They Came Home from WW1 - Pukekohe

He became an out-patient of
Napier hospital where they worked
to improve the flexibility and use of
his fingers.

Post-war
Following Bill’s discharge from the army on 6 September 1918, he returned to his job of droving.
In 1927 he married Alice Maud CHALK (1885-1960), widow of Alfred ALLINGHAM. Alice had arrived
in Napier on the Ionic in 1925 with her two sons, aged 15 and 10. Bill and Alice had one child, Edna
May (1929-1994).
Bill continued living in Hastings, firstly at Plunket St and then in 1931 at 110 Hastings St, working as a
shepherd. In 1938 his occupation had changed to labourer and the family were living at 623
Heretaunga St. In 1946 and 1954 the family were living in Dargaville and Bill was working as a
farmhand. Then by 1957 they are living in Pukekohe. Bill died on 20 February 1957 at Middlemore
Hospital. Alice is given as his next of kin and her address is C/- W G HOWLAND, R.D., Bombay). Alice
died on 1 April 1960 and is buried in the Pukekohe Cemetery.

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 052.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
NZ Post Office Directory
Ancestry
NZ Electoral Rolls
New Zealand BDM
Papers Past

Researched by Barbara Raven

Malcolm McDOUGALL

Service Number: 34396
Regiment: Auckland Regiment
Last known Rank: Private
Died: 27 Jul 1975
Age: 77 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 192

Pre-war
Malcolm McDOUGALL was born 07 July 1898 (army record says 1896) at Feilding, Manawatu to
William McDougall (1866–17 March 1922) and Emily WORSFORD (1869–1909). Malcolm was the
second of four children for William and Emily, and he had a sister and two brothers.
After Emily died in 1909 the family continued to farm in the Orua, Waituna West area but by 1914
they had moved north to Pukekawa, Waikato. William remarried in 1915 to Ida Mae THOMPSON and
had two more children. Malcolm was always known to the family as Mally.
Malcolm was in B company in the 16th Waikato regiment and had done his army cadet training at
Onewhero.

Enlistment and Training
Malcolm enlisted on 21 August 1916. He gave his occupation as farmer and his next of kin as his
father, Mr W McDougall, Pukekawa. He was placed in the 20th Reinforcements in E Company. He was
attested to have grey eyes, fresh complexion, dark brown hair and to be 5 feet 11 inches tall (180cm)
and Presbyterian.
During his time at Trentham, Malcolm caught measles and was in Featherston Hospital for two weeks.

Service Abroad

Malcolm embarked on the HMNZT 73 Opawa on 2 January
1917, stopping off at Cape Town, South Africa and arriving in
the United Kingdom on 27 March 1917. The Company marched
into Sling Camp and were then posted overseas to France on 26
May 1917. They joined up with the 1st Battalion Auckland
Regiment at Rouen in June. On 28 September Malcolm suffered
a broken left clavicle following a dispute with another soldier.
He was transferred to the Manor War Hospital in Epsom and
then to Hornchurch Convalescent Hospital in November. By
early 1918 Malcolm had contracted influenza. He was
hospitalised and eventually declared unfit for service and
placed on the SS Paparoa to return to Wellington. He was
discharged from service in New Zealand on 21 June 1919.
On Malcolm’s discharge it was noted that he had not returned
his overcoat as it had been left on the ship. It was assessed at
£2 so we assume he was charged for it.

Post-war

In 1919 Malcolm was back farming in Pukekawa and
during the early 1920s he played rugby for Onewhero.
On 12 December 1928, Malcolm married Sylvia Emily
RUSSELL (27 March 1907-27 October 1991). The couple
had 4 sons – Malcolm, Kenneth, Ronald, and Ian. Three
of these sons were well known growers in the Franklin
area.
During the 1930s and 1940s Malcolm was to become a
well-known local identity and worker in the community.
He was the local RSA President, on the Rotary committee,
involved in the Home Guard, President of the Primary
Produce Committee, on the A and P Committee and a
Justice of the Peace. He also served on the panel dealing
with land ballots.
From 1935 Malcolm and Sylvia lived on Puni Road until
their retirement to 24 Anzac Road, Pukekohe Hill in 1969.

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 192.
Roll of Honour Pukekawa Hall.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Archives New Zealand, Probate
New Zealand BDM
Ian McDougall, son
New Zealand Electoral Rolls

Researched by Barbara Raven

James McGURK

Service Number: 13/2353
Regiment: 1st Auckland Regiment
Last known Rank: Private
Died: 11 October 1973
Age: 85 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 166

Pre-war

James was born on 10 September 1888 in Donaghmore, County Tyrone, Ireland, the ninth of 12
children of Patrick McGURK (1849-1939) and Margaret QUINN born 1855 in Co. Tyrone. All 12
children were literate, some immigrated to the USA and some to Yorkshire. It appears that James
and his father Patrick were the only ones to come to New Zealand, sometime between 1911 when
James was living with his Uncle James CONWAY in Tatnagilta, a townland in Co. Tyrone and 1915
when he enlisted.

Enlistment and Training
James enlisted on 20 August 1915 and was placed in the 7th reinforcements of the Auckland
Mounted Rifles. His address was Matapara, Kihikihi, where he had his own farm. His next of kin was
given as his father, Mr P. McGURK, Wellington.
James was described as 5 feet 8 inches (172cm), weight 161 lbs (73kgs), brown hair, blue eyes and a
dark complexion. He gave his religion as Roman Catholic.

Service Abroad

James embarked on the Aparima The troopship Aparima
(transport ship 32) on 30 October
1915, heading for Suez where he
disembarked on 18 November. He
then travelled from Alexandria to
France on 8 September 1916. Just
seven days later he was wounded

with shrapnel making a flesh wound
in his back at the level of the 10th rib.
He was hospitalised in France and
then on 20 September transferred to
England and to the NZ General
Hospital at Brocklehurst.
At the end of March 1917, James was
transferred to the Auckland 4th Infantry and at the end of May he returned to France. In March
1918, James was given three weeks leave in the UK and then rejoined his unit in France. In the
middle of October, James was given two weeks leave in Paris and when he rejoined it was to the 2nd
Battalion of the Auckland Regiment.

On 1 February 1919, James returned to London and boarded the Hororata for NZ, arriving on 13
April 1919, when he was discharged. He had served a total of 3 years 237 days overseas and 80 days
in New Zealand.
Post-war
In 1928 James was farming in Ngaroma, Te Awamutu.
He married Ivy Maud HILL nee WATSON (1895-1988) in 1932. She was the daughter of
James F.WATSON (1860-1941) and Elizabeth Ann HARVEY (1866-1945). Ivy had two sons with her
first husband, Walter HILL. James and Ivy did not have a family but were close to a niece Jean who
he named in his will.
In 1933 James won a ballot for land at Te Kauwhata – one of 12 dairy farms developed for returned
servicemen. It was here that they milked cows until 1945.
James went on a six month trip back to Ireland in 1958 and by 1963 they were living at 48 Paerata
Rd, Pukekohe and retired.
James died on 11 October 1973 in Pukekohe and was buried on 15 October.
Ivy moved to Hamilton, probably to be closer to her son and she died on 1 July 1988 and is buried in
the Hamilton Park cemetery, as is her son.

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 166.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Archives New Zealand, Wills
Ancestry
Papers Past
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Researched by Barbara Raven

Lewis Dawson McLACHLAN MM

Service Number: 10/1301 and 6/3806
Regiment: Canterbury Regiment
Last known Rank: Sergeant
Died: 24 April 1943
Age: 63 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 001

Pre-war

Lewis Dawson McLACHLAN was born on 23 June 1878, although he frequently gave his year of birth
as either 1880 or 1881. He was the eldest of ten children born to Ewen/Hugh McLACHLAN (1831-
1906) and his second wife, Margaret GLANCEY. Ewen had two daughters with his first wife also
named Margaret (BROWN). Ewen was part of a large family who immigrated to Wellington on the
Blenheim in 1840. Lewis had four brothers who also enlisted with one killed in action.
In 1900, Lewis was working as a Blacksmith in Owaka and prior to enlistment he was working as a
Timber Yard hand for the Palmerston North Borough Council.

Enlistment and Training
Lewis enlisted at Wellington on 26 October 1914. He noted his
next of kin as his mother, Mrs Margaret Ann McLachlan of
Owaka, Catlin’s River, Otago. He was 5 feet 6 inches (167cm),
162 lbs (73kgs) had grey eyes, brown hair, medium complexion
and was Presbyterian.
Lewis was assigned to the 2nd reinforcements of the Wellington
Infantry Battalion.

Service Abroad
Lewis embarked from Wellington on 14 December 1914 and
arrived in Egypt on 29 January 1915. In March 1915 Lewis was
made a Driver and was transferred to the Artillery Unit. On
4 May 1915 Lewis returned to New Zealand, medically unfit, on
the Ceramic arriving on 30 June. He began work as a Timber Yard
hand in Wellington and boarded at Quin’s Private Boarding
House.
Lewis re-enlisted on 22 October 1915 at Trentham after passing his medical. He was placed in the
9th reinforcements of the 1st Canterbury Regiment. While training he was promoted to Lance
Corporal and then to Corporal.
He embarked on 8 February 1916 on the Tahiti for Suez and was initially at the Reserve Camp but
joined a Canterbury unit on 8 March 1916 and reverted to a Private.
On 9 November 1916, Lewis was awarded the Military Medal for “Acts of Gallantry in the Field “
In April 1917 Lewis left Alexandria embarking on the Canada for France, where he was wounded
severely in the right knee. He was evacuated to England and hospitalised at Brockenhurst.

In October, Lewis returned to the Field, but by
December was wounded again during the Ypres
Salient, this time in the buttock, left ear and
face. He was admitted to Bethnal Green
Hospital and convalesced at Hornchurch. He
had several weeks leave before returning to
France in April 1918. In June he was again
hospitalised, this time with an abscess and in
February 1919 Lewis was admitted to hospital
with acutely swollen and painful arthritis. He
had been advanced through the ranks and was
promoted to Sergeant on 28 December 1918.

Lewis left Plymouth in March 1919 and returned
to New Zealand on the Remuera arriving on 2
June 1919 and was discharged from service after
serving 212 days in New Zealand and 3 years 260
days overseas for a total of 4 years and 107 days.

Discharge 30 June 1915

Post-war
In 1919 Lewis was working as a contractor in Raukokore, Opotiki. He was living with his sister
Margaret Ann SAUNDERS and her husband William. His sister, Linda, was also living in the same
community.
By 1928 Lewis had moved to Pukekohe and worked there as a Labourer until his death in 1943. He
gave his address on the electoral rolls as c/- R HASTINGS, King St, Pukekohe.

