name? Francis, Gilbert Bryan
2 Where were you born? Cardiganshire South Wales England
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? Oct 17th 1886
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? C/- H Nelson Konini Pahiatua
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? Mr Small Fernside Otane
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? BLANK
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 Gilbert Bryan Francis 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 Gilbert Francis

Signature of Witness J R T Slipper Lieut

Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation

I, Gilbert Bryan Francis, 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 16 day of FEB 1915.

Signature of Attesting Officer ILLEGIBLE Major Could be A M or W H Fletcher

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 Gilbert Francis on Enlistment

Apparent age: 28 years 2 months
Height: 5 feet 7 inches
Weight: 147 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 34 ½ inches Maximum 37
Complexion: Dark
Colour of eyes: Brown
Colour of hair: Dark
Religious profession: Church of England
Distinctive marks, and marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease. Two carbuncle scars at back of neck. Supercritical mole between should blades. Scar left inguinal hernia operation.

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? 6 teeth missing
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

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.

31 Dec 1914
SIGNED illegible Medical Officer


3 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY
Of
Surname: Francis
Christian Name: Gilbert Bryan

Examined On 31 day of Dec, 1914
At - not stated
Birthplace Town Cardiganshire
Country South Wales England
Declared age: 28 years 2 months
Trade or occupation Farmer
Height: 5 ft 7 in
Weight 147 lb
Chest measurement Minimum, 34 ½ in Maximum expansion 37 in

Approved by illegible Medical Officer (Look like “Bro D Leal”)

Enlisted on 13th day of February 1915, at Trentham

Joined on enlistment: Wellington Infantry
Regimental No: 10/2138
Date: 13/2/15

STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF No 10/2138
NAME: FRANCIS, Gilbert

Data shown in order as: Regiment of Corps; Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &c; Rank; Dates; Signature of Officer certifying Correctness of Entry:

Wgton Infty; enlisted; Pte; 13/2/15; W H Fletcher Major
Wgton Infty; Joined Batt; Pte; 11.8.15; T W Watts
Wgton Infty; Dangerously ill; Pte; 11/10/15; -


4 FORM – NO TITLE

Written down left hand side of form: Surname: Francis Christian Name: Gilbert

Station or Troopship: Trentham

Date Arrival at the Station or of Embarkation: 13/2/15

Inoculated Typhoid 14/3/15

Inoculated Typhoid 21/3/15


5 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (Form No 3) Military History Sheet

Note there are two of these forms.

No 10/2138

Name: Francis, Gilbert

Data shown in order as: Country; From; To:

1 Service record; New Zealand 13/2/15; 11.6.15
1 Service record; Foreign; 12.6.15
5 Wounded; Dangerously ill Malta 4.10.15
10 Name and address of next of kin; Father David Francis Boncath Cardiganshire


6 Casualty Form – Active Service Army Form B103

Regimental Number 10/2138
Regiment or Corps Well Inf Batt 17th
Rank Pte
Surname Francis Gilbert Bryan
Enlisted (a) 13.2.15
Terms of Service (a) Period of war
Service reckons from (a) 13.2.15

Data 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:

15.8.15; O/C WIB; Joined Battalion; Dardanelles; 11.8.15; B213
5.9.15; 16 CC Stn; Adm 16th Cs Clear Stn & transferred to; Dardanelles / Mudros; 3.9.15; Scarlet fever? A36 A9643
10.9.15; H S Neuralia; Disemb to St Georges Hospital ex H S Neuralia; Malta; 10.9.15; Rheumatism Roll A10783
5.10.15; Com Malta; Dangerously ill; Malta; 4.10.15; Cable WB1884 (A12572) (Cabled 8.10.15)
13.11.15; Com Malta; Died of Enteric in St Georges Hospital; Malta; 13.11.15; Cable WB2811 A18429

Signed N Fitz Herbert rank faded OC Records Section New Zealand for DAG GHO 3rd Echelon MEF

Stamped “entered on history sheet MW 30.3.17”


7 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)

Unit: WIB
Rank: Private
Surname: Francis
Christian Name: Gilbert Bryan
No: 10/2138
Occupation: Farmer
Religion: Church of England
Place of Birth: Wales
Date of Birth: 17/10/1886
Last New Zealand address: C/O H Nelson Konini Pahiatua
Last employer: Mr Small Fernside Otane
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): David Francis (father) Boneath Cardiganshire South Wales (England)

Note written: “Memo from PT 22.7.19 War Medal to go to Rev D Francis (f) Llandygwydd Vicarage Llechryd Cardiganshire Sth Wales.”

Medal action

Stamped “MEDAL ACTION COMPLETE 5 OCT 1923
Legatee and address: Rev D Francis (f) Llandygwydd Vicarage Llechryd Cardiganshire Sth Wales.
Legal next of kin, relationship and address: as above

Sick

Data shown in order as: Date; Where soldier located; Message and Remarks:

27.9.15; Malta; Disembarked 10/9/15 slightly sick (rheumatism)
8.10.15; Malta; Dangerously ill 4/10/15. No further particulars
11.10.15; Malta; Confirms above
5.9.15; Mudros; Adm 16th Cas Clg Station & transferred to Mudros 3/9/15

AFB103 5.9.15 Mudros Adm 16th Cas Cly Station & transferred to Mudros 3/9/15

AFB103 Ent 30/3/17 Died of Enteric Fever in St George’s Hospital Malta November 13th 1915 (Buried in the Pieta Cemetery Malta – file)

Died of sickness Malta Died of Enteric Nov13th

Medals to Mr D Francis (F) Llandygwydd Vicarage Cardiganshire Sth Wales

STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF Francis Gilbert Bryan
No 10/2138

Data shown in order as: Regiment of Corps; Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &c; Rank; Dates

WIB; Attested; Pte; 13.2.15
WIB; Joined Bn Dardanelles; Pte; 11.8.15


PLAQUE AND SCROLL

Soldier’s name: Francis Gilbert Bryan
Reg No: 10/2138
Roll No: 55828
Scroll despatched (Date): 9 NOV 1921
Plaque: ticked
Recipient and address: Rev D Francis Llandygwydd Vicarage Llechryd Cardiganshire Sth Wales
Plaque No: 55828


8 RECEIPT FOR MEMORIAL PLAQUE

I HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF MEMORIAL PLAQUE ISSUED ON ACCOUNT OF

10/2138 Gilbert B Francis
Next of kin Rev D Francis
Signature David Francis
Address Llandygwydd Vicarage Llechryd Cardiganshire Sth Wales

IMPORTANT This receipt must be signed only by the person entitled to receive, & return to office i/c War Accts & Records Wellington


9 FORM – NO TITLE

New Zealand: 13.2.15
Embarked on Active Service NZ: 13.6.15
NZ Service 120
Days Overseas 154 days
Total NZEF service 274 days


Reference Source

Agency AABK
Series 18805
Accession W5537
Box / item 115
Record 0041947


Zack

Wayne

Great news! You won't need me anymore (I don't think) as all or most of your Malta men are on the following website- including some photos:

http://pages.quicksilver.net.nz/l.rwilloughby/index.html

Regards

Zack

Wayne

On the other hand having examined the records on this website a lot of details are clearly missing and there are statements made that doesn’t reflect what is actually recorded on the soldiers' files.

Think I'll stick with what we are doing – it may end up a more accurate record of the soldiers’ file.

Zack

A bit more information on Sergeant Stuart Charles Everett (7/194) of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles.

“Sergt Stewart Everett (died from enteric at the Dardanelles) was a son of Mr Horatio Everett, chairman of the Waimea County Council. The Nelson Mail says that Sergt Everett went with the first NZ forces, and had taken part in the Dardanelles fighting. Letters were received from him only a few days ago stating that he was well. The family had received no word that he was ill, the announcement of his death being the intimation to come to hand. He was 21 years of age, and worked on his father’s orchard at Riwaka. He was a well-known footballer, and a district champion at lawn tennis.”

Source: The Evening Post Mon Aug 9 1915, Col I, Page 8

Note the spelling of the first name.

Zack

Wayne

Information on GRIPP Trooper, Hans Victor 11/492 Wellington Mounted Rifles - 2nd Squadron for you.

This file is 13 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm. In total there are seven main documents (1 to 7) 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.


Overview

Hans Victor Gripp was born in Geraldine, a small town south of Christchurch, South Island New Zealand on 18 February 1892. Hans Gripp underwent his medical examination on 12 August 1914 at Hawera, North Island, New Zealand and attested at Hawera, on 17 August 1914.

His stated prior military experience had been gained as a member of the 2nd Mounted Rifles. On enlistment he joined the Wellington Mounted Rifles - 2nd Squadron.

His apparent age on enlistment was 22 years 6 months.

Hans Gripp was a farmer by ‘occupation’ and was living and working at Raetihi (in the North Island) prior to enlisting. He was single. His father lived in Raetihi, North Island New Zealand. He had two other brothers who also served in the war: Ernest Raukapuka Gripp, (15/46), Wellington Mounted Rifles, who was killed in action in Gallipoli on 30 May 1915, and Leo Grainger Gripp (30430). According to Richard Stower’s Bloody Gallipoli – The New Zealander’s Story (page 312) Hans was present at the No 3 Outpost engagement between 28 – 30 May 1915 in which his brother Ernest was killed.

Victor Gripp’s medical description on enlistment was that he was 5 feet 5 ½ inches tall and weighed 156 lb. His complexion was fair; colour of eyes blue and colour of hair light brown. His religious profession was Church of England.

He left Wellington, New Zealand on HMNZT No 10 (Arawa) with the Main Body (8,444 troops) on 16 October 1914 and on his arrival in Alexandria (3 December 1914) he was hospitalised with German measles for a day. It is likely that he had this illness on broad the Arawa in the latter portion of the voyage.

He received gun shot wounds to his right side and chest on 11 August 1915 and was sent from Anzac Cove to Malta. He died of wounds received on Gallipoli in Malta on 28 August 1915. He is buried at Pieta Military Cemetery, Plot A. Row XI. Grave 4.

I have a photograph of this man, which I will send to you.


