They Came Home from WW1 - Waiuku and Awhitu Peninsula

They Came Home
from WW1

Remembering those who are buried in
the Waiuku and Awhitu Peninsula
Cemeteries

New Zealand Society of Genealogists
Franklin Branch



They Came Home
from WW1

Remembering those who are buried in the
Waiuku and Awhitu Peninsula
Cemeteries

As a result of events in Europe, Britain declared war against Austria-Hungary and Germany on
4 August 1914. The Great War or World War One had begun.
New Zealand’s first involvement, at the request of the British Government, was in German Samoa,
where 1,400 men captured the German wireless station in Apia on 29 August 1914.
The New Zealand Expeditionary Force Main Body, consisting of 8,500 soldiers and 3,000 horses,
departed Wellington on 10 troopships, arriving in Egypt on 3 December 1914. Here they completed
their training before heading first to the Gallipoli Peninsula and then to the Western Front.
Over the next four years, 42 drafts each about 2,000 strong, left New Zealand. In addition, the
Mounted Rifle Brigade participated in the Sinai-Palestine campaign and a small number of
New Zealanders served with the British naval and air forces.

This book does not set out to cover the war in any detail.

It is dedicated to the memory of the men and women who returned to New Zealand from WW1 and
are buried in the Waiuku Returned Services Cemetery and those who we became aware of that are
buried in the Waiuku Public Cemetery and cemeteries on the Awhitu Peninsula.
These unsung heroes came home and, in most cases, got on with living, raising families, and
contributing to society, many in volunteer roles in prominent organisations. A large portion of them
returned to farming, but some worked for the railway, or in banks, or the post office, others entered
the family business. All were ordinary folk doing ordinary things that are worth remembering.
By telling their stories we hope that we will be able to honour and respect the contribution they
made on our behalf.

Research by members of the NZSG Franklin Branch

and descendants of those who returned.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to obtain reliable and accurate information for this publication. We wish to thank
Fair Dinkum Books for their help with military matters. The writers and NZSG Franklin Branch assume no
responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this book. Any corrections with
supporting evidence should be sent to:
[email protected]

A Franklin Branch Project 2022
Printed by BookPrint Ltd, Auckland

Contents

Location map of Cemeteries
Foreword

Stories of the Returned
The First Five

Waiuku War Memorial
Medals

Camps, Depots and Hospitals

In New Zealand, England, France, and Egypt

Index
Sources

Cemeteries

Awhitu Central (Franklin Genealogy) Pollok (Find a grave)

Map Franklin Genealogy

Kohekohe (Franklin Genealogy)

Waipipi (Find a grave) Waiuku (Franklin Genealogy)

Foreword

It has been more than 100 years since WW1 ended – but there remains little consensus about just
what it was that caused it. What we do know however is that it had a very profound effect on New
Zealand and its people.

With a population of marginally over 1 million in 1914, some 120,000 served – with 100,000 serving
overseas. Whist we can debate the futility of the ‘Great War’ what we cannot debate is the service
performed by our New Zealand personnel – 18,000 of whom lost their lives and another 41,000 who
were wounded. We remember also the 550 young nurses who served overseas as part of the NZ Army
Nursing Service.

Some saw it as ‘their duty’, some as ‘supporting our British links’, yet others as ‘a great adventure’, but
all contributed to ensure New Zealand remained a free nation. It was of course out of this service that
our Kiwi identity was born.

The Franklin Branch of the NZ Society of Genealogists are to be commended for putting together this
book as an acknowledgement of the many locals who served in this horrific war. Lest we Forget.

These West Franklin service personnel need to be remembered for their role in weaving an important
strand into the fabric of our society, for it is because of their courage, strength, and ability to overcome
over whelming challenges that makes Waiuku and Awhitu what it is today.

Their stories capture ordinary men and women doing extraordinary things – for which we remain
eternally grateful.

We shall remember them.

Mark Ball QSM JP

Patron – RSA Franklin

Maxwell ALDRED MBE

Service Number: 13/2510
Regiment: Auckland Mounted Rifles
Last Known Rank: Captain
Died: 24 May 1970
Age: 90 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 38 Plot 030

Pre-war
Maxwell ALDRED was born 27 October 1879 in Blackpool, Lancashire, the son of John Charles Aldred
and Martha Alice EDMONDS. He had one younger brother, Conrad, three years his junior. For most
of his boyhood his family lived with his grandparents at Dore, Derbyshire, where his grandfather was
a vicar and his father a doctor. Max received his education with a tutor until the age of 13 when he
was sent to Oakham School in Northamptonshire. His mother died in 1897. After immigrating to New
Zealand in 1901 Max married Emily Ethel GRAY in 1903, the daughter of Henry Gray and Emily FARMER
of England. The couple settled at Whiriwhiri, Waiuku establishing a dairy farm on land purchased by
his father who had arrived in New Zealand in 1902. A son, Maxwell Harry (Sonny) was born in 1905
and a daughter, Alice Constance (Gigs) in 1907.
A sporting man, Max had been a representative footballer in the Midland Counties, was a promising
cricketer, enjoyed grouse shooting and later was captain of the Waiuku cricket team.