Lewis never married and died in Auckland in 1943.

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 001.
The Catlins and the Great War 1914-1918, by Mike and Anabel McPhee.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
New Zealand BDM
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Ancestry – nominal rolls
Owaka Museum – photo

Researched by Barbara Raven

Samuel McMILLAN

Service Number: 23415
Regiment: Auckland Regiment
Last known Rank: Private
Died: 20 June 1979
Age: 88 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 203

Pre-war

Samuel McMILLAN was baptised on 12 July 1890 at Ballycregagh, County Antrim, Ireland, the
seventh child of nine born to Samuel McMILLAN (1846-1920) and Elizabeth MOORE (1852-1938).

Baptism record

Samuel appears on the 1911 Irish census and came to New Zealand sometime after that and before
1916. His older brother, Neil (1886-1977) followed him to New Zealand in 1921 and settled in
Opotiki, Bay of Plenty. Samuel worked for the Moody Brothers, Opotiki as a Labourer prior to his
enlistment. He had spent nine months in the National Reserves.

Enlistment and Training
Samuel enlisted on 7 February 1916 and was posted to the 7th reinforcements, 1st Battalion,
E Company, Rifle Brigade. He was described as 6 feet tall (183cm), fair
complexion, flaxen hair, blue eyes and his religion being Presbyterian.

Service Abroad
Samuel embarked from Wellington, New Zealand on the HMNZT 55
Tofua on 29 May 1916 and arrived in Devonport, England on 27 July
1916. From Devonport he marched to Sling Camp where he was
stationed until he left for France on 24 August 1916.
On 26 September 1916, Samuel was hospitalised with scabies but
returned to duty on 3 October.
On 12 March 1917, Samuel was attached to the Engineers Unit to help
lay cables. He rejoined his unit on 5 May 1917 but then attended a
School of Instruction for two months before again rejoining his unit at
the beginning of September.
At the end of October Samuel was again hospitalised, this time with
diarrhoea, which saw him unfit for service until the beginning of 1918 when he was discharged to
the Base Depot in France.

In March 1918 he had two weeks leave in the United Kingdom and then rejoined his unit in early
April. At the end of October 1918 Samuel was again admitted to hospital with diarrhoea. In
February 1919 Samuel was found to be unable to march because of hammer feet which affected
both feet.
Samuel was discharged from service and returned to
New Zealand on the Ajana, arriving home on
25 March 1919.

Post-war
Samuel returned to Opotiki where he married Ivy
Ailean MILLAR (1897-1980) in 1920. Ivy was the
second of three daughters of David Faulds MILLAR
and Annie MAIDENS. Samuel and Ivy had three
children, two sons and a daughter.

Samuel with his wife Ivy in front, and daughter Gladys on
right.

According to the electoral rolls, Samuel and Ivy moved to Pukekohe between 1921 and 1925 and in
1938 and 1949 they were living in Pukekohe West where Samuel was farming. In 1963 they were
living at Springs Rd, Patumahoe and were retired, and by 1969 Samuel and Ivy were living at
1 Fairfield St, Pukekohe.
Samuel was buried in the Pukekohe RSA Cemetery on 23 June 1979 and Ivy died in Pukekohe on
23 February 1980. She was buried with her mother, Annie, in the Pukekohe Cemetery.

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 203.
Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Ancestry – various family trees
Google – photo of ship

Researched by Barbara Raven

Wikitera Hohera MEREMERE

Service Number: Unknown
Regiment: Unknown
Last known Rank: Unknown
Died: 25 June 1957
Age: 60 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 054

Pre-war
From the details given on his headstone plaque and the obituary found in the Franklin Times of 28 June
1957 we have not been able to find a service record nor any personal details of Wikitera Hohera
MEREMERE.
Given that Wiki was sixty at his death, this would make his birth c1897.
A mention of Wiki HOHEA playing rugby for Kaitaia in 1927 and several mentions of Wiki Hohea in
minor court appearances in Pukekohe but again we have been unable to confirm this is the same
person as ages in each reference do not align with his age at death.

Service Abroad
Wiki’s obituary indicates he served in Gallipoli.

Post-war
This quiet and unassuming man appeared to have made his home in Pukekohe for over 30 years. A
familiar sight to all residents as the man who drove the council’s grey tractor cutting grass and when
required the roadway grader and tar sealing plant.

Maybe Wiki had a tractor like this 1930s
restored Ford Tractor.

His funeral, held at the Pukekohe Cemetery, was well attended by those he worked with including
the Deputy Mayor, Town Clerk, Borough Engineer, and Councillors. The President of the Pukekohe
RSA and representatives of the Pukekohe Māori Tribal Committee and Māori Women’s Welfare
League.
Mr M Wikiriwhi representing the Department of Māori Affairs delivered the funeral oration in both
languages.

“Haere ra e Wiki, haere
ki o tipuna, haere ki to
Matua i te Rangi, haere
ki to okiokitanga”
“Farewell Wiki, go forth to
your ancestors, return to
your Father in Heaven,
rest in peace”

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 054.
Sources
Papers Past
Researched by Heather Maloney and Mary Mercer

Robert MILLER

Service Number: 82015
Regiment: New Zealand Rifle Brigade
Last known Rank: Rifleman
Died: 13 June 1923*
Age: 39 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe Ang-Row B-Plot 026

*Date of death differs from headstone.

Pre-war
According to his military records, Robert MILLER was born in
Belfast, Northern Ireland on 23 June 1883.
On 22 October 1912 he married Mary Jane ADAMS, the daughter
of John ADAMS (1855-1946) and Mary Jane TOMLINSON (1866-
1943).
Robert was fully involved in the community as evidenced by his
fundraising efforts for the St Andrews Church and in the Pukekohe
Harriers Club.

His business appeared
to be thriving and in
December 1916 he
made an extension to
the premise in King
Street, Pukekohe.

Enlistment and Training

Robert enlisted on 8 January 1918. He was a married man with one son and another due to be born.
He was described as a self-employed tailor, Presbyterian, 5 feet 6½ inches (168cms), 120 lbs, (54kgs),
with pale complexion, brown hair and grey eyes. He was posted to the 41st reinforcements, A
Company then transferred to the 42nd on 13 July 1918, as a Rifleman in the New Zealand
Rifle Brigade.

Service Abroad

Robert embarked in Wellington on HMNZT 109 Tofua on 2 August 1918 and disembarked a month
later in London where the troops marched into Brocton.
He was admitted to New Zealand General Hospital at Hornchurch on 9 November 1918 with
influenza. Robert embarked at Glasgow on SS Bhamo, returning to New Zealand on 10 March 1919.

Post-war
Robert was discharged on 23 May 1919 with his intended address as Seddon St, Pukekohe later
changed to Paerata, but no longer fit for service on account of illness contracted on active service
(influenza). He served 92 days in New Zealand and 268 days overseas, most of that in England, a
total service of 362 days.
He was admitted to the Auckland Military Convalescent Home on 1 October 1919 for further
treatment but was home for a short period before being re-admitted and he died there in June 1923.
Robert was buried in the main cemetery as the RSA section had not yet been developed.
Mary and Robert had a daughter born in 1922, leaving Mary with three children under seven years
of age. She later married Charles Daniel ANDERSON and had another daughter.

Auckland Military Convalescent home

In Memoriam
Pukekohe Anglican section Row B Plot 026.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Record
Papers Past St Andrews fundraising, Pukekohe & Waiuku Times 20 May 1913; Pukekohe harriers, Pukekohe & Waiuku

Times 8 May 1914; Adv for his business Pukekohe & Waiuku Times every issue 7 July 1915 to 28 Aug 1917; Death notice,
Auckland Star 14 June 1923

Photo – Auckland Libraries Collection 35-R2297Annexe, renamed Auckland Military Hospital
Headstone photo – by Fangipani - Findagrave
Researched by Heather Maloney

Herbert Henry MITCHELL

Service Number: 23/2518
Regiment: Rifle Brigade
Last known Rank: Corporal
Died: 13 August 1980
Age: 88 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 197

Pre-war

Herbert Henry (Bert) MITCHELL was born on 15 March 1892 at Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, the third
of eleven children of James Henry MITCHELL (1864-1946) and Elizabeth Wright HOSKING (1867-
1943). The family all came to New Zealand between 1900 and 1902 and settled firstly in 1905 in
Pokeno and then by 1911 in Pukekohe. There is a plaque commemorating the family in the
Pukekohe Cemetery.

Enlistment and Training
Herbert enlisted on 15 November 1915 and was posted to the 3rd Reserve Company. He gave his
next of kin as his mother Mrs E. MITCHELL, Pukekohe. His last address was King St, Pukekohe and he
stated his job as a Bricklayer. His last employer was E. COWAN of Pukekohe and on the 1914
electoral roll Herbert was working as a Labourer in Pukekohe. He was enlisted in the 16th Waikato
Regiment.
He was described as 5 feet 8 inches (172cm), tanned complexion, dark brown hair, black eyes and his
religion as Presbyterian.

Service Abroad

Herbert embarked from Wellington on the Willochra on 4 March 1916
and arrived in Egypt on 8 April 1916. It was at this time he was
transferred to the 10th reinforcements, E Company.
On 13 April he sailed from Port Said to France then marched to
Etaples to join the 1st Battalion, and onto the field on 17 May 1916.
On 3 September he was slightly wounded in the back and was
admitted to hospital for a week then discharged back to base. In
October Herbert had a bout of influenza which again hospitalised him,
this time for a month.
On 28 December he was severely wounded in the buttock and was
admitted to St John’s Hospital in Etaples then transferred to
Brockenhurst, Hampshire, England. After a month he was transferred
to a convalescent hospital and then was finally sent back to a base
depot. On 2 November 1917 he was promoted to Lance Corporal
after attending a Lewis Gun Course.
On 23 February 1918 Herbert was back in hospital – this time with recurrent bouts of appendicitis.
He was transferred to Hornchurch, then Brighton to convalesce. On 31 October 1918 Herbert was
promoted to Corporal.

He embarked for New Zealand on the Waimana on 10 May 1919 and arrived back in Auckland on
23 June 1919. He was discharged from the Army on 27 December 1919. He served 296 days in
New Zealand and 3 years 112 days overseas, giving a total of 4 years 43 days service.

Post-war
Herbert returned to Pukekohe to live and in 1921 he
married Ivy BILLINGS (1896-1951), daughter of Isaiah
BILLINGS (1851-1917) and Elizabeth RICHARDS (1860-
1920). Herbert and Ivy had two known children.
From 1928 until 1949 Herbert and Ivy lived in Edinburgh
St and he worked as a Labourer.
Herbert was active in the Lodge and the local RSA branch
being on the committee and playing bowls in their
tournaments for a number of years.