1 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1
Personal Record of Registration No 11/492

NAME Gripp
Regiment Hans Victor


2 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)

Unit: WMR 2nd Squadron
Rank: Tpr
Surname: Gripp
Christian Name: Hans Victor
No: 11/492
Occupation: Farmer
Religion: Church of England
Place of Birth: Geraldine
Date of Birth: 18 Feb 1892
Last New Zealand address: Raetihi
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): Mr H M Gripp Raetihi

Medal action

Stamped MEDAL ACTION COMPLETE 15 Oct 1923
Legal next of kin, relationship and address: Mr H M Gripp (F) Raetihi

Service

Data shown in order as Country or Troopship; Date from; Date to:

New Zealand; 17.8.14; 15.10.14
Foreign; 16.10.14

Wounds

Died of wounds Malta received at Malta ex Gallipoli

Medals auth to Mr H M Gripp (f) Raetihi

PLAQUE AND SCROLL

Soldier’s name Gripp Hans Victor
Reg No 11/492
Roll No 505081
Scroll despatched (Date) 7 Jun 1921
Plaque 26 Nov 1921
Recipient and address: Mr H M Gripp Middle Rd Raetihi

Written down left hand side: Cert Posted 9/10/22 AWE


3 ARMY FORM B 103 Casualty Form – Active Service

Regimental Number 11/492
Regiment or Corps Wellington MR 2nd Squadron
Rank Trooper
Name Gripp Hans Victor
Enlisted (a) 17/8/14
Terms of Service (a) Period of war
Service reckons from (a) 17/8/14

Data 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:

15/8/15; O/C WMR; Report wounded; Anzac Cove; 11.8.15; B213
28/8/15; Cable Commdt; Died of wounds GSW R & Chest; Malta; 28/8/15; A5692

Signed N Fitz Herbert Capt OC Records Section New Zealand for DAG GHO 3rd Echelon MEF

File stamped 17 NOV 1915 C.A.M


4 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)

ATTESTATION OF

No 11/492
Name Pte Hans Victor Gripp
Regiment or Unit: 2nd M Rifles

Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)

1 What is your name? Hans Victor Gripp
2 Where were you born? Geraldine South Canterbury
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? 18 Feb 1892
5 What is your trade or calling? Farming
6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? No
7 What was the address at which you last resided? Raetihi
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? Own employer
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? In 2nd MR
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? Yes illegible?
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 Hans Victor Gripp 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 H V Gripp

Signature of Witness W N Janson Lieut


Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation

I, Hans Victor Gripp, 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 Hawera NZ on this 17 day of August 1914.

Signature of Attesting Officer E C Dovey Capt NZSC

Description of Hans Victor Gripp on Enlistment

Apparent age: 22 years 6 months
(To be determined according to the instructions given in the Regulations for Army Medical Service.)
Height: 5 feet 5 ½ inches
Weight: 156 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 36 inches Maximum 38 ½ inches
Complexion: Fair
Colour of eyes: Blue
Colour of hair: Light brown
Religious profession: Church of England
Distinctive marks, and marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease. Nil

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? Nil

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.

12.8.1914
SIGNED W M Thomson Medical Officer


5 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY
Of
Surname: Gripp
Christian Name: Hans Victor

Examined On 12 day of August, 1914
At Hawera NZ
Birthplace Geraldine South Canterbury
Country New Zealand
Declared age: 22 years 6 months
Trade or occupation Farmer
Height: 5 ft 5½ in
Weight 156 lb
Chest measurement Minimum, 36 in Maximum expansion 38 ½ in
Physical development: normal
Small pox marks:
Vaccination marks Arm Right Left Vaccinated

Approved by W M Thomson Medical Officer

Enlisted on 17 day of August 1914, at Hawera NZ

Joined on enlistment Well Mounted Rifles
Regimental No 11/492
Date 17 Aug 1914


6 FORM NOT TITLED

Written down left hand side of form:
Surname: Gripp
Christian Name: Hans Victor

Data shown as: Station or Troopship; Date Arrival at the Station or of Embarkation; Station or Troopship; Discharge from Hospital; Disease; Number of Days in Hospital; REMARKS ON NATURE OF DISEASE:

HMNZT No 10; 4.12.14; 3.12.14; 4.12.14 German measles; I day; Sent to Hosp ill?

?; 6.4.15; BLANK; BLANK; BLANK; Alexandria


7 Military History Sheet

No 11/492

Name Hans Victor Gripp

Data shown as: Country; From; To; Days

1 Service record; New Zealand; 17 Aug 1914; 14 Oct 1914; 59 days
1 Service record; NZ Transport 10; 15 Oct 1914; 3 Dec 1914
1 Service record; Disembarked Alexandria Egypt 3 Dec 1914
1 Service record; Egypt; 4 Dec 1914

4 Wounded; 11 August 1915

10 Name and address of next of kin; Mr H M Gripp Raetihi NZ


STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF No 11/492
NAME: Hans Victor Gripp

Data shown in order as: Regiment of Corps; Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &c; Rank; Dates:

WMR; Attested; Trooper; 17/8/14
WMR; Wounded; Trooper; 11/8/15

Died of wounds recd at the D’nelles 28/8/15


Reference Source

Agency AABK
Series 18805
Accession W5539
Box / item 57
Record 0048156


Zack

Wayne

Information on HALL, Stanley Trooper 7/498 Canterbury Mounted Rifles 1st Squadron (HQ) for you.

This file is 19 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm. In total there are seven main documents (1 to 7) 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.


Overview

Stanley Hall was born in Wellington, New Zealand on 23 September 1887.

He underwent his medical examination on 27 August 1914 at Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand and attested at Christchurch, on 28 August 1914. Interesting to note that while his file described the condition of his teeth as ‘plates’ and his enlistment seemed to be “held over pending dental attention” it didn’t hold him up too long as he attested the very next day. His stated prior military experience had been gained as a member of the Nelson College Cadets. On enlistment he joined the Canterbury Mounted Rifles 1st Squadron (HQ.)

His 'declared age' on enlistment was 26 years.

Stanley Hall was a ‘coach agent’ by ‘occupation’ and was working for his father Archibald Hall of 97 Hill Street Wellington, prior to enlisting. He was single.

His medical description on enlistment was that he was 5 feet 8½ inches tall and weighed 147 lb. His complexion was dark; colour of eyes hazel and colour of hair black. His religious profession was Presbyterian.

He left Wellington, New Zealand on HMNZT No 4 (Tahiti) with the Main Body (8,444 troops) on 16 October 1914 and arrived in Alexandria on 3 December 1914. (OC Troops Lieut Col John Finlay and Ship’s Master F P Evans RNR.) He was vaccinated against typhoid on 14 January 1915 and showed “positive” whatever that means.

Stanley Hall arrived in “Anzac” on “command to New Zealand Army Corps” on 9 August 1915. On 28 August 1915 he was reported missing from his unit. According to Richard Stower’s Bloody Gallipoli – The New Zealander’s Story (page 313) he had been evacuated wounded off Gallipoli to Malta aboard Hospital Ship Devanha arriving in Malta on 4 September 1915 where he died of his wounds on 11 September 1915. His death on the file is described as “died of paralysis resulting from GSW spine.” What a dreadful death!

He is buried at Pieta Military Cemetery, Plot B. Row IX. Grave 2.


1 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1
Personal Record of Registration No 7/498

NAME Hall Stanley
Regiment CMR (Headquarters)
Group: 9


2 Casualty Form – Active Service

Regimental Number 7/498
Regiment or Corps Canterbury Mtd Rifles 1st
Rank Trooper
Name Hall, Stanley
Enlisted (a) 28.8.14
Terms of Service (a) Period of war
Service reckons from (a) 28.8.14

Data is 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:

15.8.15; CMR; Arrived Anzac on command to NZ Army Corps; Anzac; 9.8.15; B213 15/8/15
29/8/15; O/C CMR; Reported missing; Dardanelles; 28.8.15; B213 from unit 20/8/15
13/9/15; Commdt Malta; Died of paralysis resulting from GSW spine; Malta; 11.9.15; Malta 13/9/15 A9505

Signed N Fitz Herbert Major OC Records Section New Zealand for DAG GHO 3rd Echelon MEF

Stamped entered on history sheet 30.3.17


3 Military History Sheet
Two of these forms are on file. Compilation follows.

No 7/498
Name Stanley Hall

Data is shown in order as: Country; From; To; Days; Initials of Officer making Entry:

1 Service record: New Zealand; 28.8.14; 14.10.14; 48 days; D B B
1 Service record: At Sea T No 4; 15.10.14; Disembarked Alexandria 3.12.14; 50 days; D B B
1 Service record: Egypt; 4.12.14; -; -; ; -; -;
10 Name and address of next of kin; Archibald Hall 97 Hill St Wtgn
11 Particulars of marriage: Single

Intended place of residence on discharge: Christchurch

STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE

Data shown in order as: Regiment of Corps; Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &; Rank; Dates; Signature of Officer certifying Correctness of Entry:

CMR; -; Trooper; 28/8/14; D B Blair
1st Sqdr CMR; Arrd Anzac on Command NZ Army Corps; Trooper; 9.8.15; J Hornblow
-; Died of wounds causing paralysis Malta; Trooper; 11.9.15


4 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)

ATTESTATION OF

No 7/498
Name Stanley Hall
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? Stanley Hall
2 Where were you born? Wtgn
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? 23 Sept 1887
5 What is your trade or calling? Coach agent
6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? No
7 What was the address at which you last resided? 97 Jill St Wtgn (note: one document records 93 Hill St Wtgn)
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? Archibald Hall 97 Hill St Wtgn
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. Nelson College Cadets
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 Stanley Hall 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: S Hall

Signature of Witness: F Macfarlane

Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation

I, Stanley Hall, 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 Chch, NZ on this 28 day of Aug 1914

Signature of Attesting Officer F Macfarlane

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 Stanley Hall on Enlistment

Apparent age: 26 years - months
Height: 5 feet 8½ inches
Weight: 147 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 33 inches Maximum 36 inches
Complexion: Dark
Colour of eyes: Hazel
Colour of hair: Black
Religious profession: Presbyterian

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? Plates
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

Held over pending dental attention

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.