Enlistment and Training

From 1907 Max had belonged to the Auckland
Mounted Rifles Volunteers becoming Adjutant of the
Auckland Mounted Rifles and Area Officer in 1914.
As this involved working in Auckland the couple
rented a house in St Stephens Avenue, Parnell,
Auckland where the family remained during the war.
Max enlisted July 1915 when his children were 10
and 7. He was described as 6 feet (183cms) in height
weighing 163 lbs (74kgs) with brown eyes and fair-
grey hair with his religion being Anglican. A medical
examination in March 1915 indicated no health
issues. After three months training, he embarked
with the 8th reinforcements 13 November 1915,
from Wellington, on the HMNZT 36 Tofua with the
rank of Captain.

Service Abroad

Max disembarked in Egypt 20 December 1915 and
left for the Canal 23 December. He was admitted to
hospital with an illness 30 June 1916 re-joining his
regiment eight days later. He was wounded in action 9 August 1916 with a gunshot wound to the leg
and suffering from shell shock, and was admitted to the 31st General Hospital, Alexandria.

He returned to duty, 21 August, re-joining his unit on 7 October. From 12 November to 19 December,
he was granted the temporary rank of Major.
Max was again wounded in action on 9 January 1917, with a gunshot wound to the right shoulder. He
was admitted to the 24th Stationary Hospital, Kantara, 12 January 1917 where his condition was
reported as dangerously ill. He was not out of danger until 13 February. In letters held by Kingston
Hull, Maxwell wrote, “I was badly wounded. I will never be quite the same again. I am delighted to
think I am coming back to my wife and kiddies but sorry to leave the boys. I am getting someone to
write this out for me as I cannot use my right arm”. He was Mentioned in Despatches (MiD): ‘For
gallant and distinguished conduct in the field and for other valuable services.’
Max was invalided to New Zealand from Suez on board HMNZT Willochra 7 March 1917 arriving in
New Zealand on 2 May. In total, he served 2 years and 27 days with 1 year and 171 days of those
overseas. He was finally discharged 9 August 1917 with the rank of Captain after having been involved
in campaigns in Egypt and Sinai-Palestine.
He received the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Post-war
Following the war Max lived in Auckland whilst continuing to receive treatment. The family returned
to Whiriwhiri at the end of the year but Max, with his injuries, found farming difficult. After the death
of his father in 1921 the farm was sold, and Max became a land agent living in Waiuku. He continued
to serve in the Territorial Forces as a member of the 3rd New Zealand Mounted Rifles attaining the
rank of Colonel in 1929, thereafter being known in Waiuku as Colonel Aldred. For this service he was
awarded the Territorial Service Medal, NZ Long and Efficient Service Medal, Colonial Auxiliary Forces
Long Service Medal, and Colonial Forces Decoration. He lived a full life despite his earlier fears of
‘never being the same again’. During the 2nd World War, he organised and commanded the Home
Guard in Waiuku. A shelter, remnants of which remain, was built by him on his son’s west coast farm
at Taurangaruru with weapons for defence and supplies should the Japanese attack. Max and Emily
lived on this property with their son ‘Sonny’. He was actively involved in the establishment of the
Waiuku Returned Soldiers’ (later Services) Association (RSA) and, as President, was involved in the
campaign for the First World War Memorial in Waiuku leading the ceremony for the unveiling on 9
June 1921.
Other community involvements included the Franklin Licensing Committee, representing the Waipipi
Riding as a councillor in Waiuku for many years and commissions under the Mortgage Relief Act. His
public service contributions were recognised in 1953 with the award of the Queen Elizabeth II
Coronation Medal and in 1954 he was appointed an Ordinary Member of the Civil Division of the Most
Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 38 Plot 030.
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Waiuku War Memorial Hall.

Sources

Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Aldred, M. Reminiscences (A personal account written by Max of his life for the benefit of his grandchildren)
Ancestry: Census records, Family Trees
Contributions from Mary Wilcox (granddaughter), Graham Craig
Kingston Hull: Letters written home (Held by Kingston Hull)
New Zealand BDM
London Gazette, 6 July 1917 (award)
Papers Past: Auckland Star, 7 March, 1913, Military Reserves; Auckland Star, 15 Sept 1916, wounded; London Gazette 6 July
1917; NZ Herald, 28 Aug 1917 MiD; NZ Herald 29 Aug,1916; Franklin Times, 5 May, 1926, Council Elections; Franklin Times,
26 Feb,1936, (Licensing; Waikato Times, 2Dec, 1936, Mortgage Commission; Supplement to London Gazette, 10 June, 1954