Ivy died on 15 September 1951 and is buried in the Pukekohe Cemetery. Next to her is the grave of
an unnamed child of Ivy and Bert.
In 1957 Herbert was living at 78 Edinburgh Street Pukekohe and was working as a Bricklayer and in
the 1969 electoral roll his address was 112 Edinburgh Street and he was retired.
Herbert died at Kingseat on 13 August 1980 and was buried on 15 August 1980.

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 197.

Sources
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Archives New Zealand, Probates
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Papers Past -Franklin Times 9 June 1926 – Druidism; Auckland Star 9 Feb 1938 – Bowls
Researched by Barbara Raven

John MOLONEY

Service Number: 42362
Regiment: Auckland Regiment
Last known Rank: Private
Died: 29 January 1945
Age: 67 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 006

Pre-war

John was born on 20 July 1877 in Puni, the eldest child of eleven of Michael MOLONEY (1843, Ireland
- 01 December 1900, Pukekohe) and Margaret NOONAN (1859, Cape of Good Hope -05 November
1916, Pukekohe). The Noonan family had left Ireland for South Africa c1846 then in 1862/3 moved to
New Zealand. John had seven sisters and three brothers. The family surname was often spelt
MALONEY.
On 29 August 1911 John married Ethel Louisa MORRIS (1889, Stratford - 1961, Auckland) one of eight
children of Sydney Joliffe MORRIS (1861, Isle of Wight - 1914, Pukekohe) and Louisa ACKROYD (1869 -
1949). Sydney was Manager of the Eltham Dairy factory, then the family moved in 1893 to Pukekohe
where Sydney became Manager of the Paerata Dairy Factory.
John and Ethel had two daughters. On the 1911 and 1914 electoral rolls John was a farmer in Puni,
Pukekohe. Prior to enlistment John had been in the Pukekohe Mounted Rifles.

Enlistment and Training
When he enlisted on 13 November 1916, John gave his last
employer as Kauri Timber Company of Naumai, Northern Wairoa
and that his job was a bushman. His next of kin was his wife, Mrs E
MALONEY, Puni, Pukekohe.
John did not actually enter service until 3 January 1917 and he was
posted to the 23rd reinforcements, A Company.
John was described as 5 feet 10 inches (178cm), 154 lbs (70kgs),
fresh complexion, blue eyes, brown hair and he was Roman
Catholic.

Service Abroad
John embarked on the HMNZT 79 Ruapehu from Wellington on 14
March 1917 and arrived at Devonport, England on 21 May 1917.
On 21 June 1917 John was sent to France and joined his Battalion in Rouen on 08 July 1917.
On 08 November 1917, John was sent to hospital with scabies but after a week he was back in the
field. In early February 1918, John was transferred from the No. 2 Australian General Hospital in
France to the No.1 New Zealand General Hospital at Brockenhurst with severe myalgia. Although he
made some improvement, the Medical Board decided on 16 May 1918 that he was no longer fit to
serve and he returned to NZ on the HMNZT 167 Mokoia and was discharged from service on 20
September 1918. He had served a total of 1 year and 261 days - most of that overseas.

Post-war
In 1919 John and Ethel were farming at Puni and
between 1928 and 1935 they were living in
Seddon St, Pukekohe and John was working as a
Railway employee.
John was buried in the Pukekohe RSA Cemetery
on 31 January 1945.
Ethel moved to Auckland to live with her married
daughter Rita and in 1949 and 1954 was living at 2
Phillips St, C1. In 1957 they had all moved to 9
Percival Parade, W1.
Ethel died in 1961 and was cremated at Purewa
Cemetery, Auckland.
In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 006.
Puni District – now in the Puni School Hall.

Sources
Auckland Museum Cenotaph-Our Grins magazine HMNZT 79
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Archives New Zealand, Probate Records
Ancestry – various family trees
NZ Electoral Rolls
Papers Past – Obituary Franklin Times 2 February 1945
Researched by Barbara Raven

Ernest George MONCRIEF MC

Service Number: 12/67
Regiment: Auckland Regiment
Last known Rank: Captain
Died: 7 November 1949
Age: 70 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 041

Pre-war
Ernest George MONCRIEF was born 20 December 1878 in Christchurch, the eldest son of Samuel
Moncrief and Fanny STOKES. He had an older sister and four younger sisters and a younger brother.
His father Samuel was an Irish emigrant who had arrived in Canterbury in 1865 aboard the
Indian Empire and married Fanny Stokes in Christchurch on 9 June 1875. Fanny was born on
17 November 1850 at sea aboard the Randolph, one of Canterbury’s founding first four ships.

Ernest attended Fendalton School and went on to learn the trade of boot making. He also showed an
early interest in the military, volunteering to join the Imperial Rifles in 1898. He served with this unit
as a volunteer and officer for over twelve years. Ernest was a very good marksman and represented
the Imperial Rifles in the 1906 Champion Belt of the New Zealand Rifle Association where he was
placed second. The Imperial Rifles became a unit of the 1st Canterbury Infantry Regiment in 1910.

Ernest married Amy Ellen EMPSON in Christchurch on 6 December 1906, they had three children, a
daughter in 1907 and two sons born in 1909 and 1916.

On 23 May 1910, Ernest made application for appointment to the New Zealand Defence Forces as a
Sergeant Instructor. He stated he had twelve and a half years of service and a thorough knowledge of
detail drill, musketry, and good command skills. His application was accepted, and he subsequently
resigned his commission in the Imperial Rifles.
Ernest took part in a two-month camp in January 1911, at Tauherenikau Racecourse, near Featherston,
to train instructors for the Territorial Army. On 17 March 1911 Ernest was posted to Morrinsville as
Area Sergeant Major where he remained until the outbreak of WW1.

Enlistment and Training Cap Badge, Auckland Infantry
Ernest enlisted with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force for active Regiment
service on 10 August 1914 having satisfactorily completed his medical
the previous day. He nominated his wife as next-of-kin. He was posted
to the Auckland Infantry Battalion 6th Company with the rank of Staff
Sergeant Major. A month later, on 23 September the Battalion
embarked in Auckland aboard HMNZT Waimana bound for Wellington,
however she returned to port the following day as there was a
reported threat of German Naval ships in the area. Troops
disembarked and remained in Auckland until 11 October when the
Waimana again departed for Wellington. A convoy of ten troopships
including the Waimana departed Wellington on 16 October 1914
carrying the NZEF Main Body to Egypt.

Service Abroad
The Waimana arrived in Alexandria 5 December 1914 and after disembarkation, Ernest travelled by
train to Cairo. On 12 April 1915 he embarked for Gallipoli, on 5 May 1915 Ernest was promoted to the
rank of Warrant Officer in the NZEF, however his service records contain no other details of his activity
apart from a temporary attachment to the New Zealand Advanced Base at Moustapha on 3 June 1915.
Ernest was hospitalised at Moustapha the next day and embarked on the hospital transport Seang
Choon to Alexandria on the 8th before returning to his unit in Gallipoli on 13 June 1915.

Ernest remained in Gallipoli until he contracted appendicitis and admitted to the 87th Field Ambulance
at Mundros 18 December 1915, resulting in evacuation aboard the hospital transport Ionian, arriving
in Alexandria 26 Dec 1915. He was attached to New Zealand Base Depot at Moascar after receiving
orders that he was to return to New Zealand for promotion.

Ernest was removed from the strength of the NZEF on 11 February 1916, the day he embarked from
Suez on the Tahiti, arriving in Port Chalmers, Otago on 14 March 1916. He was among a group of
NCOs returning to New Zealand for Commissions. Ernest was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in the New
Zealand Permanent Staff (NZPS) effective 17 March 1916. This promotion was by order of the General
Officer Commanding and the notice was published in the Otago Daily Times on 15 Mar 1916.

Following a period of leave, Ernest reported for
duty at Trentham Camp 3 April 1916.

On 17 August 1916 Ernest re-enlisted in the
NZEF with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and
returned to active service. He embarked
aboard HMNZT 61 Aparima with the 16th
reinforcements but was not attached to a unit
and departed from Wellington 19 August
arriving in Devonport, England on 25 October
1916.

After disembarking and marching into Sling
Camp Ernest was attached to the Auckland
Infantry Regiment and embarked for France on
8 November 1916. He spent several months
with the 1st and 2nd Battalion Auckland Infantry
Regiment before being detached to the School
of Instructors at Etaples on 30 March 1917.

Ernest was commissioned with the rank of
Lieutenant in the NZEF on 7 June 1917 and
transferred to No.2 Training Camp, also
located at Etaples. On 16 January 1918 he was again promoted to temporary Captain before being
appointed to command 6th Company 2nd Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment on 5 March 1918. At
this stage of the war the Battalion was located at Le Bizet, a suburb of Armentieres.

Throughout the remainder of 1918 the Auckland Infantry Battalion was involved in the battles at
Mailly-Maillet with Captain Moncrief in command of the 6th Company, until he was detached and
returned to Etaples to command the Kit Guard. Ernest was given leave in England from 9th to 30th
September, after which he re-joined the 6th Company. Upon Ernest’s arrival on 3 October 1918, the
Auckland Battalion was heavily involved in fighting at ‘Escaut River and the 6th Company involved in
crossing a temporary bridge to capture the village of Rue des Vignes.
During this action, Ernest was awarded the Military Cross (MC) for Gallantry.

SUPPLEMENT to the LONDON GAZETTE, 2 DECEMBER 1918

Lt. (T./Capt.) Ernest George Moncrief, 2nd Bu, Auck. R

He was in command of the Centre Company in the Attack & he led his men with Gallantry skill & cool
judgement which brought them forward in the face of heavy fire & over difficult ground to their
objective. The efficient manner in which he handled his command when his junior officers & many
NCOs were casualties greatly helped the success of the operation this example was splendid.

During the attack, Ernest was slightly wounded but remained with his unit.
Overall, this action had cost the Auckland Battalion heavily in terms on casualties and was withdrawn
from the front line, ultimately returning to billets near Le Quesnoy.

On the morning of 11 November 1918, the Armistice was signed, and later the news the New Zealand
Division was to have the honour of forming part of the army of occupation of Germany. Ernest
embarked for Cologne 21 December 1918 and remained with the army of occupation until 25 March
1919, upon which he returned to France until 2 April 1919 when he embarked for England.

Ernest embarked in London aboard Matatua on 28 June 1919 bound for Auckland, arriving 3 August
1919. There were 25 officers and 656 men disembarked. He was struck off the strength of the NZEF
on 13 September 1919 having served for 5 Years 35 days, of which 4 years 139 days were spent
overseas.