27 Aug 1914
SIGNED R Neil Guthrie Major NZMC Medical Officer


5 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY
Of
Surname: Hall
Christian Name: Stanley

Examined On 28 day of August, 1914
At BLANK
Birthplace Town Wellington
Country NZ
Declared age: 26 years
Trade or occupation Coach agent
Height: 5 ft 5½ in
Weight 147 lb
Chest measurement Minimum, 33 in Maximum expansion 36 in

Approved by R Neil Guthrie Medical Officer Maj NZMC

Re- vaccinated on 14 day of Jan, 1915
Arm: Right Number: 2 illegible
Result: positive

Medical Officer illegible

Enlisted on 28 day of August 1914, at Christchurch

Joined on enlistment CMR
Regimental No 7/498


6 FORM - NO TITLE

NZ Service 26 days
Illegible


7 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)

Unit: CMR NZ
Rank: Tpr
Surname: Hall
Christian Name: Stanley
No: 7/498
Occupation: Coach agent
Religion: Presbyterian
Place of Birth: Wtgn
Date of Birth: 23 Sept 1887
Last New Zealand address:
Last employer: Arc Hall 97 Hill St Wtgn
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): Archibald Hall 97 Hill St Wellington Note: Memo From Public Trust states Mrs A Hall 97 Hill St Wtgn beneficiary (m) to rec A S Grat and medals

Medal action

MEDAL ACTION COMPLETE 16 OCT 1923 :
Legatee and address: Mrs A Hall (M) 97 Hill St Wtgn
Legal next of kin, relationship and address: Archibald Hall (F) 93 Hill Str Wellington (note address!)

Died of sickness 304 2.10.15 Paralysis caused by wounds Sept 11th

AFB 103 Died of paralysis resulting from GS W Spine Malta 11 Sept 1915

Buried Pieta Cemetery Malta

PLAQUE AND SCROLL

Soldiers name: Hall Stanley
Reg No: 7/498
Roll No: 505222
Scroll despatched: (Date) 9 JUN 1921
Plaque: 9 JAN 1922
Recipient and address: Mr A Hall 93 Hill St Wtgn

Written down left hand side: “Cert posted 26/7/22.”


Reference source

Agency AABK
Series 18805
Accession W5539
Box / item 68
Record 0049298


Zack

I heard back about the café, Zack. Apparently it was quite a largish building on the High Street, up from the BNZ bank towards Allardice Street (if anyone is familiar with Dannevirke). It was a two-storey building, with living accomodation above the café. In later years, the café was known as Loaders Tea Rooms.

I'm guessing we don't require a photo of said place of abode?

Allie

Allie

Thank you for going to the trouble of checking this detail - it's really interesting I think to put the pieces together. I appreciate your efforts. I don't think Wayne will need a photo of the place.

Cheers

Zack

Newspaper article on Robert Craig

The following article while obviously not accurate in terms of ‘where’ Robert Craig died, appeared in October 1915:

“Sergeant Robert Craig, Otago Mounted Regiment, Southland Rifles (who died at Gallipoli of enteric), was a son of Mr John Craig, the Bush, Caroline, and was born at Dipton, and received his education at Caroline School and Lumsden District High School. On leaving school he started work on his father’s farm, continuing there till within a few months before the outbreak of war, when he with a younger brother, got a farm for themselves near Dipton. At the first call for volunteers, he left the farm in his brother and father’s care, and joined the Main Expeditionary Force. Sergeant Craig was a member of the Territorials, in which he rapidly gained promotion.”

Source: Otago Witness October 27 1915

The good news is that there is also a photograph (passport size) of him in the same edition of the newspaper on page 39.

Zack

Wayne,

For

NANCARROW, 7/688
Lieutenant, Vincent Fosbery
Enlisted
Canterbury Mounted Rifles
Died of enteric - age 22
Wednesday, 4 August 1915
Buried at Pieta Military Cemetery
Plot B. Row V. Grave 1.

There is a line of information in "Some records of the NZEF - unofficial but compiled from official sources by Lt Col John Studholme.

viz

Nancarrow, VF
Highest rank held in NZEF Lieut 21/11/14
Canterbury Mtd Rifles
Rank and date of first appointment in NZEF Lieut 21/11/14
Date struck off strength 4/8/15
Died of sickness at Malta from Gallipoli

I presume it is likely that Nancarrow L F of the NZ dental corp may well have been a relation. "LF" survived, rising from the rank of lieut (20/7/17) to capt (19/10/18) and struck of the strength 6/3/19. He was appointed to H S Marama.

I hope this adds a little to the picture.

Wayne

Information on HOURSTON, 9/710 Trooper, John - Otago Mounted Rifles for you.

This file is 24 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm – a lot of these documents are faded and some of the documents are so fade they can’t be read! Also on this file there is some slightly conflicting data recorded with respect to personal information. This file is I think a good example of lack of concentration with respect to various people recording different information about the same issue. In total there are nine main documents (1 to 9) 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.

Overview

John Hourston was born in Oamaru, New Zealand on 29 December 1884.

He underwent his medical examination on 28 or 29 September 1914 (both dates are shown) and attested at Trentham, on 26 October 1914 although his war service counted as from 20 October 1914.

His stated prior military experience had been gained as a member of the Clutha Mounted Rifles. On enlistment he joined the Otago Mounted Rifles 7th (Southland) Squadron.

His ‘apparent age' on enlistment was 29 years. (One form states 30 years.)

John Hourston was a ‘labourer by ‘occupation’ working for himself and living at Kahuika, South Island New Zealand. He was single.

His medical description on enlistment was that he was 5 feet 10½ inches tall and weighed 156 lb. His complexion was described as ruddy; colour of eyes blue and colour of hair dark brown. His religious profession was Church of England.

His file records that he was promoted to corporal on 31 October 1914 and yet by his death he was simply described as a trooper.

While his file doesn’t record which ship he left New Zealand on it would have been on one of the 3rd reinforcement transports carrying 1,719 troops that left New Zealand on 14 February 1915: Maunganui (No 17), Tahiti (No 18) or Aparima (No 19). Unfortunately his file doesn’t record when he landed on Gallipoli. However, on the 15 August 1915 he was admitted to the 16th Casualty Clearing Station suffering from enteritis and he was transferred to Mudros the same day. He was further transferred from Mudros to Malta where on 25 and 28 August 1915 he was reported as “dangerously ill.” He died of dysentery and pneumonia at Malta on 30 August 1915.

He is buried at Pieta Military Cemetery Plot A. Row XII. Grave 2.


1 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1

NAME: HOURSTON John
Regiment: OMR
Number: 9/710

“Died of sickness 30 8 15”


2 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)

NOTE: This form is mostly typed – ye ha!

ATTESTATION OF

No 9/710
Name HOURSTON John
Regiment or Unit: MOR

Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)

1 What is your name? John Hourston
2 Where were you born? Oamaru
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? 29 Dec 1884
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? Kahuika
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? No
13 Have you ever served in any military or naval force? If so state which and cause of discharge. Yes Clutha MR Resigned
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? No
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 John Hourston 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 John Hourston

Signature of Witness K B Smith

Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation

I, John Hourston, 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 26th day of October 1914.

Signature of Attesting Officer E S Perry Lt

Description of John Hourston on Enlistment

Apparent age: 29 years
Height: 5 feet 10½ inches (note one form shows 5 feet 10¼ inches)
Weight: 11 st 2 lb (note one form shows 156 lb)
Chest measurement Minimum 37 inches Maximum 40½ inches
Complexion: Ruddy
Colour of eyes: Blue
Colour of hair: Dk Brown
Religious profession: Church of England

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? Artificial
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

None stated

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.

29 September 1914
SIGNED illegible Medical Officer


3 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY
Of

Surname: Hourston
Christian Name: John

Note: Two of these forms exist and while one is mostly blank the second one is complete.

Examined: On 28 day of Sept, 1914
At: not stated
Birthplace: Town Oamaru
Country: NZ
Declared age: 30 years months (note age difference from one other form)
Trade or occupation Labourer
Height: 5 ft 10¼ in (note slightly different height from another form)
Weight: 156 lb (note weight difference from one other form)
Chest measurement: Minimum, 37 in Maximum expansion 40½ in

Approved by Jas Sutherland Medical Officer

Enlisted on 20 day of Oct 1914, at Trentham

Joined on enlistment: Otago M Rifles
Regimental No: 9/710
Date 20/10/14


4 FORM – NO TITLE

Written down left hand side of form:
Surname: Hourston
Christian Name: John

Admission into Hospital 15/8/15
Disease Enteric


5 EF Form No 33 NEW ZEALAND MILITARY FORCES

NOTE: This form is mostly typed (another ye ha!)

Record No 9/710

Certified that it appears by an official telegram received at this Office that No 9/710 TROOPER JOHN HOURSTON
Of the OTAGO MOUNTED RIFLES, New Zealand Expeditionary Force DIED OF DYSENTERY AND PNEUMONIA
At MALTA on the THIRTIETH day of AUGUST 1915.

W or N A Ewen, Lieut
for Lieut Colonel Adjutant General NZ Forces

Dated at Headquarters, New Zealand Military Forces, Wellington

This SEVENTEENTH day of MARCH 1916

The Local Deputy Public Trustee Solicitor
DUNEDIN


6 ARMY FORM B 103 Casualty Form – Active Service

Regimental Number 9/710
Regiment or Corps Otago Mounted Rifles
Rank Trooper
Name Hourston John
Enlisted (a) 20/10/14
Terms of Service (a) end of war
Service reckons from (a) 20/10/14

Data is shown is 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:

16.8.14 (although it would have been 1915); 16th CCS; Admd enteritis; Anzac; 15.8.15; A36 C4712
- ; 16th CCS; Transfd to; Mudros; 15.8.15; A36 C4712
28.8.15; Cdth Malta; Reported dangerously ill; Malta; 26.8.15; Ex cable WB1168 from Cath A5692 28.8.15 Letter from Cdth Malta 19.9.15 purporting to be confirmation of cable dated 2.9.15 from
2.9.15; Cdth Malta; Died dysentery & Pneumonia; Malta; 30.8.15; Cdth Malta

Signed N Fitz Herbert Major OC Records Section New Zealand for DAG GHO 3rd Echelon MEF

File stamped “ Entered on history sheet MM 30.3.17


7 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 Otago Mounted Rifles
Squadron Troop, Battery or Company 7th
Regtl No 9/710
Rank Trooper
Name Hourston John

Died Date 30 August 1915

Place Malta

Cause of Death* Dysentery & pneumonia

*Specially state if killed in action or died from wounds received in action, or from illness due to field operations or to fatigue, privation or exposure while on military duty, or from injury while on military duty.