Researched by Ros McNaughten

Leslie George Victor AMIES

Service Number: 24/30
Regiment: New Zealand Rifle Brigade
Last known Rank: Rifleman
Died: 10 February 1950
Age: 52 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 34 Plot 045

Pre-war

Leslie George Victor AMIES was born 15 February 1897 (although his
military record said 1895). He was the third of five children born to George
Henry Amies (1868-1965) and Christina LAURSEN (1874-1965) and sadly
only he and one sister lived past infancy. Christina was born in Denmark
and there are many variations in the spelling of her name.
Les (as he was known) started school in Inglewood, the town he was born
in, but moved to Palmerston North when he was seven.
He had served in the senior cadets, 28th Company in Palmerston North
before the war and gave his occupation on
enlistment as hairdresser.

Photo taken about 1900

Enlistment and Training

Les attested at Trentham on 29 May 1915. He was single, Anglican, 5 feet
7½ inches (171cms), 146 lbs (66kgs), and had fair hair, grey eyes and fair
complexion.
He was posted to A Company of the 2nd Battalion.

Service Abroad

Les left New Zealand aboard HMNZT 31 Tahiti on
9 October 1915 and arrived in Egypt on
15 November. He served on the campaign against
the Senussi in the Western Desert over Christmas
1915, and in March 1916 he transferred to the New
Zealand Division in France.
Unfortunately, Les was wounded on 18 September
1916 and suffered a shattered kneecap. He was
transferred to several hospitals before being
admitted to No. 1 General Hospital at Brockenhurst
in England where his left leg had to be amputated.
After a lengthy convalescence he embarked for New
Zealand on the HS Maheno on 24 December 1917.

Les and two amputee mates at Brockenhurst

Two of the letters he sent home were published in
Manawatu newspapers

Post-war
On 28 April 1919 Les married Gwenifred Catherine Mary EVANS at St Johns Church in Feilding. Gwen
(as she was known) was the daughter of Thomas John EVANS (1874-1957) and Margaret Jane
ROBERTSON (1875-1954).
Three of Gwen’s sisters and two soldier friends made up the wedding party. At that time Les was a
Post Office cadet and by 1924 they had shifted to Waiuku where he became a telephone exchange
operator. Les and Gwen had a son and two daughters. Les continued his work as an exchange
operator and lived in Waiuku until his death.
Gwen moved to Feilding for a few years after his death but returned to Waiuku and died on
3 June 1985. She is buried with Les.
In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 34 Plot 045.
Sources
Archives New Zealand Military Record
New Zealand BDM
Ancestry – Mendoza Family Tree – Photos and information
New Zealand electoral rolls
Papers Past: Letters home, Manawatu Standard 20 Jan 1916 & Manawatu Times 31 July 1916; Leg amputated

Manawatu Standard 16 Nov 1916; Wedding report Feilding Star 28 April 1919

Researched by Heather Maloney

Henry John ANDREW

Service Number: 69667
Regiment: New Zealand Rifle Brigade
Last Known Rank: Rifleman
Died: 29 November 1982
Age: 90 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 41 Plot 024

Pre-war
Henry John ANDREW was born on 16 July 1892 to John ANDREW (1862-1931) and Margaret
MORROW (1867-1924). Margaret was born in New Zealand, but her parents came out on the
Ganges and sadly a daughter died on the voyage. Henry’s father, born in Pakuranga, learned to be a
coachbuilder and blacksmith and although he eventually went farming at Onewhero he returned to
blacksmithing in Waiuku. Henry entered Onewhero School on 16 February 1897 and left school on
15 December 1904. In 1914 Henry was in Okahukura, near Taumaranui, working as a farm hand for
William L. THOMAS. It was from here that Henry enlisted.

Enlistment and Training
Henry signed attestation papers at Taumaranui on 12 September
1917. He expressed the preference to join the Mounted Rifles.
He was 24 years old, 5 feet 4 inches (163cms) tall and weighed
132 lbs (60kgs). He had a ruddy complexion, blue eyes and
dark brown hair. His military record shows his birth date as
16 July 1893.
On 17 September he was posted to D Company,
34th Reinforcements as a Private and on 25 January 1918 he
was posted to D Company, 35th Reinforcements. On 2 March
Henry and the 35th embarked on the HMNZT 101 Tofua heading
to Suez.

Service Abroad
Henry arrived at Suez on 8 April 1918 and posted to the
Australian Camp. They embarked again on 30 April and headed to Southampton disembarking on 15
May. The 35th Reinforcements then marched to the New Zealand Rifle Brigade Base at Brocton and
Henry joined B Company Reserve Rifle Brigade.
On 24 August Henry proceeded overseas to the New Zealand Rifle Brigade Reserve Depot at Etaples,
France. He was transferred to A Company in the 4th Battalion New Zealand Rifle Brigade on 30
August. Reported wounded on 9 September 1918, Henry was treated at a field ambulance and re-
joined his unit on 14 September. In late October Henry attended the Lewis Gun School, before re-
joining his unit on 10 November and just one day later the armistice was signed. The Battalion
returned to England and prepared to return home.