Post-war
Ernest continued his service in the Army and was immediately transferred from the strength of the
NZEF to the New Zealand Permanent Staff (NZPS) with the temporary rank of Captain, and appointed
Adjutant 6th Hauraki Regiment based in Paeroa.
In 1920, there was a general adjustment to officer ranks, and Ernest relinquished his rank of
Temporary Captain to become an Honorary Lieutenant, effective 1 March 1920.

This was followed by his attendance at the General Headquarters School in Trentham on 8 August
1920, before returning to Paeroa as Area Officer on 1 October 1920 and then relocating to Morrinsville
on 18 March 1921.

Ernest remained based in Morrinsville for several years as Area Officer before being appointed
Regimental Quartermaster 2nd Battalion on 1 April 1922 and then Area Sergeant Major on 1 July 1926.
His rank as Lieutenant was confirmed on 1 January 1927.

On 12 March 1927, Ernest was moved to Pukekohe as Area
Officer before being appointed Adjutant of the Auckland
Mounted Rifles and 1st Field Ambulance on 10 July 1931.

For private and domestic reasons, Ernest tended his resignation
from the New Zealand Staff Corps on 22 Feb 1932 to become
effective from 19 March 1932. He had been involved in the
Service since 1898, some 34 years. Ernest was 53 years of age
and was placed on the Reserve of Officers.
As a civilian, Ernest continued to reside in Pukekohe and returned
to his old trade of Bootmaker.
With the onset of the Second World War, Ernest was recalled to
duty and appointed to command the Pukekohe Home Guard
Battalion with the rank of Major (temp). This was effective from
1 August 1941. The NZ Home Guard was disbanded in Dec 1943.

There were also significant American and New
Zealand troops based in the Pukekohe area
during 1943 but the numbers decreased during
1944 with the only large group being the
American 169th Infantry Regiment based at the
Simms Road Camp (Camp Paerata) from March
to July 1944.
Ernest once again returned to civilian life and
continued his trade. He was also active in the
Returned Services Association (RSA), secretary
of Franklin Bowling Association for eleven years,
and President of the Pukekohe Bowling Club.

Ernest George Moncrief passed away in Pukekohe on 7 November 1949. The service was conducted
at his residence by the Rev. F. Parker. More than seventy cars were in the cortege to the Returned
Services Section of the Pukekohe Cemetery. Many ex-servicemen, club members and members of the
community were present. The Pukekohe Municipal Band played Garland of Flowers and a Bugler
sounded the Last Post and Reveille.

Ernest was survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter.

In Memoriam
Ernest was awarded the Military Cross.
He also received the:

• 1914-15 Star,
• The British War Medal,
• The Victory Medal,
• NZ Long & Efficient Service Medal,
• Long Service & Good Conduct Medal.

Sources

Ancestry.com.au
Archives New Zealand; https://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/
New Zealand ANZACS in the Great War; https://nzef.adfa.edu.au/index.html
New Zealand History; Main Body of NZEF sails to war 16 October 1914
Troopships departed NZ WW1; https://navymuseum.co.nz/explore/by-themes/world-war-one/troopships-departed-nz
Papers Past, Otago Daily Times, 16 March 1916, Page 6; https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ODT19160315.2.53
Papers Past - Putaruru Press 5 August 1948 page 4 -Gold star Badge
The Auckland Regiment; nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-WH1Auck-t1-body-d30.html
Returning Drafts to NZ; https://www.sooty.nz/returningdrafts19141920.html
Home Guard; Franklin Times Vol XXIX, issue 130 11 November 1940 page 3

Researched by David Squires

Frederick Arthur Vivian MORRIS

Service Number: 33112
Regiment: Engineers
Last known Rank: Sapper
Died: 1 August 1969
Age: 75 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Ashes 003

Pre-war

Frederick Arthur Vivian MORRIS (known as Vivian) was born on 11 February 1894 in Temuka, South
Canterbury to Frederick MORRIS (20 August 1863, Isle of Wight - 16 November 1927, Temuka) and
Sarah Ann (known as Annie) SWEET (died 21 November 1901, Temuka). Vivian had two sisters, Lillian
Annie and Monica Caroline.
Vivian attended Temuka High School after passing proficiency in Standard 4 and represented the High
School at Cricket. He was active in the Sunday School activities at St Peter’s Anglican Church and in
the St Peter’s Club enjoying shooting and debating.

Enlistment and Training

Vivian enlisted on 22 August 1916 and was posted to the
20th Reinforcements as a Sapper. He gave his next of kin
as his father, Frederick Morris Temuka, and his last
employer as the NZ Dairy Association, Pukekohe, where
he had been employed as a clerk under his uncle, Sydney
Morris.
He stated he had been in the 2nd division of the
8th Canterbury Regiment and on moving to Pukekohe
had been transferred and was still serving in the 16th
Waikato Regiment. Vivian was described as 5 feet 7
inches (170cm), pale complexion, dark brown eyes and
dark brown hair. He was single and gave his religion as
Anglican. His medical clearance stated that he had slight
varicocele and a hernia.
Soon after entering Trentham Training Camp, Vivian was hospitalised for six days with influenza and
was then given nine days leave.
On 7 February, Vivian was transferred to the 22nd Reinforcements prior to embarking on the HMNZT
76 Aparima on 16 February 1917 from Wellington.

Service Abroad

Vivian arrived in Plymouth, Devon on 2 May 1917 and marched to Christchurch, England. On 3
November 1917 he left for France and by the 9th was in the Field. In late September 1918, Vivian was
detached from service and embarked for England to be medically assessed. He was found to be “no
longer physically fit for war service on account of illness contracted on active service”.

In a letter published in the Temuka Leader on 5 November 1918, he wrote to his parents stating

“that on his front the boys had been hard at it for some time. Good weather had been enjoyed until a
week previously, when it suddenly turned wintry – cold and wet”. He also mentions that from now on
“sox and other winter comforts would be welcome”.

On 19 December 1918, Vivian left from Liverpool on the HMNZT 207 Oxfordshire and arrived home on
3 February 1919. He had spent 1 year 352 days overseas.

Post-war
Vivian briefly returned to his father’s home at 56 River Rd, Temuka, but later in 1919 he was back
living in Pukekohe.
On 21 September 1920, Vivian married Ann Norma STUART (12 November 1897, Whangarei Heads –
9 April 1983, Pukekohe). They had one daughter, Vivienne.
Between 1921 and 1935 the electoral rolls record that Vivian and Ann were living in West St, Pukekohe
and Vivian was working as a Dairy Factory employee.
Vivian was active in community affairs, in particular the RSA, of which he was secretary for a time, the
Horticultural Society where he won many prizes and was also President of the School Committee and
Tennis Association.
By 1938 the couple had moved to 16 Helvetia Rd, Pukekohe and in 1940 Vivian set up a plant nursery
in Helvetia Rd. They continued living in Helvetia Rd until Vivian’s death. When Ann died on 9 April
1983, her ashes were added to Vivian’s grave.

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Ashes 003.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Ancestry, various family trees
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Google
Papers Past

RSA elections Franklin Times 12 Sept 1919,
Tennis Franklin Times 6 Dec 1921,
Horticulture Show 1 Nov 1935,
School Committee Franklin Times 17 April 1936

Researched by Barbara Raven

Letter in Temuka Leader 5 November 1918

John MURRAY

Service Number: 20201
Regiment: New Zealand Rifle Brigade
Last known Rank: Rifleman
Died: 1 April 1961
Age: 68 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 079

Pre-war

John MURRAY was born on 23 February 1893 in Blenheim (although army records have 1894), the
eldest son of Thomas MURRAY (1856-1937) and Fanny STURGEON (1864-1937) who were married in
1892.
Fanny came to Wellington, New Zealand on her own as a domestic worker in June 1890 and Thomas
was a labourer and sometimes a Stonebreaker in Taranaki.
John started school in New Plymouth in January 1899. It appears that John only had one sibling, a
brother Alfred Herbert MURRAY who worked most of his life in the Taranaki region, usually as a
Farm labourer and who died in Patea in 1957.

Enlistment and Training

John enlisted on 1 May 1916 and gave his next of kin as his mother Mrs T. MURRAY, Rowan,
Taranaki. He had been working as a labourer for F.A. MACKAY and was still serving in the
Territorials. John was described as being a Presbyterian, 5 feet 3½ inches (161cm), 135 lbs (61kgs),
having a fair complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. He also had a flag tattooed on his left
upper arm. John was posted as a Rifleman to the 10th
Reinforcements, F Company, 2nd Battalion and was at
Trentham between 1 May 1916 and 19 August 1916. During
that time he was admitted to hospital at Featherston with a
cold.

Service Abroad

John embarked from Wellington on the HMNZT 61 Aparima
on 19 August 1916 and arrived in Devonport, England on 24
October 1916. The Company marched into Sling Camp the
next day, but by 16 November John was in hospital briefly.
On 23 November the troop departed for France and joined
their Company on 14 December 1916.
On 29 March 1917, John was wounded in the right hand and
was admitted to hospital, firstly in France and then in London.
It was 14 May 1917 before he was able to rejoin his unit in
France, but by 18 June 1917 he had been wounded again, this
time in the left leg. He was moved to Antwerp and then to
Walton Hospital and from there to Hornchurch to convalesce
where he remained for the first half of 1918.

John finally returned to New
Zealand from Liverpool on the
Northumberland arriving on 7
June 1919. He was discharged on
that day after serving 138 days in
New Zealand, 2 years 265 days
overseas, making a total of 3
years 38 days service.

John received the British war
medal and Victory medal.

Post-war
John’s post war address was Rawhiteroa, Eltham and he was working as a Farm Hand on Edward
Bull’s farm when in 1922 when he appeared in court as a witness in an employment issue for Edward
(Patea Mail 13 Feb 1922).
In 1924 John married Clematis Mary Ann BULL (1906-1989). She was the fourth of eight children of
Edward BULL (1875-1930) and Honour May KENCH (1876-1969).
John and Clematis had five children who were born and lived in the Franklin/Waikato regions.
Between 1938 and 1957 John and Clematis farmed in Matahuru, Ohinewai. At the time of John’s
death in 1961 they were living in Bombay and his next of kin given in his army records at the time of
death was J. R. MURRAY, Great South Rd, Te Rapa (his elder son).
After John’s death Clematis moved to Ngataipua Rd, Turua and lived with her two unmarried
daughters. When her daughters married she moved to Marototo Rd, Paeroa and lived on her own
until her death on 2 June 1989. She was cremated in Hamilton and her ashes were added to John’s
plot in the Pukekohe RSA Cemetery.

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 079.