State whether he leaves a will or not
(a) in Pay Book (Army Book 64)
( in Small Book (if at Base)
© as a separate document

All private documents and effects received from the front or hospital, as well as the Pay Book, should be examined, and if any will is found it should be at once forwarded to the War Office.

Any information received as to verbal expressions by a deceased soldier of his wishes as to the disposal of his estate should be reported to the War Office as soon as possible.

A duplicate of this report is to be sent to the Paymaster at the Base (see Field Service Regulations, Part II), together with the deceased’s Pay Book (after withdrawal of any will from the latter.) If the deceased’s Small Book is at the Base, it should be forwarded to the War Office with this Report.

Signature of Officer in charge of
Section Adjutant-General’s
Office at the Base N Fitz Herbert Major

Station and date Alexandria 13.10.15


8 Military History Sheet

No: 9/710
Name: Hourston, John

Data recorded in order as: Country; From; To; Days; Initials of Officer making Entry

1 Service record: NZ; 20/10/14; 14/12/14; 55 days; G E R
1 Service record: At sea transport; 15/12/14; 2/2/15 disembarked Alexandria; 49 days; G E R
1 Service record: Egypt; 3/2/15;

10 Name and address of next of kin: William Hourston (Father) Kahuika Catlins Otago NZ

Intended place of residence on discharge: Kahuika, Catlins, Otago


STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF No 9/710
NAME: Hourston, John

NOTE: Three of these forms exist on the Military History sheet.

Information is shown in order as: Regiment of Corps; Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &c; Rank; Dates; Signature of Officer certifying Correctness of Entry:

Otago Mounted; - ; Tpr; 20/10/14; J B Maclean
Otago Mounted; Promoted to; Corporal; 31/10/14; J B Maclean
OMR; Admitted Hospital; Tpr; 15/8/15; Illegible signature


9 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)

Unit: OMR
Rank: Tpr then Cpl
Surname: Hourston
Christian Name: John
No: 9/710
Occupation: Labourer
Religion: C of E
Place of Birth: Oamaru
Date of Birth: 29/12/84
Last New Zealand address: Kahuika
Last employer: not stated
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): Father William Hourston Owaka Otago (Houipapa Catlins crossed out)

Medal action

Legal next of kin, relationship and address: W Hourston (F) Owaka Otago

STAMPED MEDAL ACTION COMPLETE 28 FEB 1924

Service

NZ Date from 20/10/14
Foreign Date from 14/12/14

Sick

AFB 103 20.3.17 – 31.8.15 Malta Dangerously ill August 25

Buried in Pieta Cemetery Malta
Died of dysentery & pneumonia August 30th


PLAQUE AND SCROLL

Soldier’s name Hourston John
Reg No 9/710
Roll No 506193
Scroll despatched (Date) 10 JUN 1921
Plaque 23 FEB 1922
Recipient and address: “Mr Wm Hourston Houipapa, Otago” written in and “Kahuika Catlins” crossed out

Written down left hand side “Cert posted 20/9/21?


Reference source:

Agency AABK
Series 18805
Accession W5541
Box / item 26
Record 0057008


Zack

Wayne

Information on HARDY, 6/1081 Private, James - Canterbury Infantry Battalion for you.

This file is 20 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm

In total there are nine main documents (1 to 9) 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.


Overview

James Hardy was born in Scotstown, Tasmania, Australia on Feb 7 1889.

He underwent his medical examination on 15 September 1914 in Christchurch and attested at Christchurch, on the same day although another form records that he “enlisted on 15th day of August 1914, at Christchurch” – clearly an incorrect entry. On enlistment he joined the Canterbury Infantry Battalion.

His ‘apparent age' on enlistment was 25 years 7 months.

James Hardy was a ‘labourer by ‘occupation’ working for Mr Davis Federal Hotel Christchurch and living in Christchurch, South Island New Zealand. He was single. His next of kin was Mrs F Smith (Mother) lived at Gilbert Street La Trobe Tasmania.

His medical description on enlistment was that he was 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed 140 lb. He had a linear scar front of left thigh, which was described, on his medical examination as a distinctive mark. His complexion was described as medium; colour of eyes brown and colour of hair dark. His religious profession was Church of England.

He left Wellington, New Zealand on HMNZT No 11 (Athenic) as part of the Main Body. He embarked for the Dardanelles from Alexandria on 12 April 1915 and went to Mudros. He landed an Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915 but 23 days later on 18 May 1915 he was shipped off sick on the Hospital Ship ‘Royal George’ to Malta. After getting well he went from Malta to Mustapha where he was attacked to the strength of the New Zealand Advanced Base Depot (16 July 1915). He then went to Mudros via SS ‘Huntsgreen’ (20 August 1915) and eventually rejoined his Canterbury Infantry Battalion unit on 12 October 1915. However, on 16 October 1915 he was admitted with an “enlarged gland” (hernia) to New Zealand Field Ambulance and sent to Mudros where he was admitted to No 3 Australia General Hospital where he was treated. He rejoined his unit at Gallipoli on 31 October 1915 but by 4 November 1915 he was suffering from a suppurating gland (hernia) and sent back to Mudros No 3 Australia General Hospital for further treatment. At Mudros he was transferred via Hospital Ship ‘Soudan’ to Malta where he arrived on 26 December 1915. At this time he was described as “slightly sick“ with ‘paratyphoid’ and was admitted to the Ricasoli Military Hospital. However, by 6 January 1916 he was described as “dangerously ill” and he died of pneumonia 13 January 1916.

There is some confusion recorded on his file in that he is described has having “died of sickness 17/1/16 - died of pneumonia 13.1.16 on board H S Devanha at sea.” However, this was subsequently corrected.

He is buried at Pieta Military Cemetery Plot C. Row VI. Grave 4.


1 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1
Personal Record of Registration No 6/1081

NAME Hardy James
Regiment Canty Inf


2 Military History Sheet

NOTE: There are three of these forms on file - one blank and two with the same information.

No 6/1081

Name Hardy James

Information shown in order as: Country; From; To; Days; Initials of Officer making entry:

1 Service record: New Zealand; 15/9/14; 15/10/14; 31 days; F.D.M
1 Service record: At sea HMNZT No 11; 15/10/14; Disembarked Alexandria 3/12/14; 50 days; J.J.S
1 Service record: Egypt; 4/12/14; - ; J.J.S

10 Name and address of next of kin: Mrs F Smith Gilbert Street Tasmania

Intended place of residence on discharge: Christchurch

STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF No 6/1081:
NAME Hardy J

Information shown in order as: Regiment of Corps; Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &c; Rank; Dates: Note Signature of Officer certifying Correctness of Entry apart from the first entry (F D Maurice Lt) are illegible.

Canterbury Infantry Battalion; - ; Private; 15/9/14
Canterbury Infantry Battalion; Malta; Private; 18/5/15
Canterbury Infantry Battalion; Attach Base Depot; Private 16/7/15
Canterbury Infantry Battalion; Seriously ill paratyphoid; Private; 1/1/16
Canterbury Infantry Battalion; Removed to dangerously ill; Private; 5/1/16
12 Coy CIB; Rejoined unit Mudros; Private; 12/10/15


3 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)

ATTESTATION OF

No 6/1081
Name Hardy James
Regiment or Unit: CIB

Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)

1 What is your name? James Hardy
2 Where were you born? Tasmania Scotstown
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? Feb 7 1889
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? 103 Lower High St Christchurch
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? Mr Davis Federal Hotel Chch
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. 6 months with Tasmania Rangers
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 James Hardy 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 James Hardy

Signature of Witness illegible

Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation

I, James Hardy 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 Christchurch, NZ on this 15 day of Sept 1914.

Signature of Attesting Officer illegible Capt

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 James Hardy on Enlistment

Apparent age: 25 years NO months
Height: 5 feet 9 inches
Weight: 140 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 34 ½ inches Maximum 37 ½ inches
Complexion: Medium
Colour of eyes: Brown
Colour of hair: Dark
Religious profession: C of E
Distinctive marks, and marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease. Linear scar front of L thigh

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? Slight deformity - ? – on r side
Is his heart normal? Yes
Are his lungs normal? Yes
What is the condition of his teeth? Upper false, Lower fair
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? 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

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.