Henry was part of Draft 260
on the Ruahine that left from
Plymouth on 19 May 1919
heading for Wellington.
There were 890 troops, 139
women and 31 children
aboard. The vessel arrived at
7pm on 7 July but the troops
disembarked the next
morning. The north bound
men headed off by train just
after midday. Henry was
discharged on 5 August 1919
and received the British War
Medal and the Victory Medal. He served for 164 days in New Zealand and 1 year and 129 days
overseas, a total service of 1 year 293 days.
The photo above shows Henry’s medals, pay book and two souvenirs he picked up – an Iron Cross
and bayonet.

Post-war
Henry returned to Waiuku at the end of the war and was a labourer. According to the electoral roll
his parents were still farming at this time. However, by 1921 Henry’s father had begun a blacksmith
business and Henry was working for him (John Andrew and Son 5 August 1921 Franklin News and J
Andrew 30 January 1923 NZ Herald advertisements). On 18 March 1922 Henry married Eileen Emma
McDONALD, born 17 January 1902 to John Thomas McDonald (1875-1947) and Eunice WESTHEAD
(1883-1967), both were Waipipi families.
Henry and Eileen had three children, Elva, Keith, and Ian. Henry and Eileen settled in Queen Street,
Waiuku. Henry’s mother passed away suddenly in 1924. In June 1925 John Andrew sold many of his
possessions as well as cows, ducks, fowl, and pigeons and although much was sold up the business
continued.
Henry worked as a blacksmith for several more years then purchased a four acre property at 77 Hull
Road where Henry always had beautiful vegetable gardens and passed on the green thumb to Keith.
Around 1938 Henry, Eileen and family moved to a dairy farm at Orini, Waikato.
Elva and Ian both married and returned to Waiuku but Keith remained on the farm. Henry and
Eileen retired c.1957 when Keith married and took over the farm. They returned to Owens Road,
Waiuku and lived with Elva for a period before moving to 26 King Street.
Eileen passed away in 1963 but Henry remained there until about 1977 when the property became
too much. He then spent time at Ranfurly Veterans Home and Hospital, and from about 1980 in a
private nursing home. He came to Franklin Memorial Hospital in 1981 with a medical issue resulting
in the amputation of a leg. He never fully recovered and remained in hospital until his death on
29 November 1982.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 41 Plot 024.
Waiuku War Memorial.

Sources

Archives New Zealand, Military Records
New Zealand at War
New Zealand BDM
Henry’s life story, information and photographs from Jill Warren, granddaughter.
Additional research by Lois Hopping

Charles Rainsford BARRIBALL

Service Number: 13/2527
Regiment: Field Artillery
Last known Rank: Gunner
Died: 17 April 1970
Age: 77 years
Cemetery: Waiuku RSA S2 Plot 021

Pre-war
Charles (Charlie) Rainsford BARRIBALL was born on 26 June 1892 at Waiuku, the ninth of twelve
children, six boys and six girls of Alfred Martyn BARRIBALL (known as Martyn) and Ellen CONSTABLE
who had married on 25 May 1880. Charlie grew up in the midst of happy and lively family. There
was an abundance of love, a strong sense of duty, and a mischievous sense of humour. Then, when
he was ten years old, tragedy struck the family. His mother Ellen died and his oldest sister Essie,
aged 20, unselfishly took over her mother’s role in the household.
They were a very musical family and Charlie played the cornet. Sport was important and he excelled
as a horseman, riding out with the Pakuranga Hunt at Waitangi just a month before enlisting.
Martyn, a Major with the Waiuku Mounted Rifles Volunteers, introduced his sons to military sports,
and they competed successfully as far afield as Taranaki.
Charlie was farming on his own account when he enlisted as a Trooper in the 8th Reinforcement
Draft of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. His farewell social, reported as organised by Martyn
and his family in great style, was held on 26 July 1915.

Enlistment and Training
He enlisted on 24 August 1915 for the period of the war
and is described as 5 feet 10 inches (178cms), weighing
149 lbs (68kgs) with black hair, grey eyes and a dark
complexion. His health was good.
He stated that he had seven years previous military
service and was a member of the 3rd Auckland Mounted
Rifles Reserves C squadron. He attested on 25 August
1915 at Trentham before Captain M. ALDRED under
whom he had served at Waiuku.

Service Abroad
Charlie sailed on the Tofua, disembarking in Suez on 20
December 1915 for Zeitoun Camp. On 28 January 1916
he sent the obligatory pyramid postcard to Essie writing,
“I am feeling grand, there is not much work, and we are
looking after some sick horses.” Transferred as a Gunner
to the 7th battery of the First Brigade, Field Artillery on 9
March 1916 he spent one month training at Moscar Camp
before departing for France to serve in the field. During 1918 he spent time in England, both on
leave and for medical treatment, returning to the 7th Battery on 6 June 1918.