Sources

Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
New Zealand BDM
Papers Past

Researched by Barbara Raven

Cecil NEILSON

Service Number: 23/1765
Regiment: Auckland Regiment
Last known Rank: Corporal
Died: 13 May 1970
Age: 74 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 141

Pre-war

Cecil NEILSON was born on 17 October 1895 at Rutherglen, Indigo Shire, Victoria, Australia, the
youngest of three sons of Charles NEILSON (1861-1913) and Georgina (Jean) BUCKLER (1871-1940).
Charles and Georgina were married in 1890 at St Paul’s, Sandhurst, Melbourne. Charles had been a
Sailor. Cecil came to Auckland with his family
sometime after 1895. After Charles’ death Georgina
moved to live in Paerata, Pukekohe. In 1925 she
married John LINIHAN and went back to live in
Auckland. Cecil’s brother George was killed in action
and buried in France on 17 August 1917.

Enlistment and Training

Cecil enlisted on 19 October 1915 and was posted to
the 3rd Reinforcements, E Company, 1st Battalion.
He gave his next of kin as his mother, Mrs G. NEILSON,
23 Brown St, Ponsonby and then later “Wilton”, 44
Khyber Pass, Auckland. He had been an Electrician
working for the National Electrical Engineering
Company, Wellesley St, Auckland. Cecil was Anglican,
single and described as 5 feet 6 inches (167cm), 140 lbs
(63kgs), light brown hair, blue eyes and a clear
complexion.

Service Abroad

Cecil embarked for Suez, Egypt on 8 January 1916. On
8 April 1916 he left Alexandria for France. He attended
Signalling School in September 1917 and a letter of
recommendation was written about him by his
Captain. He was promoted to Corporal in November
1917. After serving 2 years 57 days overseas Cecil
boarded the Arawa at Plymouth on 5 March 1918
officially on duty on furlough. It is stated in an article
published in the Auckland Star on 14 May 1918, that
he fought in the Battles of the Somme, Messines and
Passchendaele.

It seems that as a result of his mother’s appeal he was discharged from duty in May 1918 as “no
longer physically fit on account of illness contracted on active service” and did not return overseas.
He also served 168 days in New Zealand, giving a total service of 2 years 225 days.
Post-war
Cecil’s discharge address was Woodward Rd, Mt Albert, Auckland. In 1920 he married Mary
Kathleen (known as Kas) LEAHY (1896-1991). The couple had two sons and two daughters. Cecil
continued working as an Electrician until his death.
His company, C. Neilson and Co., was part of electrifying much of Pukekohe and “Over the River”.
In 1928, Cecil and Kas were living in King St, Pukekohe. They moved to Hall St, then Dublin St and by
1969 Cecil and Kas were living at 78 Seddon St. Cecil was actively involved in community affairs; he
enjoyed bowls (indoor and outdoor), tennis, and rugby, being part of a subcommittee in 1942
organising rugby in the South Auckland area. He was also involved in the RSA and served on the
executive for a time. Cecil was buried in the Pukekohe RSA Cemetery on 15 May and Kas died on
23 May 1991 and is buried with Cecil.
In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 141.

Sources
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Ancestry – various family trees
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Papers Past – Electrical work Franklin Times 7 Nov 1928. RSA Franklin Times 29 Aug 1938, Rugby Franklin Times 18 May

1942, Bowls Franklin Times 25 Sept 1944

Researched by Barbara Raven

Tamaho (Tom) NGAWAKA

Service Number: 19558
Regiment: Maori Pioneer Battalion
Last known Rank: Private
Died: 2 May 1965
Age: 67 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 106

Pre-war

Tamaho NGAWAKA, or Tom as he was known, was born at Whangape, Far North on 10 April 1896.
According to a Northland Age article Tom and his sister, Tare Dolly, were brought up by an uncle,
Parore NGAWAKA (1872-1918) and auntie, Ani TE PAA (1876-1906). Parore and Ani also had four
children of their own. Tom was of the Te Rarawa iwi and of Ngapuhi descent.

Enlistment and Training
Tom enlisted at Kaitaia on 11 November 1916 and was posted to Group B of the 14th Reinforcements
in the Maori Pioneer Battalion. He gave his next of kin as his father, Parore NGAWAKA and stated he
was a Farmhand and employed himself. He was described as 5 feet 10½ inches (180cm), 154 lbs
(69kgs), brown eyes, black hair and dark complexion, single and an Anglican.

Service Abroad

Tom embarked from Wellington on the Aparima on 16 February
1917 and arrived at Devonport, England on 2 May 1917. The
troops then marched to Sling Camp. Tom was in hospital by 11
May 1917 with a left side sacroiliac problem. He convalesced at
Hornchurch until 9 July 1917 and then returned to Sling Camp. On
22 September Tom was sent to France and joined his Battalion on
10 October 1917. In late
April 1918 Tom was again
in hospital for a short time
then returned to his
Battalion on 5 May 1918.
In February 1919 Tom had
influenza which left him
debilitated and on 9 May
1919, Tom boarded the
Northumberland from
Liverpool for New Zealand.
He arrived in New Zealand later than the rest of the
Battalion who had marched through Auckland to an official
welcome on 6 April. After 2 years 84 days service overseas
and 155 days service in New Zealand, Tom was discharged
on 7 July 1919.

Post-war
Following discharge Tom visited Te Puna, Tauranga before returning to Whangape and farming.
Tom married Mari PAKENGA (1904-1978), of the Hikutu and Te Aupouri tribes. The couple had
seven children.

In 1941 Tom re-enlisted in the
Army for WW2 #35/1290 but
was declined. In a letter
included in his army records it
states that having seven
children far exceeded the
maximum of three allowed for
enlistment.

Electoral Rolls from 1941 to
1954 show that Tom
continued farming in
Whangape.

He participated in wood-chopping events, gaining
second place in the Maiden Chop at the Herekino
Sports Day (Northern Age 3 March 1933).

In 1957 Tom and Mari were living in Hilltop Rd, Pukekohe. They continued to live there until their
deaths; Tom on 2 May 1965 and Mari on 2 August 1978. Both are buried in Pukekohe Cemetery,
Tom in the RSA section and Mari in the Presbyterian section of the cemetery.

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 106.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Family Search – Family tree and photo of Tom
Google
Papers Past – Casualty list Northern Advocate 30 May 1917,

Northland Age 23 October 1931

Researched by Barbara Raven

George Richard NIGHTINGALE

Service Number: 47601
Regiment: Auckland Regiment
Last known Rank: Private
Died: 25 March 1978
Age: 81 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 215

Pre-war

George Richard NIGHTINGALE was born at Adelong, NSW, Australia on 8 February 1897. He was the
fourth child of Richard Bentley NIGHTINGALE (1864-1916) and Emma Louisa CLEAR (1870-1951).
Richard had been a miner and he moved from Otago to NSW and then to Thames. The couple
married in 1892 in Wagga Wagga, NSW and moved to Thames when George was about three.
George was educated at several schools in the Thames area. Before the war, George was a Senior
Cadet at Thames and in 1916 he was living at Kerepehi working as a drainer.

Enlistment and Training

When George enlisted at Te Aroha, he named his mother, Mrs Emma Nightingale, Fenton St,
Thames, as his next of kin. On his enlistment papers he said he worked as an electrician for the
Thames Borough Council and he was posted to A Company in the 26th Reinforcements but
transferred to the 25th shortly afterwards. On examination he was found to have iridocyclitis with
cornea nebulae in his right eye as a result of an accident when he was a child. He had a full upper
plate and a partial lower plate. He was a Roman Catholic and was described as being 5 feet 5 inches
(165cm), 119 lbs (54kgs), with a fair complexion, blue eyes and fair hair. It was also noted that he
had flat feet.

Service Abroad

George embarked on the HMNZT 83 Tofua from
Wellington on 26 April 1917 and arrived at
Devonport, England on 19 July 1917.
He was posted to France on 5 September 1917 and
joined his Unit in mid-October. He joined the
Australian Tunnellers for a month before rejoining
his own battalion in January 1918.
On 9 June 1918, George was hospitalised in France
with iritus (an inflammation of the iris). From there
he was transferred to Brockenhurst in the UK and
later to Hornchurch to recuperate. In late 1918 a
Medical Board Specialist said, “he looks debilitated and there are well marked corneal opacities in
his right eye”.
George left London on the Port of Melbourne for New Zealand, arriving on 8 March 1919. He was
discharged from active service on 11 April 1919 after spending 110 days in New Zealand and 1 year
316 days overseas, a total of 2 years 61 days service.

Post-war
George gave his address on discharge as the Commercial Hotel, Whangarei.
In 1921 he married Florence Miriam WILLIAMSON (1904-1970) at Thames. They had three children,
two sons and a daughter. Florence was the second of seven children of George WILLIAMSON (1878-
1916) and Evelyn ADDICOAT (1884-1977).
In 1928 George and Florence were living at Upper Sealey St, Thames and George was working as a
labourer. According to the Thames Star newspaper in 1933, George was working in the mines and
was a strong union member.
George’s other community interests included the RSA and the School Committee.

From 1942 to 1954 George and Florence were living at
87 Rolleston St, Thames. By 1963 they had moved to 3 Carlton
Rd, Pukekohe and George was retired. At this time their three
married children were living in Pukekohe.
Florence died on 18 September 1970 and was buried in the
Thames Cemetery. George was buried in the Pukekohe RSA
Cemetery on 29 March 1978.

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 215.
Thames Memorial Column.

Sources
Archives New Zealand Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
New Zealand BDM
New South Wales BDM
Ancestry – various family trees
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Papers Past: Union hearing, Thames Star 5 September 1933, Thames Star 28 May 1918
The Treasury, Thames -School records and Family information
Google – Thames Memorial photograph

Researched by Barbara Raven

Hedley OATES

Service Number: 11/1358
Regiment: Wellington Mounted Rifles
Last known Rank: Private
Died: 10 August 1968
Age: 72 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 123

Pre-war

Hedley OATES was born on 20 September 1895 Tokomaru Bay and was the sixth child and fifth son
of William Hedley OATES snr J.P. (1861-1930) and Judith BALL (1859-1928). William Snr and Judith
were married in Opotiki on 22 June 1885 and lived most of their married life in Tokomaru Bay, north
of Gisborne. William managed the Tawhiti Station on the northern tip of the bay and was known as
“Father of sport on the Coast.”
Hedley was involved in the rifle club, tennis, cricket and other activities in the district before the war.
Hedley’s brothers, William and Joseph were in the WW1 Reserves and another brother, George
received wounds on active service and was invalided home in 1917.

Enlistment and Training

Hedley gave his mother Mrs Judith OATES as
next of kin when he enlisted on 18 April 1915.
He had been working as a labourer for Oates
Bros., Tokomaru Bay. He was posted to the 6th
reinforcements of the Wellington Mounted
Rifles. Hedley was single, Anglican and
described as being 5 feet 5 inches (165cm),
160 lbs (72kgs) having a fair complexion, brown
eyes, and brown hair.