15 / 9 1914
SIGNED E J Jory Medical Officer


4 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY
Of

Surname: HARDY
Christian Name: JAMES

Examined On 15 day of September, 1914
At Christchurch
Birthplace Town Scotstoun / Tasmania (note spelling is Scotstown on attestation form)
Country Not stated although obviously Australia
Declared age: 25 years 7 months
Trade or occupation Labourer
Height: 5 ft 9 in
Weight 140 lb
Chest measurement Minimum, 34½ in Maximum expansion 37½ in
Marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease: Linear scar front of L thigh

Enlisted on 15th day of August 1914, at Christchurch

Joined on enlistment: Canty Infantry Battalion
Regimental No 6/1081
Date 15/8/14


5 ARMY FORM B 103 Casualty Form – Active Service

Regimental Number 6/1081
Regiment or Corps Canterbury Inf Bn (12th)
Rank Pte Name Hardy James
Enlisted (a) 15.9.14
Terms of Service (a) period of war
Service reckons from (a) 15.9.14

Information is 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 and Remarks Taken from Army Form B213, Army For A 35 or other official documents:

12/4/12; O/C CIB; Emb at Alexandria for; D’nelles; 12/4/15; Nom roll
23/5/15; HS Royal George; Disembarked at; Malta; 18/5/15; Ship’s Roll
17/7/15; OC Ad Base; Attached to strength NZ Adv Base Depot; Mustapha; 16/7/15; B213
20/8/15; Emb Roll; Emb on SS Huntsgreen for; Mudros; 20/8/15; Nom Roll
4/9/15; OC Anzac Base; Attached to strength Base Details; Mudros; 28/8/15; B213
12/10/15; OC CIB; Rejoined unit; Mudros; 12/10/15; B213
16/10/15; NZ Fd Amb; Adm to Fd Amb; Mudros; 16/10/15; A36 C4175 Hernia
16/10/15; No 3 Aus Gen Hosp; Adm to No 3 Aus Gen Hosp; Mudros; 16/10/15; A36 C4462 Enlarged gland
7/11/15; OC CIB; Rejoined unit; D’nelles; 31/10/15; B213
6/11/15; No 3 Aus Gen Hosp; Adm to No 3 Au Gen Hosp; Mudros; 4/11/15; A36 C4992 Suppurating gland
22/12/15; No 3 Aus Gen Hosp; Transfd to HS Soudan; Mudros; 22/12/15; W3034 E6418 Suppurating gland
3/1/16; C in C Malta; Adm to Hospital; Malta; 26/12/15; Cablegram from C in C Malta WB4300 Paratyphoid
26/12/16; Mil Hosp Ricasoli; Adm to Mil Hospital; Ricasoli Malta; 26/12/15; F726 Hernia
6/1/16; C in C Malta; Dangerously ill; Ricasoli Malta; 5/1/16; Cablegram from C in C Malta 6/1/15 E5694
?/1/16; C in C Malta; Died of disease pneumonia; On board H S Devanha; 13/1/16; Cablegram from C in C Malta WB 4555 13/1/16
-; Mil Hosp Ricasoli; ; C in C Malta; Died of disease pneumonia; Mil Hosp Ricasoli Malta; 13/1/16; Amended report from SMO Mil Hosp Ricasoli Malta F 1228

Signed N Fitz Herbert Major OC Records Section New Zealand for DAG GHO 3rd Echelon MEF

Written “Mrs F Smith Gilbert Street (Mother) La Trobe Tasmania"


6 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)

Unit: CIB
Rank: Pte
Surname: Hardy
Christian Name: James
No: 6/1081
Occupation: Labourer
Religion: Anglican
Place of Birth: Tasmania
Date of Birth: Feb 7th 1889
Last New Zealand address: 103 Lower High Street Ch Ch
Last employer: Mrs F Smith (Mother) Gilbert Street La Trobe Tasmania
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand):


Medal action

Legal next of kin, relationship and address: Mrs F Smith (Mother) Gilbert Street La Trobe Tasmania

Service

Foreign 16/10/14

Sickness

Information shown in order as: Date; Where Soldier located; Message and remarks

13/6/15; Malta; Arrived 15/5/15
- ; Died of disease Pneumonia On board HS Devanha at sea 13 Jan 1916; - (incorrect)
-; Died of pneumonia Mil Hosp Ricasoli Malta 13 Jan 1916 (amended report); -
Buried Pieta Cemetery Malta
31.12.15; Dis Malta H S Soudan 26/12/15 slightly sick
5.1.16; Seriously ill paratyphoid Malta
6.1.16; Removed from seriously ill to dangerously ill January 5th 1916
9.1.16; - ; Still dangerously ill 9/1/16
17.1.16; - Died of pneumonia 13/1/16 Malta

Died of sickness 17/1/16 Died of pneumonia 13.1.16 on board H S Devanha at sea

Medals to Mrs Smith Gilbert St La Trobe Tasmania

PLAQUE AND SCROLL

Soldier’s name Hardy James
Reg No 6/1081
Roll No 505418
Scroll despatched (Date) 10 JUN 1921
Plaque 5 JAN 1922
Recipient and address: Mrs F Smith Gilbert St La Trobe Tasmania

Written on left side “Cert posted 3/8/22”


7 FORM – NO TITLE

NZ Service 82 Days
Overseas 478 days
Total NZEF service 1 year 124 days


Reference source:

Agency AABK
Series 18805
Accession W5539
Box / item 81
Record 0050596


Zack

'Suppurating gland' means pus is forming within it or coming from it.

With paratyphoid (also known as enteric fever) you can either have diarrhoea or constipation, so I'm guessing the herna may have come from him having constipation with it. Listing his death from pnuemonia is interesting - reading a text from 1916 tells me that the pulmonary symptoms of enteric and typhoid (symptoms involving the lungs) could often be confused with pnuemonia unless an autopsy told you differently.

Even today people can die of paratyphoid, due to intestinal complications. And yet supposedly not as severe as typhoid!

Allie

Wayne

Information on HARKER, 12/1653 Private, John William - Auckland Infantry Battalion 16th Coy, A Coy 3rd reinforcements for you.

This file is 22 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm. A lot of this file is sadly unreadable as many parts are just too faded to read - even with a strong magnifying glass. There is also a bit of confusing information recorded on the file e.g. records he ‘joined his unit at the Dardanelles’ on 14 December 1914 - when he had enlisted but was still in New Zealand.

In total there are eight 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.


Overview

John Harker was born in Hokitika, West Coast South Island New Zealand on 28th March 1890.

He underwent his medical examination on 10 December 1914 in Taupiri, in the Waikato Region, North Island, New Zealand and while his file records that he attested at Trentham, on 21 December 1914 it also records that he “enlisted on 14 December at Taupiri.” Dr H C Tait who conducted John Harker’s medical examination was a doctor who practised in Ngaruawahia, very near Taupiri. John Harker’s war service “reckons from 14 December 1914.”

His stated prior miliary experience was 2 ½ years as a member of First Westland Rifles. On enlistment he joined the Auckland Infantry Battalion 16th Coy, A Coy 3rd reinforcements.

His ‘declared age' on enlistment was 24 years 9 months.

John Harker was a ‘baker by ‘occupation’ working for C M Gleeson Taupiri. He was single. His next of kin was Mrs Charlotte Harker (Mother) who lived in Bealey Street Hokitika. Interestingly it is recorded on his history file that any “bad news” had to go to his brother G R Harker, Greymouth.

John Harker’s medical description on enlistment was that he was 5 feet 10 ½ inches tall and weighed 156 lb. He had some condition affecting his right leg but I have no idea what the description (very faded) actually means. It reads like: “Lear(?) function upper & middle thirds of ent inter aspect of R Leg.” Do any of the pals know? Obviously it didn’t prevent his enlistment.

His complexion was described as fair; colour of eyes light blue and colour of hair light brown. His religious profession was Presbyterian.

He left Wellington, New Zealand on HMNZT No 18 ('Tahiti') as part of the 1,719 3rd reinforcement troops. Prior to leaving New Zealand and on board the 'Tahiti' he was inoculated against typhoid – 31 January 1915 / 4 March 1915.

The Thirds including John Harker arrived in Zeitoun, Egypt on 26 March 1915. On 6 May they were sent to Helles in time for the 2nd Battle for Krithia. On 19th May they returned to Anzac. On 10 August 1915 John Harker was admitted to hospital and was sent to Malta on 14 August 1915 where he was reported as being dangerously ill. He died of enteric on 19 August 1915. He was buried in the Pieta Cemetery, Malta, Grave No 6, Row 7a on 20 August 1915.

He had lasted almost 100 days in the battle zone.


1 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1 (This is a cover sheet for the file)

Personal Record of Registration No 12/1653
NAME Harker, John William
Regiment BLANK
Group: BLANK
Number: 12/1653


2 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)

NOTE: This form is of very poor quality!

ATTESTATION OF

No 12/1653
Name John William Harker
Regiment or Unit: N 2 A Inf B (3rd reinf)

Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)

1 What is your name? John William Harker
2 Where were you born? Hokitika
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? 28th March 1890
5 What is your trade or calling? Baker
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 C M Gleeson Taupiri
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? C M Gleeson Taupiri
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. Yes First Westland Rifles 2 ½ 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 Hokitika
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 John William Harker 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 J W Harker

Signature of Witness A C Jameson SSM

Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation

I, John William Harker, 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 21 day of Dec 1914.

Signature of Attesting Officer illegible

Description of Harker, John William on Enlistment

Apparent age: 24 years 9 months
Height: 5 feet 10 ½ inches
Weight: 156 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 31 inches Maximum 36 inches
Complexion: Fair
Colour of eyes: Light blue
Colour of hair: Light brown
Religious profession: Presbyterian
Distinctive marks, and marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease: ? function upper & middle thirds of ? aspect of r leg (see below clearer writing)

Medical Examination

Sight: right eye 6/6
Sight: Left eye 6/6
Hearing: Right ear good
Hearing: Left ear good
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? 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

Next of Kin (Mother) Charlotte Harker Bealey Street Hokitika

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.