On 9 November 1918, just three days before Armistice, Charlie wrote to his sister Ruby as follows:

“A chap has just come in & told me that he saw unofficial in the French paper that hostilities are to
cease at three o’clock today we are expecting peace at any minute so will not be surprised if it is
correct. I won’t be home for this Christmas but will be home shortly afterwards for sure! We are out
on a three month spell at present having a grand time we were picked out of an Army corps for it &
the General lined us up before we left the line & made a speech he told us we belonged to the best
corp in France & were the best Battery in the corp so that makes us the best Battery in France some
honour when there are thousands of Batteries to pick from some skite eh?” (sic)

Charlie was detached to Sling Camp in the UK on 28 January 1919 and on 8 March 1919, was one of
the 1,063 returning Officers, Nurses, and Troops aboard Willochra, when she departed
Southampton, her last voyage as a Troop Carrier, arriving in Wellington on 15 April 1919. When
discharged four weeks later, he had served a total of 3 years, 262 days, most of that in Egypt and
France. He received the 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Post-war
Charlie resumed farming, joining siblings who had moved to the Ngatea-Kerepehi district. An
Auckland Land Board sitting on 17 July 1919 approved the transfer/sub-lease of Section 15 Block 6
Waihou SD from W.W.S. JONES to C. R. Barriball. By the end of 1923 Charlie had returned to Waiuku
living first in Constable Road and later at his ten-acre block in Sandspit Road. He was also in business
as a carrier and coal merchant. Later homes were in Coast Road, Martyn Street and King Street. In
October 1926 he was appointed to examine applicants for motor driving licences. When this role
was transferred to the Transport Department he became a calm and patient driving instructor to
local learner drivers, (including this researcher), continuing this into his senior years.
Catherine Mary LONGDILL (Cath) married Charlie on 29 November 1919 and she was his perfect
match. She shared his musical talents and, together with his sister Ruby, they often provided dance
music and entertainment for social gatherings throughout the district.
Cath brought two sons George (b. 1917) and Jack (b. 1919) to the marriage, and with the arrival of
Joyce (b.1922) and Colin (Bud) (b.1927), Charlie was a proud and involved father to a family of four.
Charlie joined the RSA, serving on the Executive and as their Club Steward after World War 2. A
member of the Waiuku Silver Band, his cornet sounded ‘The Last Post’ at returned servicemen’s
funerals and Anzac Day services for many, many years.
He continued his involvement in military sports and served on the management committees. His
father had been a founding member of the local bowling club and Charlie soon developed a passion
for the game, joining with Martyn and his brothers to form many winning combinations during his 48
years playing the game. He loved rugby, playing his first game in 1908, and went on to be a coach
and selector. Even in old age he rarely missed a game, watching with a transistor tucked under his
arm to hear the results of other games.

In Memoriam
Waiuku RSA Cemetery S2 Plot 021.
Waiuku Roll of Honour Waiuku War Memorial Hall.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Family Sources
Photograph courtesy of his grand-daughter Frances Armstrong
Researched by Val Gillanders, grand-daughter of his sister Ivy

John Leslie BARRIBALL

Service Number: 20954
Regiment: New Zealand Mounted Rifles
Last Known Rank: Trooper
Died: 25 February 1974
Age: 78 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Ashes Row 45-026A

Pre-war
John Leslie (usually known as Les) BARRIBALL was born on 2 December 1895 in Waiuku, the eighth of
eleven children of Joseph BARRIBALL (1854-1942) and Eliza EDDY (1854-1930). Joseph and Eliza
were married on 27 September 1882 at the house of Eliza’s uncle, William WALTERS. Eliza had
travelled to New Zealand three years earlier on the Merivale with her brother James and his wife.
Joseph was five years old when his parents settled in Waiuku at Eden Hill.
Les was educated at Pukeoware School and later at Waiuku District School. Several children would
all get on a horse together and travel to school, but invariably one would fall off.
In 1910, aged 14, Les joined the National Bank as a clerk and in 1914 he was working in Waiuku. He
had served with C Squadron 3rd Auckland Mounted Rifles prior to being called up.

Enlistment and Training
Les enlisted on 3 May 1916 and named his father, Joseph
BARRIBALL as his next of kin. By 13 May, Les was in
Trentham Training Camp. He was a Methodist, single
and was described as 5 feet 7 inches tall (170cms) with
black hair, brown eyes and a dark complexion.