Service Abroad

Hedley embarked for Suez on the Tofua on 14 August 1915, arriving on 19 September. He was
posted to Moascar. During this time Hedley was kicked by a horse which reaggravated an old
football injury and was in hospital for a short time recovering. On 9 April 1916 he left Alexandria for
France and rejoined his unit. From 30 October 1916 until 17 April 1918, Hedley was a Cook for the
army. In April 1918, Hedley received a wound to the scalp and was in hospital in France and then
evacuated to London where he spent time convalescing.
In early 1919, Hedley was admitted to hospital with asthma for two weeks. He was then declared
“no longer physically fit for war service on account of illness contracted on active service”. He
arrived home on the Raranga after having served 273 days in New Zealand and 3 years and 260 days
overseas giving a total service of 4 years 167 days.

Post-war

Hedley’s discharge address was Whatawhata, Waikato, but by late 1919 he was back working as a
Storekeeper in Tokomaru Bay. In 1928 George, William Jnr, Norman and Hedley were all working as
Storekeepers in Tokomaru Bay. The Oates Bros. shop was a General Merchant. Another brother,
Joseph (Joe) owned the first Butcher shop in town.
On 4 December 1919 Hedley married Ida Geraldine PLOWRIGHT (1896-1946) at St Mary’s,
New Plymouth. The couple had four children: two sons and two daughters.
In 1933, Hedley and Ida were still living in Tokomaru Bay and were very involved in the affairs of the
community. Hedley enjoyed the rifle club, cricket, tennis, golf, soccer, boxing and bowls, all
activities reported in the local papers. He also belonged to the local Lodge.
In 1937 the family moved to Ngongataha and then in 1938 to Mauku, Pukekohe, where Hedley was
listed as a Store Owner until at least 1949. Ida died in 1946 and is buried in the Pukekohe cemetery.
By 1957 Hedley had retired and gone to live in Wairoa.

Oates Bros shop – Alexander Turnbull Library Ref 1/2-000280-G

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 123.

Sources

Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Photo of Oates Bros shop – Alexander Turnbull Library Ref 1/2-000280-G
New Zealand BDM
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Papers Past

Researched by Barbara Raven

Elizabeth ORR

Service Number: SA/36
Regiment: SA Medical Nursing Service
Last known Rank: Staff Nurse
Died: 8 September 1973
Age: 84 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 161

Pre-war

Elizabeth RAMAGE was born on 11 March 1889 in South Africa. She was the second of nine children
of James RAMAGE (1856-1931) and Elsje Magdalena Johanna CELLARIUS (1868-1954) and had two
brothers and six sisters. None of her family came to live in New Zealand, but it is known that her
mother visited her for several months in 1937.

Enlistment and Training

Some nurses were already trained when they travelled to France, but many “learnt on the job”.
They were known as Probationers and were supervised by experienced nurses.

Service Abroad

Elizabeth’s war service records have not been found but the No. 1 South African General Hospital
was established at Abbeville, France in 1916. On 17 July 1916 the first wounded soldiers began to be
admitted to the hospital and an urgent request was sent for more nurses to help tend the injured
men. In August of that year a Matron and 21 nurses from England arrived to help. The nurses were
part of the SAMNS (South African Military Nursing Service). Gradually more nurses arrived until
there was a total of 40. These women were accommodated initially in a house near the hospital.
By February 1917 934 beds were available and more staff were required. At the end of 1917 there
was 1 matron, 23 sisters, 26 staff nurses (one of whom would have been Elizabeth) and 19
probationers. There was a bombardment by the Germans of the hospital area in August 1917 which
caused some nursing staff to be evacuated to convalescent hospitals because of shell shock.
In December 1917 each nurse was presented with a ten shillings Christmas gift “from the people of
South Africa”.
In March 1918, Elizabeth and two other nurses were selected for duty on No. 38 Ambulance Train so
they would gain further experience. Wounded men were transported by specially set up trains to a
hospital. They were relieved from that duty in July 1918.

During July and August of 1918 there was a particularly large number of men admitted with
fractured femurs. In March 1919 the hospital was demobilized and many of the nurses went to
South African Hospitals in England.

South African Nurses working on an Ambulance Train and soldiers waiting to be loaded onto a train.

Post-war
Elizabeth returned to South Africa where on 8 April 1920 she married Kenneth David ORR (1890-

1973) at Oudtshoorn, Cape Province, South Africa.
Elizabeth and Kenneth must have met during the war
although it is unknown whether this was in France or
England.
Kenneth had travelled home from England at the end of
WW1 and resumed farming in Pukekawa. He and
Elizabeth returned to New Zealand on the Maheno on 22
June 1920 and Elizabeth settled into life in New Zealand.
She became very involved in community affairs - her
garden was the venue for various garden parties and she
won many prizes in the A&P show in Pukekohe. She was chairman or on the committee of
numerous local clubs, namely Women’s Division, Basketball, Library, Plunket and the Presbyterian
Church (all recorded in the Franklin Times). Elizabeth donated the land for the Pukekawa Church.
Elizabeth and Kenneth had three sons and lived in Pukekawa from the time of their marriage until
1954 when they moved to 189 Kitchener Rd, Pukekohe.
Elizabeth died on 8 September 1973 and was buried in the Pukekohe RSA Cemetery next to her
husband who had predeceased her on 30 April 1973.

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 161 – the only WW1 servicewoman in the RSA cemetery.

Sources
Ancestry – Adendorff Caley Family Tree
Scarlet Finders -www.scarletfinders.co.uk
South African Military History Society by Neville GOMM
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Family Search Passenger Lists
Papers Past: Mrs Ramage visit Franklin Times 15 oct 1937; Curtain request Franklin Times 19 June 1939

Researched by Barbara Raven

Kenneth David ORR

Service Number: 17720
Regiment: Field Artillery
Last known Rank: Gunner
Died: 30 April 1973
Age: 83 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 160

Pre-war

Kenneth David ORR was born on 29 December 1890, at Morrinsville, the youngest child and eighth
son of William Longmuir ORR (1840–1928) and Sarah Jane PANNETT (1856-1929). William and Sarah
(more often known as Jane) married in Lincoln, Christchurch on 4 November 1869. William was
farming sheep and wheat at Rakaia, Canterbury at this time. In 1882 the family moved to Tahuroa,
near Morrinsville and here William mainly ran sheep and Hereford cattle. In 1893, after finding the
Piako soil difficult to grow grass well on, the family moved north and settled on a block of land on
Pukekawa Hill. One of the sons stayed on the Morrinsville land and continued farming there. While
a house was built, Jane and the younger family members lived in Auckland and went to school there.
In 1895 when the Pukekawa School opened, Kenneth was a first day pupil.

Enlistment and Training

Kenneth attested on 2 May 1916 at Featherston and
gave his father, William ORR, P.O., Pukekawa, via
Tuakau, as next of kin and his job as a Farmer. He
was posted as a Gunner to the 16th Reinforcements.
Kenneth was a Presbyterian, single and was 5 feet 8
inches (173cms), 136 lbs (61kgs), fair complexion,
blue eyes and fair hair.

Service Abroad

Kenneth embarked from Wellington on the Aparima
on 19 August 1916 and arrived at Devonport, England
on 24 October 1916. He landed in France on 6
January 1917 and joined the 15th Battery. He was
briefly in hospital on 7 July 1917 but rejoined his unit
the next day. On 8 September Kenneth had leave in
the UK for two weeks and in March 1918 Kenneth had
two weeks leave in Paris.
On 26 April 1918 Kenneth attended the School of
Instruction and then rejoined his unit on 19 May
1918.
On 22 October, Kenneth was again admitted to Hospital and was evacuated to Southwark and then
to Hornchurch. On 24 April 1919 he was declared “no longer physically fit for war service” and sailed
for New Zealand on the Ionic after serving 2 years and 249 days overseas, all on the Western Front.

Kenneth had served a total of 3 years 51 days, 172 days in New Zealand and 2 years 249 days
overseas and was discharged on 26 June 1919.

Post-war
Between 1919 and 1954 Kenneth continued farming on the Pukekawa farm. He married Elizabeth
RAMAGE (1889-1973) on 8 April 1920 in South Africa. She was the daughter of James RAMAGE of
Oudtshoorn, Cape Province, South Africa. Elizabeth and Kenneth must have met in one of the WW1
hospitals, as Elizabeth (SA/36) was a Staff Nurse for South Africa Military Nursing Service in France
during WW1.
Kenneth and Elizabeth had three sons, two of whom eventually took over the family farm. The
couple were very involved in community activities including Red Cross, Farmers Union, A&P Shows
(where Kenneth competed at a top level, even winning the Ryeland Sheep North Island
Championship), Polo, School Committee, Sheep dog trials, National Party, Athletic Association,
Rugby and Maramarua Hunt Club (frequently reported in local newspapers).
From 1954 Kenneth and Elizabeth lived at 189 Kitchener Rd, Pukekohe.
Kenneth died on 30 April 1973 and Elizabeth died on 8 September 1973. They are both buried in the
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery.

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 160.
Pukekawa Hall Memorial.

Sources

Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Archives New Zealand, Probate Records
Fair Dinkum Books ‘Onward’ vol. 5
New Zealand BDM
Ancestry – various family trees
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Pukekawa Jubilee Book
Papers Past -Fete Franklin Times 13 March 1939

Researched by Barbara Raven

James PACEY

Service Number: 13/2356
Regiment: Field Artillery
Last known Rank: Gunner
Died: 24 September 1969
Age: 87 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 135

Pre-war

James was born on 3 January 1882 at Morton, Nottinghamshire, the third of nine children of George
PACEY (1855-1932) and Maria FREARSON (1856 -1944).
In 1901, James was living in Fiskerton, Nottinghamshire with his family and in 1911 he was working in
Nottinghamshire as a farm foreman. He arrived in Lyttleton, New Zealand on the ship Turakina on
17 November 1914 and his destination was Auckland.

Enlistment and Training

James enlisted on 23 August 1915 at Te Aroha. He named his father, George PACEY, Kelham,
Nottinghamshire, as his next of kin. He had been working for F.H.PERRETT of Waitoa as a farmer, and
had been living with Mr A.A.WAGSTAFF, Eastport Rd, Waihou.
James was posted to the 7th Reinforcements as a Trooper in the Auckland Mounted Rifles. He was an
Anglican, single and described as being 5 feet 10 inches (178cm), 168 lbs (76kgs) with a fresh
complexion, grey eyes and dark hair.

Service Abroad Badge of NZ Field
Artillery
James embarked for Suez on the HMNZT 32 Aparima on 9 October 1915 and
arrived on 18 November. At his own request he transferred to the New Zealand
Field Artillery 1st Brigade on 11 March 1916 and fought in Egypt before sailing to
France on 6 April 1916.