Dec 10th 1914
SIGNED H C Tait Medical Officer


3 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY
Of

Surname: Harker
Christian Name: John William

Examined On 10 day of Dec, 1914
At Taupiri
Birthplace Town Hokitika
Country NZ
Declared age: 24 years 9 months
Trade or occupation Baker
Height: 5 ft 10 ½ in
Weight 156 lb
Chest measurement Minimum, 31 in Maximum expansion 36 in
Marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease: “Lear function upper & middle thirds of ent inter aspect of R Leg.” No idea what this means! Any of the pals know the significance of this entry?
Approved by H C Tait Medical Officer
Enlisted on 14 day of Dec 1914, at Taupiri

Joined on enlistment A Coy NZI 3rd Reinf
Regimental No 12/1653
Date: 14/12/14


4 FORM – NO TITLE

Written down left hand side of form:
Surname: Harker
Christian Name: John William

Information on this form is sparse! Data shown in order as: Station or Troopship; Date Arrival at the Station or of Embarkation; and REMARKS ON NATURE OF DISEASE:

Troopship No 18 Tahiti 14/12/14 - 13/2/15; 31/1/15 Inoculated Typhoid; Vaccinated 4/3/15


5 ARMY FORM B 103 Casualty Form – Active Service

Regimental Number: 12/1653
Regiment or Corps: Auck Inf Batt 16th Coy
Rank: Private
Name: Harker John William
Enlisted (a) 14/12/14
Terms of Service (a) Period of war
Service reckons from (a) 14/12/14

Data 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; C in C; Disembarked and admitted to Hospital; Malta; 14/8/15; Debility Nom Roll A5688
21/8/15; C in C; Placed on dangerously ill list; Malta; 17/8/15; Cable WB1015 A4413
Progress Cable 27/9/15; C in C; Died of enteric fever; Malta; 19/8/15; Reply to cable of 26/9/15 (to NZ Information Bureaus from Malta)

Signed N Fitz Herbert Major OC Records Section New Zealand for DAG GHO 3rd Echelon MEF

Stamped “entered on history sheet 30.8.17


6 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)

Unit: AIB
Rank: Pte
Surname: Harker
Christian Name: John William
No: 12/1653
Occupation: Baker
Religion: Presbyterian
Place of Birth: Hokitika
Date of Birth: 28 March 1890
Last New Zealand address: c/o C M Gleeson Taupiri
Last employer: C M Gleeson
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand):
Mother Charlotte Harker c/o Mrs Feildman, Matilida St, looks like “Linauri” but I don’t think such a place in New Zealand exists?
Bad news - Geo R Harker ( Mackay St Greymouth

Medal action

Legal next of kin, relationship and address: Mr G R Harker Greymouth (bro)

Stamped “Medal ACTION COMPLETE 20 Feb 1924”

Sick

Date: 7.8.15
Soldier located: Malta
Message and Remarks: Dangerously ill

Died of enteric fever Malta 19 August 1915
Buried at Pieta Cemetery Malta

Died of sickness 289 29.8.15 Died of Enteric 19 August at Malta Buried Pieta Cemetery Malta Grave No 6 Row 7a – 20/8/15

PLAQUE AND SCROLL

Soldier’s name: Harker, John Wm
Reg No: 12/1653
Roll No: 505429
Scroll despatched: (Date) 10 JUN 1921
Plaque: 5 Jan 1922
Recipient and address: Mr G R Harker Mackay St Greymouth

Written down left side: “Cert posted 5/8/22.”

7 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (Form No 3 Military History Sheet

NOTE: There are two of these forms – information following is a compilation:

No 12/1653 (3rd reinforcements)

Name Harker John William

Data is shown in order as: Country; From; To; Days:

1 Service record: NZ; 14/12/14; 12/2/15; 60 days
1 Service record: HMNZT No 18; 13/2/15; 26.3.15 Dis Suez; 42 days
1 Service record: Egypt; 27/3/15; -

5 Wounded: Dangerously ill 17th August 1915

10 Name and address of next of kin: Two entries shown: Mother Charlotte Harker, Hokitika / Advise G R Harker, Greymouth

STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE

Information in order as: Regiment or Corps; Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &c; Ranks; Dates; Signature of Officer certifying Correctness of Entry:

A Coy; Joined unit D’nelles; Pte; 14/12/14? H G Owens
AIB; - Pte; 8/5/15; H G O
AIB; Adm Hosp; Pte; 10/8/15; H G O
AIB; Adm Hosp Malta; Pte; 14/8/15; H G O
AIB; Dangerously ill; Pte; 14/8/15; H G O
AIB; Died of enteric; Pte; 19/8/15; H G O


8 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: Auckland Infantry Battalion
Squadron Troop, Battery or Company 16th Company
Regtl No 12/1653
Rank Private
Name Harker John William
Died Date 19th August 1915
Place Malta
Cause of Death* Enteric Fever

*Specially state if killed in action or died from wounds received in action, or from illness due to field operations or to fatigue, privation or exposure while on military duty, or from injury while on military duty.

State whether he leaves a will or not
(a) in Pay Book (Army Book 64)
( in Small Book (if at Base)
© as a separate document

All private documents and effects received from the front or hospital, as well as the Pay Book, should be examined, and if any will is found it should be at once forwarded to the War Office.

Any information received as to verbal expressions by a deceased soldier of his wishes as to the disposal of his estate should be reported to the War Office as soon as possible.

A duplicate of this report is to be sent to the Paymaster at the Base (see Field Service Regulations, Part II), together with the deceased’s Pay Book (after withdrawal of any will from the latter.) If the deceased’s Small Book is at the Base, it should be forwarded to the War Office with this Report.

Signature of Officer in charge of
Section Adjutant-General’s
Office at the Base N Fitzherbert Major

Station and date Alexandria 6th October 1915


Reference source

Agency AABK
Series 18805
Accession W5539
Box / item 82
Record 0050696

Zack

Zack, have you got a photocopy of this that you can put up, or did you copy it all out by hand? Being able to look at it would be helpful.

Allie

The faces in the text by the way have not been put there by me - I guess they represent what happens when I use the letter B and place brackets around it. I will try to avoid doing this in the future.

Zack

Wayne


Thought I'd jump ahead a bit. Information on SARGISSON, 11/820 Trooper, Eric Arthur - Wellington Mounted Rifles for you.

This file is 19 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm. The file is not in very good physical condition and is very hard to read in places. It has conflicting dates provided and also doesn’t provide a lot of information about the movements of this man. In total there are six main documents (1 to 6) 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.


Overview

Eric Arthur Sargisson was born in Porangahau, Hawkes Bay region, North Island, New Zealand on 4 March 1892.

He underwent his medical examination on 20 October 1914 and attested at Trentham on 20 October 1914. His medical description on enlistment was that he was 5 feet 10½ inches tall and weighed 170 lb. His complexion was described as dark; colour of eyes brown and colour of hair black. His religious profession was Anglican. He had a distinctive tattoo mark on his left forearm. The file doesn’t state where he was medically examined although the doctor making the examination, F Reid MacKay was a doctor at Dannevirke.

His ‘apparent age' on enlistment was 22 years 6 months.

His stated prior military experience had been gained as a member of the School Senior Cadets. On enlistment he joined the Wellington Mounted Rifles 9th Squadron.

Eric Sargisson was a ‘shepherd by ‘occupation’ working for G Skiater (sp?), and on one file working for G M Sargisson his father at Porangahau. Eric was single.

Unfortunately his file doesn’t record on which ship he left New Zealand or when he landed on Gallipoli. In Egypt he was sick and was admitted to Hospital at or from Zeitoun on 5 April 1915. He was reported missing at Anzac Cove on 27 August 1915 and had obviously being seriously wounded resulting in a compound fracture of the jaw and he had been transported to Malta.

He died, according to his file, in Tigne Hospital, Malta at 6 am on September 12 1915; and yet a telegram from the Commandant at Malta records the death as 13 September 1915.

He is buried at Pieta Military Cemetery row 10B grave No 2.


1 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)

Unit: WMR 9th Sqd
Rank: Trp
Surname: Sargisson
Christian Name: Eric
No: 11/820
Occupation: Shepherd
Religion: Anglican
Place of Birth: Porangahau
Last New Zealand address: Porangahau
Last employer: G M Sargisson Porangahau
Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand):

Service

Data is shown in order as: Country or troopship; Date from; Date to

NZ; 20.10.14; 14.12.14
Foreign 14.12.14; -

Medal action

Ad re medals to Mr G M Sargisson (F) Porangahau

Wounds

AFB 103 Died of wounds received in action Gallipoli in Tigne Hos Malta 6 am Sept 12 1915
BR9/2 Buried in Pieta Cemetery Malta row 10B grave No 2
Died of wounds 182 21.9.15 on September 13 1915
Missing 194 Missing August 27th

Death Card - 28.5.17

PLAQUE AND SCROLL

Soldier’s name Sargisson Eric Arthur
Reg No 11/820
Roll No 5116711
Scroll despatched (Date) 14 NOV 1921
Plaque 2 Dec 1921

Recipient and address: Mr G M Sargisson Porangahau HB

2 Casualty Form – Active Service

Regimental Number 11/829
Regiment or Corps Wellington M R 9th Sqdn
Rank trooper
Surname Sargisson Eric Arthur (last name crossed out but no other name put in place – although I’ve read the name “Tudway” in Stowers) Perhaps Andy can clarify.
Enlisted (a) 25/10/15
Terms of Service (a) period of war
Service reckons from (a) 25/10/15

Data 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:

11/4/15; AFB213; Admitted to Hospital; Zeitoun; 5/4/15; -
28/8/15; O/C WMR; Report missing; Anzac Cove; 27/8/15; B213
15/9/15; Commdt Malta; Died of wounds Com Frac Jaw; Malta; 13/9/15; Cablegram WB1511 Commdth Malta

Signed N Fitz Herbert Capt OC Records Section New Zealand for DAG GHO 3rd Echelon MEF

Stamped “FILE 17 Nov 1915 C.A.M

Entered on history sheet LH 28.5.17


3 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)

ATTESTATION OF

No 11/820
Name E Sargisson
Regiment or Unit: WMR

Questions to be put to the recruit before enlistment (NOTE recruit responses are also numbered 1 – 18)

1 What is your name? Eric Sargisson
2 Where were you born? Porangahau
3 Are you a British subject? Yes
4 What is the date of your birth? 4 March 1892
5 What is your trade or calling? Shepherd
6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? No
7 What was the address at which you last resided? Porangahau
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 Skiater? Porangahau
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. Yes School Senior Cadets
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 Eric Sargisson 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 Eric Sargisson

Signature of Witness Looks like “W Tokeluaa? Lieut”

Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation

I, Eric Sargisson, 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 illegible, NZ on this illegible day of October 1914.

Signature of Attesting Officer 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 NOT STATED on Enlistment

Apparent age: 22 years 6 months
Height: 5 feet 10½ inches
Weight: 170 lb
Chest measurement Minimum 34 inches Maximum 39 inches
Complexion: Dark
Colour of eyes: Brown
Colour of hair Black
Religious profession: Anglican
Distinctive marks, and marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease. Tattoo mark on left forearm

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? No decay
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

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.