Service Abroad
Les was posted to the 16th Reinforcements of the
New Zealand Mounted Rifle Brigade and embarked on 10
August 1916 on the Moeraki for Sydney. There he
transferred to the Mooltan and sailed for Suez, arriving
on 20 September 1916.
On 2 October 1916 he was admitted to hospital with
mumps and then transferred to an isolation hospital to
recover. He then joined his unit on 23 October 1916 at
Moascar, but by 25 November he was readmitted to
hospital, this time with rubella, which required further
time in an isolation hospital. He finally rejoined his unit in
Abbassia on 17 December 1916. He was transferred to
the 16th (NZ) Company, Imperial Camel Corp, and this was his method of transport to Jerusalem. Les
often talked about his camel as being a bit bad-tempered, but that it always returned to where he
was sleeping in the morning after being let loose the night before.

On 1 August 1917, Les was in hospital with what turned out to be nephritis, although it was originally
thought to be debility after diphtheria. After over a month in hospital the Medical Board met and
decided Les should be invalided back to New Zealand as he was “no longer physically fit for war
service on account of illness contracted on active service”. He left Suez on 23 December 1917 and
sailed on the Wiltshire as far as Perth and then changed ships to the Manuka to arrive in
New Zealand on 20 January 1918. He served 127 days in New Zealand and 1 year 136 days overseas,
a total service of 1 year 263 days.

Post-war
Les’ first address back in New Zealand in 1919 was 31 Vincent
St, Auckland and he was working as a bank clerk. In the same
year the National Bank transferred him to Gisborne to be their
accountant and he continued there until about 1929. During
this time, he met and married Lilian Grace RENWICK, daughter
of Joseph RENWICK (1861-1955) and Ellen Louisa DEE (1868-
1938). Joseph and Ellen came to New Zealand from the
United Kingdom in about 1908. He had been a Sergeant and a
master tailor in 1903 in the 2nd East Yorkshire Regiment.
Lilian was born on 17 August 1897 in Naas, Ireland.
Les and Lilian had a son and a daughter.
In 1929 they moved to Christchurch where Les was made the
Sub-accountant at the National Bank and then Accountant in
1933.
In 1936 they moved again, this time for Les to be Manager at
the Pukekohe National Bank for two years. Their next move
was for him to be Manager of the Wanganui National Bank in
1938 and then in 1944 to be Manager of the Hastings Bank. In
1948 Les was made an Inspector of Banking and then from
1951 to 1956 he was made Manager of the Christchurch
National Bank. On his retirement it was noted “that he had occupied his positions of responsibility
with tact, goodwill and courage”.
Throughout these years Les was always involved in the activities of each community he lived in.
Golf, bowls, and rugby were his particular favourites.
Les died on 25 February 1974 at his home at 12 Brightside Rd, Epsom and his ashes were buried at
Waiuku. Lilian died on 5 February 1995, aged 98 years and her ashes were buried at Waiuku with
Les.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Ashes Row 45 Plot 026A.
Sources

Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Margaret Barriball - daughter
Werrington to Waiuku – A History of the Barriballs of Waiuku
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Archives New Zealand, Probates
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Google – Knowledge Bank.org.nz
Wiki Tree
Papers Past: Golf, Poverty Bay Herald, 12 Aug 1921; Wedding report, Poverty Bay Herald 9 Feb 1923; Bank Transfer to
Pukekohe, Franklin Times 25 June 1936; Pukekohe Bowling Club, Franklin Times11 June 1937; Trans to Hastings 3 May 1937

Researched by Barbara Raven

Stanley Martyn BARRIBALL

Service Number: 43180
Regiment: New Zealand Mounted Rifles
Last Known Rank: Trooper
Died: 24 October 1948
Age: 62 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 23 Plot 034

Pre-war
Stanley Martyn (known as Stan) BARRIBALL was born on 15 October 1886 at Waiuku, the seventh of
ten children of Charles Thomas Jnr BARRIBALL (1845-1917) and Eliza Jane HODGE (1852-1921).
Charles and Eliza were married in Waiuku on 24 January 1872 and with the 100 acres Charles had
been given by his father and a further 142 acres he had bought, the couple settled and built a
property called “Brooklyn” on Barriball Rd, Pukeoware.
Prior to WW1 Stan was working for his father on the Brooklyn property. He had spent four years in
the Auckland Mounted Rifles.

Enlistment and Training
Stan enlisted on 28 October 1916 and named his father
Mr. C. BARRIBALL as his next of kin. That was changed
after his father’s death in 1917 and his next of kin
became his eldest brother, Samuel Eber BARRIBALL.
Stan was a Methodist, single and was described as
5 feet 7 inches tall (170cms), with black hair, brown
eyes and a dark complexion.

Service Abroad
Stan was posted to the 26th Reinforcements, New
Zealand Mounted Rifles and embarked from Wellington
on 31 May 1917 on the Moeraki. At Sydney he changed
ships to the Port Lincoln, arriving in Suez on 6 August
1917. On arrival he was posted to the training regiment
of the NZMR at Moascar before joining 3rd (Auckland)
Squadron in the field in September 1917.
In early October 1917 Stan was admitted to hospital in
Alexandria and then two weeks later he was re-
admitted, this time with tonsilitis. On 25 October, he
was discharged from hospital and able to rejoin his unit.
At the end of June 1918, Stan was admitted to hospital
with malaria and in August he was re-admitted with
severe malaria. Eventually in late September he was
discharged to the Aotea Convalescence Home.