Column of NZ Artillery with 8 pounder field guns on the march in 1917

In 1917 he began having problems with bunions on both
feet. The bunions were operated on but this caused
further deformities. As a result of this issue, he was
transferred to Brigade Headquarters as a driver, firstly for
1st Brigade then for the 7th. The Medical Board said in
1919 that the climate, operation and service had all
contributed to the debilitation.
James returned to New Zealand on 23 July 1919 on the
HMNZT 268 Briton and was discharged on 20 August 1919
after serving 3 years and 288 days overseas.

Post-war

James returned to work for his former employer, Mr F.H.Perrett.
On 4 August 1924 he married Mary POPE (1891-1932). Their daughter died in
1930 aged three years and sadly Mary died in 1932 after a long illness.

Between 1924 and 1963 he owned a farm in Canal Rd, Waitakaruru. A
neighbour on the same road was George Innes PATON, brother of Mona Holly
MOHRING, nee Paton, who became James’ wife on 8 June 1935. Mona (1903-
1974) was a widow from Waipawa, with two sons. Mona and James had no
children of their own.
James was involved in local
community affairs, the setting up of the Hauraki Plains
RSA at Ngatea, and breeding Jersey cows.
The couple retired to 4 Kiwi Place, Pukekohe in late
1963. James was buried on 26 September 1969. Mona
died on 18 February 1974 and was also buried in the
Pukekohe Cemetery.

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 135.
Te Aroha Methodist Church Memorial Board.

Although this Board was reported in Papers Past, the church is unable to locate it now.

Sources
Archives New Zealand Military records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Ancestry – various family trees
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Papers Past: Request for power Matamata Record 7 Feb 1924, RSA Formation Thames Star 6 Sept 1935
Billion Graves

Researched by Barbara Raven

Bert Cyril PAGE

Service Number: 7/1503
Regiment: Wellington Mounted Rifles
Last known Rank: Trooper
Died: 25 December 1961*
Age: 68 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 085

*Date of death differs from plaque.

Pre-war

Bert(rand) was born on 14 July 1893 at Gisborne, the second child of Daniel PAGE (1843-1905) and
Mary Jane REECE (1861-1931). Bert attended Te Arai and Makaraka Schools. In 1914 Bert was
working as a cook at the Lister Hospital, Gisborne and had been serving in the 9th Regiment,
Mounted Rifles, Gisborne for over three years.

Enlistment and Training

Bert (as he was known) enlisted on 30 June 1915, and
named his next of kin as his mother, Mrs Mary Jane
PAGE, Point Whataupoko, Gisborne. He had been
working for D J BARRY as a labourer. He was single,
Presbyterian and was described as 5 feet 6 inches
(167cm), 9 stone 4 lbs (59kgs) with a fair complexion,
brown eyes and hair.
Bert was posted to the 6th Reinforcements as a Trooper
in the Canterbury Regiment. Prior to embarking Bert
had influenza (Poverty Bay Herald 24 July 1915).

Service Abroad

Bert embarked for Suez on 14 August 1915 on the
HMNZT 28 Tofua. In September 1915 he was in Gallipoli
as part of the reinforcements sent to relieve the men
who had been fighting at Chunuk Bair and were now
defending Hill 60. By October the unit had been
removed to Lemnos and then further to Moudros. The
Regiments were reallocated so men would be in the
original regiment they had enlisted with and this is probably when Bert joined the Wellington
Mounted Rifles. On 12 December he was admitted to hospital with another bout of influenza.
In 1916 Bert was back in Zeitoun, Cairo. The Mounted Rifles stayed in Egypt to defend the country
against the invasion of the Ottoman Empire, while all the rest of the NZ troops went on to France.
On 14 November 1917, Bert was wounded in the left thigh during the Battle of Ayun Kara and admitted
to hospital at El Arish (North Sinai), then moved on to Kantara (Suez Canal area), Abbassia (Cairo) and
finally to No. 27 General Hospital. Upon release he was sent to the Desert Mounted Corp Rest Camp
at Port Said

On 13 January 1918 Bert was fit Canterbury Mounted Rifle Regiment soldiers pause for the photo.
to rejoin the Unit and on 11
February he was appointed as a
Cook but relinquished this role in
mid-May. By then the New
Zealand Mounted Rifles, as they
had become more often called,
were in the Palestine region and
had crossed into the Jordan
Valley.
After 3 years and 322 Days total
service, most of that overseas,
Bert sailed home from Suez on
the HMNZT 230 Kaikoura and
was discharged on 17 May 1919.

Post-war
Bert returned to Gisborne and to being a cook in the Lister Hospital in 1919.
In 1925 he married Dorothy Margaret ANDREW (1902-1931) and in 1928 they were living in Ruatoria
and Bert was a Cordial Maker.
After Margaret died in 1931, Bert married a widow, Jennie Cramond REID (1896-1975). Jennie had
been widowed twice, firstly after her marriage in 1921 to Thomas FYNN (1882-1924) where she had
one son, and secondly after her marriage in 1928 to Thomas William HABGOOD (1886-1932).
Bert and Jennie had no children of their own.
In 1935 Bert and Jennie were living in Rutene Rd, Gisborne and Bert was working as a labourer.
By 1938 the couple were living in the Franklin region at Upper Queen Street, Pukekohe and Bert was
a farmer.
In the 1946 and 1949 electoral rolls they were living in Pukekohe West and Bert was farming. In 1954
they had moved to live at 93 Harris St with Bert still listed as a farmer. In 1957 he was a Steward and
in 1961 he was a Market Gardener. Bert was involved in RSA activities, serving on the committee for
several years, bowls and Jersey Cow breeding.

Bert who died at Tuakau was buried on 30 December 1961 in the Pukekohe RSA cemetery and Jennie
who died on 28 March 1973 is also buried in the Pukekohe Cemetery.

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 085.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Archives New Zealand, Probates
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
NZ History Govt – Battalion history and photo
Papers Past: RSA Committee Franklin Times 24 Mar 1941; Bowls Franklin Times 3 Feb 1943, Jersey Cows Franklin Times

13 Sept 1935

Researched by Barbara Raven

Ernest Edward PARKER

Service Number: 25304
Regiment: Auckland Regiment
Last known Rank: Private
Died: 31 July 1962
Age: 67 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 090

Pre-war

Ernest Edward PARKER (known as Ernie) was born on 10 October 1894 at Tauhoa, Rodney,
Northland, the fourth child of six of Charles PARKER (1854-1933) and Lucy Ellen PARTRIDGE (1871-
1941). Charles was born in London and his family came to New Zealand between 1859 and 1861 and
settled in Tauhoa. He married Lucy on 15 July 1890 at Port Albert. Ernie had two brothers and three
sisters.
Ernie was in the 15th North Auckland Territorial Regiment before the war.

Enlistment and Training

Ernie enlisted on 6 March 1916 and attested at Featherston on 8
March. He was posted to the A Squadron of the 14th Reinforcements
of the 1st Auckland Regiment. He named his father, Charles PARKER,
Tauhoa, North Auckland as his next of kin and stated that he was a
Farm Hand working for his father. Ernie was an Anglican and was
described as 5 feet 5½ inches (166cm), 132 lbs (60kgs), fair
complexion, greyish brown eyes and dark brown hair.

Service Abroad

Ernie embarked on the Maunganui from Wellington on 26 June
1916 and arrived at Devonport, England on 22 August 1916. The
next day he was admitted to hospital with German Measles. He
convalesced at Sling Camp until 14 September when he left for
France, joining his Battalion on 3 October.
In September 1917 Ernie was sent to a Signaling School for three weeks and at the end
of that month he was given leave to the United Kingdom. When he returned, he was attached to the
New Zealand wing of the Anzac Reinforcement Camp for several weeks before rejoining his own
unit.
On 20 June 1918 Ernie reported sick with conjunctivitis and was admitted to hospital in Rouen and
then sent to convalesce.
Ernie arrived on the Northumberland from Liverpool after serving overseas for 2 years and 319 days
and 125 days in New Zealand, a total of 3 years 81 days. He was discharged on 7 June 1919.
His parents had moved to Pukekohe while he was overseas and he gave his discharge address as

Pukekohe.

Post-war
In 1921 Ernie was living in Pukekohe and on 14
November 1923 he married Olive Agnes JENKINS
(1898-1965). Olive was the eldest child of Thomas
JENKINS and Elizabeth STEEN and was born in Drury.
In 1919 she had been living in King St, Pukekohe.
Ernest and Olive had two sons.
Between 1928 and the early 1940s the couple were
living in Pukekohe West and Ernie was working as a
labourer. In 1946 they had moved to live in Mauku
where Ernest was still on the electoral roll as a
labourer. In 1954 Ernie had his own farm in Mauku,
but by 1957 he had retired to 69 Princes St, Pukekohe.
Ernie and was buried in the Pukekohe RSA Cemetery
on 2 August 1962. In 1963 Olive was living at 9 Fausett
Ave, Pukekohe and later moved into a private hospital
where she died suddenly on 15 September 1965. She
is buried in Pukekohe Cemetery.

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 090.
Tauhoa Memorial Board, Tauhoa Hall.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Archives New Zealand, Probates
Auckland Museum Cenotaph – Kit Bag the 14th Reinforcements magazine photo
New Zealand BDM
New Zealand History Memorials
Papers Past: Wedding report Franklin Times 14 Nov 1923

Researched by Barbara Raven

Francis Archibald PARKER

Service Number: 26446
Regiment: New Zealand Engineers
Last known Rank: Sapper
Died: 17 December 1968
Age: 82 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 125

Pre-war

Francis Archibald PARKER was born on 10 August 1888 at Christchurch, the third of four children of
Charles PARKER (1850) and Susanna (Susan) DOHERTY (1868-1911). The couple married in 1883.
Francis attended South Belt School, Christchurch and West Christchurch School.
Francis married Agnes Rosina SCOTT, daughter of Joseph SCOTT (1849-1937) and Rebecca Elizabeth
JONES (1850-1919) on 27 February 1908 in Wellington and later in that year had a son. Francis and
Agnes were divorced by 1916.

Enlistment and Training

Francis enlisted on 7 March 1916 and named his next of kin as a
friend, Mrs A. WOOD, Cabbage Bay, Auckland. Cabbage Bay is on
the Coromandel Peninsula, north of Coromandel township.
Francis was Anglican and was described as 5 feet 7 inches
(170cm), 126 lbs (57kgs), fair complexion, grey eyes and brown
hair. He also had a tattoo on his left forearm.
Francis was posted to the New Zealand Engineers 14th Reinforcements as a Sapper but on 19 June he
was transferred to the 15th Reinforcements.
Prior to embarking, Francis married Alice Jeannette WOOD (1889-1979) on 31 May 1916 in
Auckland. Alice was the eldest child of Arthur WOOD (1856-1940) and Amy Alice FRANKHAM (1866-
1936).