20 Oct 1914
SIGNED F Reid Mackay Capt MD Medical Officer


4 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4) MEDICAL HISTORY
Of

Surname: Sargisson
Christian Name: Eric

Examined On 20 day of Oct, 1914
At NOT STATED
Birthplace Town Porangahau
Country NZ
Declared age: 22 years 6 months
Trade or occupation Shepherd
Height: 5 ft 10 ½ in
Weight 170 lb
Chest measurement Minimum, 34 in Maximum expansion 39 in
Marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease: Tattoo left forearm

Approved by Dr F Reid MacKay Medical Officer

Enlisted on 20 day of Oct 1914, at Trentham

Joined on enlistment: WMR
Regimental No: 11/820
Date: 20/10/14


5 FORM – NO TITLE

Written down left hand side of form:
Surname: Sargisson
Christian Name: Eric

NZ Service 50 days
Overseas 274 days
Total NZEF service – years 324 days


6 Military History Sheet

NOTE: There are two of these forms on file – the following information is a compilation.

No 11/829
Name Eric Sargisson

Information shown in order as: Country; From; To; Days:

1 Service record: NZ; 20/10/14; 11/12/14; 56 days
1 Service record: At sea; 15/11/14; 14/1/15(?); 50 days
1 Service record: Egypt; 2/2/15(?)

10 Name and address of next of kin: G M Sargisson Porangahau

Intended place of residence on discharge: Porangahau, NZ

STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE

Information is in order as: Regiment or Corps; Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &c; Rank; Dates; Signature of Officer certifying Correctness of Entry:

Wellington MR; Attested; Trooper; 20/10/14; looks like J L K Strang Lieut?

-; Reported missing; - ; 27.8.15; Illegible
WMR; Further report Died of Wounds (Malta); - ; 13.9.15; Illegible


Reference source:

Agency AABK
Series 18805
Accession W5550
Box / item 114
Record 0101817


Zack

Allie

I agree with you about being able to look at the actual writing but I copy all these files by hand - sorry!

Zack

Strewth - that's dedication!

Allie

Returning once more to L/Cpl CAMMOCK, William Rowland 10/1060

I have a few bits photocopied from the Dannevirke High School magazines - but only the pages which relate to my great uncle. However, looking through there are a couple of mentions which may be him. There are two magazines per year which outline happenings at the school as well as Old Boys and Old Girls.

I have an R Cammock who started as a new boy at Dannevirke High School in 1908 (one or two years behind my Uncle Jock). I'm fairly certain this is William Rowland going by his middle name, as later on he is talked about as 'Rowland Cammock'. He played rugby in the 'back rank' in the same team as Uncle Jock and gets a few mentions, plus a photo of the team with him in it.

The 1910 Magazine tells us that he passed the Junior Civil Service exam and also the Hawkes Bay Education Board Senior Scholarship exam. He was a good runner, and came second in his heat for the 200 yards open handicap, also mentioned in the 1910 magazine.

The second magazine of 1910 (issued in approximately December) says "Rowland Cammock, who left school this year, has now the position of probationer, Mangapapa School, Gisborne." (Funnily enough my uncle on the other side of the family was Headmaster of that school some 75 years or so later)

1912 tells us he was playing rugby for Victoria College - where he went to Teachers College, as he is lsited as being one of the 8 ex-pupils currently attending lectures there.

The 1914 magazine lists him as one of the Old Boys who left with the Main Body.

There would have been a photo and small obituary about him in the magazine for the second half of 1915, or the first half of 1916, but unfortunately it is not amongst the pages I photocopied.

1917 lists him on the school Roll of Honour and also shows a potential younger(?) brother ('C Cammock') as an Old Boy who is away at the front.

Anyway, here's a photo of the Dannevirke High School memorial which is in the entrance way of the school, next to the main office.




Also, a poor copy of a photo of the Dannevirke High School football team 1909. (sorry, it's a scan of a photocopy) Rowland Cammock is in the front row, 3rd from the left next to the trophy. My uncle Jock is seated directly behind him.



Allie

(Chris - don't freak about size of photos - hosted offsite!)

Allie

It's quicker than you think as I use a database of WW1 military file blank templates that I have developed on my trusty laptop and that speeds up the process heaps! It usually takes about one hour to review a file and another hour max to form a view re what I see - depending on the condition of the file. I do the overview process on a weekend so my time at Archives is very focussed and usually short.

It's really fun and what's really important is that these young men's stories are told. I hope people viewing this thread appreciate the insight it may provide for people who can’t get to NZ Archives. And I know Wayne is appreciative! He has really interesting information to place these men’s’ stories in the Malta context. I’m just pleased to be able to contribute.

Zack

Wayne

The probate file for James Hardy 6/1081 is three pages long as follows:


Cover sheet:

19286

In the Supreme Court of New Zealand

Wellington District

IN THE MATTER of the Estate of James Hardy, deceased soldier.
ELECTION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF
TESTATE PERSON
(WITH WILL ANNEXED)

J W Macdonald
Solicitor
Public Trust Office
Wellington


Page One

In the Supreme Court of New Zealand

Wellington District

IN THE MATTER of the Public Trust Office Act 1908 and its amendments; and

IN THE MATTER of the estate of James Hardy, late of Christchurch in the Provincial District of Canterbury in the Dominion of New Zealand, Labourer, but at his death a Private No 6/1081 in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force operating at the Dardanelles, deceased, (hereinafter referred to as “the said deceased”).

WHEREAS it has been reported to the Public Trustee and he has reasonable cause of belief that the said deceased died on or about the 13th of January 1916 AND WHEREAS the Public Trustee after due enquiries believes that the document hereto annexed and marked “A” and bearing date the 6th day of April 1915 is the last will and testament of the said deceased and was executed by the said deceased while on actual military service within the meaning of section 11 of the Wills Act 1837 and that according to the provisions of such section such will has been validly executed AND WHEREAS no executor is appointed by the said will and the Public Trustee has been requested to administer the estate of the said deceased according to the provisions of such will AND WHEREAS as now known the real and personal estate of the said deceased is set forth in the schedule hereto annexed and marked “B” and the gross value of the same does not exceed the sum of £400 AND WHEREAS probate of the said will has not been obtained NOW THIS IS TO NOTIFY all whom it may concern that in pursuance of section 18 of the Public Trust Office Amendment Act 1913 the Public Trustee being so entitled DOTH HEREBY ELECT TO ADMINISTER the property of the said deceased according to the provisions of such will.

Dated the 31st day of August 1916.

Signed illegible
Public Trustee


Page two

“A”

13

Short Form of Will

In the event of my death I give to

(a) Mrs F Smith
( Gilbert Street Latrobe Tasmania

*and I give to (crossed out)

(a) Any money that may be due to me since my service with the forces of New Zealand
( Post Office Savings Bank Christchurch NZ


Signature James Hardy

Date April 6th 1915

6/1081

(a) Insert name of person to whom it is desired to leave the money or article.
( Insert the amount of money or the name of the article which it is wished to give.

* If the soldier desires to mention only one person in his Will this part is to be left blank, if more than two persons, the names and legacies can be added.

This is the document marked “A” referred to in the annexed Election by me dated the 31st day of August 1916.

Signed illegible
Public Trustee


Page three

“B”

Schedule of property of James Hardy, deceased, as now known to the Public Trustee

Cash in Post Office Savings Bank: £56.10. 5
Military Pay: £27.2.5

Total: £83. 12. 5
This is the schedule marked “B”: referred to in the annexed election by me dated the 31st day of August 1916.

Signed illegible
Public Trustee



Reference Source

Agency AAOM
Series 6029
Accession W3265
Box / item -
Record 19286/1916


Zack

Wayne

Probate file for Stanley Hall 7/498 – this file is three pages long as follows and is sad to read:

Cover sheet:

18471

In the Supreme Court of New Zealand

Wellington District

IN THE MATTER of the will of Stanley Hall late of Wellington in the Provincial District of Wellington in the Dominion of New Zealand, Coach Agent, but at his death a Trooper No 7/498 in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force operating at the Dardanelles, deceased.

ELECTION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF
TESTATE PERSON
(WITH WILL ANNEXED)

J W Macdonald
Solicitor
Public Trust Office
Wellington


Page One

In the Supreme Court of New Zealand

Wellington District

IN THE MATTER of the Public Trust Office Act 1908 and its amendments; and

IN THE MATTER of the will of Stanley Hall, late of Wellington in the Provincial District of Wellington in the Dominion of New Zealand, Coach Agent, but at his death a Trooper 7/498 in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force operating at the Dardanelles, deceased, (hereinafter referred to as “the said deceased”).

WHEREAS it has been reported to the Public Trustee and he has reasonable cause of belief that the said deceased died on or about the 11th of September 1915 of wounds received in action AND WHEREAS the Public Trustee after due enquiries believes that the document hereto annexed and marked “A” and bearing no date is the last will and testament of the said deceased and was executed by the said deceased while on actual military service within the meaning of section 11 of the Wills Act 1837 and that according to the provisions of such section such will has been validly executed AND WHEREAS no executor is appointed by the said will and the Public Trustee has been requested to administer the estate of the said deceased according to the provisions of such will AND WHEREAS as now known the real and personal estate of the said deceased is set forth in the schedule hereto annexed and marked “B” and the gross value of the same does not exceed the sum of £400 AND WHEREAS probate of the said will has not been obtained NOW THIS IS TO NOTIFY all whom it may concern that in pursuance of section 18 of the Public Trust Office Amendment Act 1913 the Public Trustee being so entitled DOTH HEREBY ELECT TO ADMINISTER the property of the said deceased according to the provisions of such will.
AS WITNESS the hand and corporate seal of the Public Trustee this 16th Day of March 1916.

The Public Trustee
by his Deputy
Signed T S Ronaldson
Deputy Public Trustee


Page Two

“A”
13

Short Form of Will

In the event of my death I give to

(a) My property
( Mother.