The Medical Board made the decision that Stan needed to be sent home to recover and on 20 April
1919 he left Egypt for New Zealand on the Kaikoura. Stan was discharged from service on
4 September 1919 after serving 280 days in New Zealand and 1 year and 324 days overseas, a total
service of 2 years 239 days.

Post-war
Stan returned to his farming job, but from 1928 he was living in Kitchener Rd, Waiuku.
When his mother, Eliza retired to View Rd, Waiuku, Stan took over the family farm and farmed it
with the help of sharemilkers until his death in 1948.
In 1935 Stan married Mabel DAWSON (1894-1972).
She was the daughter of Samuel DAWSON and Fanny
LEES of Huddersfield.
A family member remembers that Stan was the first person to own a car in the family and was
always happy to take family members to places they needed to go.
He was involved in many of the community’s activities – the Pakuranga Hunt Club, bowling, the
Methodist Church, and the Pukeoware Sports Club.
The Pukeoware Sports Day was a day that was
celebrated by the whole district with wood chopping,
athletics, horse riding etc. Stan bred both pedigree
Lincoln sheep and pedigree Jersey cattle and showed
these with much success. He was also involved in the
share market.
In his Will, as well as leaving money to his family, he
left bequests to several local organisations:
Pukeoware Tennis Club, Pukeoware Croquet Club,
Pukeoware Hall, Waiuku RSA and the Methodist
Church.
Stan died on 24 October 1948 of a heart attack and is
buried in the Waiuku Cemetery.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 23 Plot 034.
Pukeoware Roll of Honour.
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Waiuku War
Memorial Hall.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Online Cenotaph
Werrington to Waiuku – a History of the Barriballs of Waiuku
Archives New Zealand Probates
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Ancestry
Findagrave.com Headstone
Papers Past: Lincoln sheep, Pakuranga Hunt, Puke & Waiuku Times 21 July 1915; Franklin Times 25 Feb 1921; Jersey sale,

Franklin Times, 19 Sept 1928; Pukeoware Sports, Franklin Times 5 Nov 1931; Sharemilker wanted, NZ Herald 4 Ma 1937;
Farm Sale, Bay of Plenty Times 24 May 1949

Researched by Barbara Raven

William Roy Wesley BARRIBALL

Service Number: 76399
Regiment: Auckland Regiment
Last Known Rank: Rifleman
Died: 21 January 1953
Age: 66 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 36 Plot 001

Pre-war
William Roy Wesley (usually known as Roy but sometimes as Wes) BARRIBALL was born on 22 March
1886 at Waiuku, the eldest of four children of William Henry BARRIBALL (1851-1928) and Annie
Segatia BAYLY (1860-1941). William and Annie were married at St Andrew’s Church, Pukekohe on
28 January 1885. They settled on land that William had been farming before his marriage, 100 acres
of Lot 82, Waiuku East. This land was bounded by C. T. BARRIBALL’s land in the southeast,
R. WALTER’s land in the west and W. G. HILL’s land, called Ti Ti farm in the north. This land included
Bald Hill.
Roy worked on this farm with his brother, Ivor, prior to his call up. He had spent five years in the
Territorials with the Waiuku Mounted Rifles.

Enlistment and Training
Roy enlisted on 14 February 1918 and named
his brother, D. H. I. BARRIBALL,
P. O. Pukekoware, Waiuku, as his next of kin.
Roy was a Methodist and was described as
5 feet 10½ inches tall (178cms), with dark hair,
steel grey eyes and a dark complexion. He had
a scar underneath his chin and a seven-month-
old injury to his left knee which made it painful
to kneel.
In June 1918 the men of the
40th reinforcements, E company were given
leave to return home before sailing overseas.

Service Abroad
Roy embarked on 10 July 1918 from Wellington
on the HMNZT 107 Tahiti, which was to become
known as the “ship of death”. They sailed via
Freemantle, Australia and then onto Freetown,
West Africa. It was known by this time that the
N1H1 Influenza Virus was a deadly killer and
that it spread very quickly, so the men were not
allowed off the ship.

However, the Wireless Operators and Captains
of several ships anchored in port met on board
the Mantua and this is where it is thought the
disease was caught. Within three days men on
board the Tahiti were reporting flu-like
symptoms. Ninety per cent of the soldiers
caught the virus and 75 men died, some while
travelling on to the United Kingdom, a few when
they arrived. Special trains were sent to meet
the boat and to transport the men to hospital.
Roy was hospitalised in the No. 3 New Zealand
General Hospital at Codford on 11 August 1918.
He was taken off the infectious list on the 19th,
but it wasn’t until 4 November that he left hospital and moved to Sling camp. Here, although still
not returned to full fitness, Roy helped with the demobilization preparations. Then, on 21 April 1919
he caught mumps and spent a further three weeks in hospital.
On 19 May Roy left the United Kingdom on the Ruahine to return home to New Zealand and was
discharged on 5 August 1919 as he was no longer physically fit for service on account of illness
(influenza). contracted on active service. He served 174 days in New Zealand and 364 days overseas,
a total service of 1 year 173 days.