Service Abroad The onboard Ulimaroa newsletter
“The Ulima Roarer”
Francis embarked from Wellington on the HMNZT 60 Ulimaroa on 30
July 1916, arriving in Devonport, England on 28 September 1916. On
15 March 1917 he had been posted to the 4th Field Company. From
here he marched to Sling Camp and then left for France on
29 May 1917. Francis was a Sapper and sometimes a Driver.
On 19 October Francis was admitted to hospital with mild Myalgia but
was released on 30 October. He was then sent to England and on
10 November was admitted to Southwark Military Hospital. On
26 December he was transferred to No. 1 New Zealand General
Hospital at Brockenhurst and then in February 1918 to Hornchurch to
recuperate.
On 24 May 1918 he was admitted to hospital with Trench Fever.
When he was discharged on 1 June he was assigned to the New
Zealand Command Depot.

Amongst other duties, Sappers built bridges and dug trenches.

On 24 December 1918, Francis boarded the Ayreshire at Liverpool to return home. He was declared
“no longer physically fit for service on account of illness contracted on Active Service (Debility)”.
Francis was discharged on 28 February 1919 having served a total of 2 years and 359 days.

Post-war
Following his discharge, Francis and Alice returned to work briefly at Cabbage Bay but in the 1919
supplementary electoral roll Francis was listed as a Creamery Manager living at Great South Road,
Manurewa. In 1928 Francis was living in Browns Rd, Manurewa and was still working as a Creamery
Manager. In 1929 he was Manager of a Creamery at Clendon’s Grant, Papakura.

Francis married Miriam Cecelia McDONALD (1909-1994) and in 1938 they were living at Galileo St,
Ngaruawahia where Francis was a Ranger for the Council. They continued living there until
sometime before 1957, when Francis retired to Onewhero. In the 1963 electoral roll he was living at
88 Seddon St, Pukekohe.
Francis was buried in the Pukekohe RSA Cemetery on 18 December 1968.

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 125.

Sources
New Zealand Archives, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Ancestry – Parker Family Tree
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
New Zealand History, NZ Engineers
New Zealand BDM

Researched by Barbara Raven

Harold George PARKINSON

Service Number: 31789
Regiment: Machine Gun Corps
Last known Rank: Private
Died: 9 November 1950
Age: 62 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 023

Pre-war
Harold George PARKINSON was born on 16 November 1887 in Opotiki, the seventh child of James
Henry PARKINSON and Sarah Oscar FIELD. His parents were both born in Victoria, Australia and
were married on 21 April 1875 in Blackwood, Victoria Australia. They had a child in Australia before
moving to New Zealand sometime after 1876 and settled on a farm at Tirohanga, Opotiki.
Harold was initiated into the Masonic Lodge Opotiki No. 1930 on 4 December 1908.

Enlistment and Training
Harold enlisted on 25 July 1916 at Trentham and was initially
posted to the 19th Specialist Company. He stated that he was a
Farmer employed by his father James Parkinson who was also his
next of kin.

He is described as 5 feet 7 inches (173cm) in height, weight 161 lbs
(73kg) with hazel eyes and dark hair. At the time of enlistment his
age is stated as being 28 years 3 months.
Harold was transferred to Featherston and the 20th Specialist
Company in October.

Service Abroad
Harold left Wellington on 2 January 1917 on HMNZT 73 Opawa arriving in Simon’s Town, South
Africa on 16 February. He was transferred to Cape Town from where on 24 February he embarked
on the RMS Walmer Castle arriving at Devonport, England on 27 March 1917. The 20th Specialists
were marched to Sling Camp situated in Bulford, a distance of 220 kms.

On 31 March 1917 Harold was admitted into the No. 3 NZ General Hospital situated at Codford.
After being discharged he remained at Codford at the New Zealand Command Depot which provided
rehabilitative training to soldiers not fit to return to their unit after being discharged from hospital.
Harold was transferred to Sling Camp on 29 August 1919 and remained there until he embarked to
New Zealand on 3 November 1919 on HMNZT Ruahine arriving in New Zealand on 25 December.
This voyage was the subject of an enquiry into conditions onboard.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16716, 27
December 1919, Page 8

Post-war

After discharge Harold returned to the Waituki Stud Farm in
Tirohanga.

On 20 November 1919 Harold married Mary Ferguson
BALFOUR. They moved from Tirohanga and in the 1935
electoral roll they are stated as farming at Patumahoe where
they stayed until his death in 1950. They were both very
involved in the Franklin district becoming members of the
A & P Association, the Farmers Union, the Franklin Racing
Club, to name a few.

His wife Mary moved to Auckland after his death and died
on 25 March 1955 before being cremated at Waikumete
Cemetery.

Opotiki News, Volume XIII, Issue 1330, 17 November 1950, Page 3

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot No 023.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military record
Ancestry
Family Search
Papers Past
Flotilla Australia

Researched by Robyn McNie

George Testro PARVIN

Service Number: 46484
Regiment: Auckland Regiment
Last known Rank: Private
Died: 27 August 1951
Age: 72 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 027

Pre-war

George Testro PARVIN was born on 5 December 1878, (although his army records said 1887) in
Auckland. He was the fourth child of eight for Thomas William PARVIN (1849-1918) and Louisa
Susanna DAVIES (1849-1920) and he had three sisters and four brothers.
His father was a Carpenter and George also took up this trade at an early age, working and living at
home in Auckland until he moved to Kaitaia prior to enlistment.

Enlistment and Training
George enlisted at the Wireless Station in Kaitaia and was posted to the 24th Reinforcements but was
given time to complete business arrangements and went into camp on 2 February 1917 with the
25th Reinforcements. According to a letter in his military file, he had an accident on his horse while
on final leave which saw him in Auckland Hospital for over two months and although he was still
suffering, he went to Featherston Camp and proceeded overseas.
He was described as 5 feet 6 inches (167cm), 161 lbs (73kgs), dark complexion, grey eyes, dark
brown hair, Anglican and had a scar on his upper lip.

Service Abroad

George embarked at Wellington on 13 August 1917 aboard
HMNZT 91 Mokai and arrived in Glasgow on 2 October 1917. He
had been transferred to the 29th Reinforcements Auckland
Infantry by this time but after a further injury to his neck during
drill, he was admitted to No. 3 New Zealand General Hospital at
Codford on 11 October. From there he was sent to Hornchurch
and then to Walton-on-Thames Hospital.
On 28 November he was classified as unfit for active service but it
took until 1 February 1918 before he boarded the Willochra to
start the journey home.
Arriving back in New Zealand he was admitted to Auckland
Hospital, still under military authority, and was put in a steel splint
for his injuries.
In a letter to the Minister of Munitions dated 18 October 1918,
filed with his military records, he outlined his injuries and asked
“why he is in the hospital and not the annexe where all returned
surgical cases are. He points out that they are allowed leave every
day from 1pm to 10pm while he has to get special permission to
get leave for a few hours once a week”.

George remained in hospital for some time as his address on the 1919 electoral roll was the Annexe,
Wellesley Street, Auckland. He served 1 year 176 days in New Zealand, 216 days overseas giving a
total service of 2 years 27 days. He was finally discharged on 4 March 1919.

Post-war
By late 1919 George was living in East Street, Pukekohe
where he became a farmer and breeder of Jersey cows.
On 24 June 1924 George married Kathleen GOLDING
(1899-1948), daughter of James GOLDING and Sarah
AITKIN.
George got involved in a huge range of community
activities, holding committee or officer positions in
most. He was involved with the formation of the
Franklin RSA, Jersey Breeders, Onion & Potato Growers,
Franklin A & P, Pukekohe Fire Board, Pukekohe
Municipal Band, Pukekohe Swimming Club, Pukekohe
Lawn tennis Club, to name but a few.
He was elected to the Pukekohe Borough Council in
1923 and topped the poll at his first attempt. He was
Deputy Mayor for most of the many years he served on
Council. He was also elected to the Franklin Electric
Power Board at the formation in 1922 and was still
serving in 1944. He was the elected member for the
district on the Auckland Hospital Board, another
position he held for many years.
George and Kathleen had a stillborn son and two
daughters. Kathleen died in 1948 after a long illness
and is buried in Pukekohe Cemetery.

In Memoriam
Pukekohe RSA Cemetery Plot 027.
Parvin Place, Pukekohe - Street named after him.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military records
Ancestry – Parvin Family Tree – Photos and information
Papers Past – over 3000 references to George, mostly in the
Franklin Times

Researched by Heather Maloney

James Francis PATON

Service Number: 8/3034
Regiment: NZ Army Postal Corps
Last known Rank: Corporal
Died: 21 July 1985
Age: 92 years
Cemetery: Pukekohe RSA Plot 243

Pre-war
James Francis PATON was born in Christchurch on 4 November 1892, the eldest child of James
PATON (1868-1954) and Caroline PERRIN (1866-1904). He had three brothers and after his father
married for a second time in 1906 to Margaret Louisa LIND (1891-1956), he gained two half-
brothers and a sister. His mother had died while they were living at Fairlie when James was twelve
and his youngest brother only five.
James attended Oamaru, Forbury and Fairlie schools and started work as a postal cadet at Otautau.

Enlistment and Training
James enlisted at Invercargill and attested at Trentham on 13 June 1915. He was initially posted to
the Otago Infantry but was transferred to the NZ Army Postal Corps on 24 March 1916. He gave his
uncle, H. H. PERRIN, of Dunedin, as his next of kin and was described as 5 feet 7¼ inches (171cm),
154 lbs (69kgs), dark complexion, brown eyes, dark hair, single and Anglican.

Service Abroad

James embarked from Wellington on 9 October 1915 aboard the HMNZT 34 Warrimoo as part of the
7th Reinforcements bound for Suez. He was transferred to the 8th Company of the Otago Infantry

Brigade at Moascar Camp and
later transferred to the Postal
Corps. From here he embarked
for France on 9 April 1916.
He was evacuated, sick, to a
field hospital then transferred
to No. 10 Stationary Hospital in
the Chapel at St Omer, France
(pictured on left). He was posted
to headquarters 1st NZ Infantry
Brigade on his release from
hospital. He was given ten
days leave in Paris in January
1918 and further leave to
England in March 1918. James
was appointed Acting Corporal
then Corporal during 1919. He embarked for home in London on 2 April on the Carpentaria and was
discharged on 16 June 1919 after serving 148 days in New Zealand, 3 years 223 days overseas, a total
service of 4 years 6 days.