*and I give to (crossed out)

Goodbye

(a) BLANK
( BLANK

Signature S Hall

May God Pity me

(Written on the side of this page is “Father Archibald Hall 97 Hill St Wellington”)

7/498

(a) Insert name of person to whom it is desired to leave the money or article.
( Insert the amount of money or the name of the article which it is wished to give.

* If the soldier desires to mention only one person in his Will this part is to be left blank, if more than two persons, the names and legacies can be added.

This is the document marked “A” referred to in the annexed Election by me dated the 16th day of March 1916.

Signed T S Ronaldson
Deputy Public Trustee


Page Three

“B”

Schedule of property of Stanley Hall, deceased, as now known to the Public Trustee

Cash in Bank: £19. 4. 5
Military Pay: £20. 0. 0

Total: £39. 4. 5

This is the schedule marked “B”: referred to in the annexed election by me dated the 16th day of March 1916.

Signed illegible
Public Trustee


Reference Source

Agency AAOM
Series 6029
Accession W3265
Box / item
Record 18471/1916


Zack

Wayne

The probate file for John Hourston 9/710 – it is three pages long as follows:


Cover sheet:

19088

In the Supreme Court of New Zealand

Wellington District

IN THE MATTER of John Hourston.
ELECTION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF
TESTATE PERSON
(WITH WILL ANNEXED)

J W Macdonald
Solicitor
Public Trust Office
Wellington


Page One

In the Supreme Court of New Zealand

Wellington District

IN THE MATTER of the Public Trust Office Act 1908 and its amendments; and

IN THE MATTER of John Hourston, late of Kahuika in the Provincial District of Otago in the Dominion of New Zealand, Labourer, but at his death a Trooper No 9/710 in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force operating at the Dardanelles, deceased, (hereinafter referred to as “the said deceased”).

WHEREAS it has been reported to the Public Trustee and he has reasonable cause of belief that the said deceased died on or about the 30th of August 1915 AND WHEREAS the Public Trustee after due enquiries believes that the document hereto annexed and marked “A” and bearing date the 21st day of May 1915 is the last will and testament of the said deceased and was executed by the said deceased while on actual military service within the meaning of section 11 of the Wills Act 1837 and that according to the provisions of such section such will has been validly executed AND WHEREAS no executor is appointed by the said will and the Public Trustee has been requested to administer the estate of the said deceased according to the provisions of such will AND WHEREAS as now known the real and personal estate of the said deceased is set forth in the schedule hereto annexed and marked “B” and the gross value of the same does not exceed the sum of £400 AND WHEREAS probate of the said will has not been obtained NOW THIS IS TO NOTIFY all whom it may concern that in pursuance of section 18 of the Public Trust Office Amendment Act 1913 the Public Trustee being so entitled DOTH HEREBY ELECT TO ADMINISTER the property of the said deceased according to the provisions of such will.

Dated the 20th day of July 1916.

Signed illegible
Public Trustee


Page two

“A”
13

Short Form of Will

In the event of my death I give to

(a) Wm Hourston, Houipapa Otago NZ
( All payments due and deferred also all property which I hold.

*and I give to (crossed out)

(a) BLANK
( BLANK

Signature John Hourston

Date 21st May 1915

9/710

(a) Insert name of person to whom it is desired to leave the money or article.
( Insert the amount of money or the name of the article which it is wished to give.

* If the soldier desires to mention only one person in his Will this part is to be left blank, if more than two persons, the names and legacies can be added.

This is the document marked “A” referred to in the annexed Election by me dated the 20th day of July 1916.

Signed illegible
Public Trustee


Page three

“B”

Schedule of property of John Hourston, deceased, as now known to the Public Trustee

Freehold: £130
Leasehold: £115
Military Pay: £20

Total: £265

This is the schedule marked “B”: referred to in the annexed election by me dated the 20th day of July 1916.

Signed illegible
Public Trustee


Reference Source

Agency AAOM
Series 6029
Accession W3265
Box / item -
Record 19088/1916

Zack

Wayne

The probate file on John William Harker 12/1653 – the file is two pages long as follows:

Cover sheet:

19933

In the Supreme Court of New Zealand

Wellington District

IN THE MATTER of the Real and Personal Estate of John William Harker, late of Hokitika in the Provincial District of Westland. Baker. Deceased, intestate.

ELECTION OF THE PUBLIC TRUSTEE TO ADMINISTER


Page one

In the Supreme Court of New Zealand
Wellington District

IN THE MATTER of the Public Trust Office Act 1908 and its amendments; and
IN THE MATTER of the Administration Act, 1908; and
IN THE MATTER of the real and personal estate of
John William Harker,
Provincial District of Westland.

Baker, deceased (hereinafter called
“the said deceased.”) lately a member of His Majesty’s New Zealand Expeditionary Force serving at the Dardanelles.

WHEREAS it has been reported to the Public Trustee and he has reasonable cause of belief that the said deceased died on or about the 19th of August 1915, intestate: AND WHEREAS as now known, the real and personal; estate of the said deceased is set forth in the forth in the schedule or list thereof written on the third page hereof, and the gross value of the same as estimated by the Public Trustee at this date does not exceed £400, and whereas nom person has taken out administration to the said estate: NOW, THIS IS TO NOTIFY to all whom it may concern that, in pursuance of the provisions of section 15 of the Public Trust Office Act, 1908, as amended by section 19 of the Public Trust Office Amendment Act, 1913, the Public Trustee being so entitled doth hereby ELECT TO ADMINISTER the property of the said deceased, particulars whereof, as now known, appear on the third page hereof.

Dated this 7th day of December 1916

T L Ronaldson
Deputy Public Trustee

Page two

Schedule or list of property belonging to the estate of John William Baker, DECEASED, as now known to the Public Trustee

1 Cash in bank £28. 10. 0
2 Cash in possession BLANK
3 Furniture, effects and jewellery BLANK
4 Live and dead stock BLANK
5 Stock-in-trade, book debts, and goodwill BLANK
6 Leaseholds BLANK
7 Life policy BLANK
8 Pay accrued to death £10.2. 0
9 Mortgages, bonds, &c and interest accrued to death BLANK
10 Shares BLANK
11 All other personal property BLANK
12 Freeholds BLANK
TOTAL: £38. 12.

These men were not rich!


Reference Source

Agency AAOM
Series 6029
Accession W3265
Box / item
Record 19933/1916

Zack

Wayne

The probate file on Robert McKinley Frazer 9/820 – this file is three pages long as follows:

Cover sheet:

18498

In the Supreme Court of New Zealand

Wellington District

IN THE MATTER of the will of Robert McKinley Frazer, late of Seacliff in the Provincial District of Otago in the Dominion of New Zealand, Carpenter, but at his death a Trooper No 9/820 in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force operating at the Dardanelles, deceased.

ELECTION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF TESTATE PERSON

(WITH WILL ANNEXED)

J W Macdonald
Solicitor
Public Trust Office
Wellington


Page one

In the Supreme Court of New Zealand

Wellington District

IN THE MATTER of the Public Trust Office Act 1908 and its amendments; and

IN THE MATTER of the will of Robert McKinley Frazer, late of Seacliff in the Provincial District of Otago in the Dominion of New Zealand, Carpenter, but at his death a Trooper No 9/820 in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force operating at the Dardanelles, deceased, (hereinafter referred to as “the said deceased.”)

WHEREAS it has been reported to the Public Trustee and he has reasonable cause of belief that the said deceased died on or about the 4th of September 1915 AND WHEREAS the Public Trustee after due enquiries believes that the document hereto annexed and marked “A” and bearing date the 16th day of March 1915 is the last will and testament of the said deceased and was executed by the said deceased while on actual military service within the meaning of section 11 of the Wills Act 1837 and that according to the provisions of such section such will has been validly executed AND WHEREAS no executor is appointed by the said will and the Public Trustee has been requested to administer the estate of the said deceased according to the provisions of such will AND WHEREAS as now known the real and personal estate of the said deceased is set forth in the schedule hereto annexed and marked “B” and the gross value of the same does not exceed the sum of £400 AND WHEREAS probate of the said will has not been obtained NOW THIS IS TO NOTIFY all whom it may concern that in pursuance of section 18 of the Public Trust Office Amendment Act 1913 the Public Trustee being so entitled DOTH HEREBY ELECT TO ADMINISTER the property of the said deceased according to the provisions of such will.

Dated the 23rd day of March 1916.

Signed illegible
Public Trustee


Page two

“A”

13

Short Form of Will

In the event of my death I give to

(a) My Mother Mrs J Frazer
( Of Stirling Otago NZ

All my real and personal estate whatsoever

*and I give to -

(a) BLANK
( BLANK


Signature R M Frazer

Date 16/3/15

9/820

(a) Insert name of person to whom it is desired to leave the money or article.
( Insert the amount of money or the name of the article which it is wished to give.

* If the soldier desires to mention only one person in his Will this part is to be left blank, if more than two persons, the names and legacies can be added.

This is the document marked “A” referred to in the annexed Election by me dated the 23rd day of March 1916.

Signed illegible
Public Trustee

Page three

“B”

Schedule of [property of Robert McKinley Frazer, deceased, as now known to the Public Trustee

Cash in Post Office Savings Bank: £36.2.5
Military Pay: £20.0.0

Total: £56. 2.5

This is the schedule marked “B”: referred to in the annexed election by me dated the 23rd day of March 1916.

Signed illegible
Public Trustee


Reference Source

Agency AAOM
Series 6029
Accession W3265
Box / item -
Record 18498/1916

Zack

I don't know what the daily pay rate was in the NZEF, but I have a rates of pay list for the 2nd NZEF dated 13 June 1940, and it has a private being paid 7 shillings per day whilst in NZ, and 7 shillings and sixpence per day from date of embarkation. With 12 pennies to the shilling, and 20 shillings to the pound, that meant you got just over two and a half pounds a week whilst away. (I think - I don't add too well in old money!)

So for some of these men - that amount in their will could have represented quite a bit of their service pay for the time they were away.


Allie

Found a photo of "Sergeant R Craig, Otago Mounted, died of enteric: in the Otago Witness Oct 27 1915 page 39.

Zack