Post-war
Roy returned to working on the farm at “Springside” and farmed alongside his brother Ivor until his
father’s accidental death in 1923.
The effects of the influenza virus severely diminished Roy’s lung capacity and it took a number of
years for him to regain his fitness. He was plagued with recurring medical issues throughout his life.
On 27 June 1920 Roy married Edith Maud HILL (1892-1970) the daughter of the Barriball’s next-
door-neighbour, Walter Stanley HILL, a Lawyer from Auckland, and Mary Edith ROSSER. After their
marriage Roy took over half of his father’s farm and bought property from Richard WALTERS, which
extended his farm to the Waiuku-Pukekohe Road. He spent the rest of his life on this property.
Roy was involved in many community activities especially the Methodist church, leaving a bequest
for repairs to be made to the church. He was also involved as a committee member of the
Pukeoware Sports Club and the Pukeoware Tennis Club, and he was a member of the Districts Dairy
Committee. He raised pedigree jerseys and enjoyed the Pakuranga Hunt Club. Roy and Edith had a
son and daughter.
Roy’s medal disappeared but his grandson was able to purchase it through a medal
re-uniting website.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 36 Plot 001.
Pukeoware Roll of Honour.
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Waiuku War Memorial Hall.

Sources

Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Werrington to Waiuku – a History of the Barriballs of Waiuku
Medals Reunited NZ -photos Wash Day on Tahiti and British War Medal with Roy’s Waiuku RSA Membership
Badge
Papers Past: Father’s Obit, NZ Herald 22 Aug 1923; Tennis, Franklin Times 4 Dec 1933; Pukeoware Sports, 5 Nov 1934

Researched by Barbara Raven

Algar Frederick Francis BATH MM

Service Number: 23952
Regiment: Auckland Regiment
Last Known Rank: Corporal
Died: 30 November 1975
Age: 79 years
Cemetery: Waiuku RSA Row S3 Plot 010

Pre-war
Algar Frederick Francis BATH was born in Auckland on 18 January 1896, the second of three sons,
the youngest, Cecil, died at eight months old. Algar and his brother Walter attended St Joseph’s
Convent but in March 1903 they transferred to Panmure School. They transferred back to
St Joseph’s Convent on 19 February 1904.

Enlistment and Training
Algar enlisted on 8 February 1916 at Trentham. There
is no attestation record on file, but a date is listed on
his medical history record. He was 5 feet 5 inches
(165cms), 135 lbs (61kgs) with a ruddy complexion,
dark brown hair, and brown eyes. He was single and a
Roman Catholic. Algar volunteered and was posted to
A Company 13th Reinforcements on 12 February. He
spent time at both Trentham and Featherston Camps.
His brother Walter received a military exemption as his
mother had had two brothers killed and a son now
serving, which left him the only relative in New Zealand
and her main support. (NZ Times 16 May 1917)

Service Abroad
At the end of May, Algar embarked aboard the HMNZT
54 Willochra and headed for England. The ship was
diverted from Devonport to Plymouth and they
disembarked on 26 July 1916. The next day the troops
were at Sling camp and Algar was attached to the 2nd
Auckland Infantry Battalion Auckland Company. On 5 September 1916 he headed for France and the
New Zealand Infantry and General Base Depot at Etaples. On 26 September Algar was with the 2nd
Battalion Auckland Infantry Regiment in the field. He was sent to the 2nd Australia Casualty Clearing
Station in Rouen on 24 November and admitted to hospital with influenza. He re-joined his unit on
15 December and on 4 February 1917 Algar was attached to the 1st NZ Light Trench Mortar Battery
but re-joined 2nd Battalion shortly after. By 30 September 1917 he was attached to the NZ Wing 2nd
ANZAC reinforcement camp in the field. On 27 October Algar re-joined the battalion before being
granted leave in England from 4 to 21 November. By 23 June 1918 Algar was detached to 3rd Army
rest camp and returned on 6 July to his battalion. At the end of July, he was sent to Lewis Gun
School for two weeks returning on 10 August. On 31 August 1918 Algar was promoted to Lance
Corporal. His military records then recorded that Algar was awarded the Military Medal for “Acts of
Gallantry in the field”. His family applied for and received the following information:

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on BANCOURT on 1st September.
After his platoon commander and all the N.C.O.s had become casualties, he took charge of the
platoon and displayed great courage in leading them to the final objective. He has consistently done
good work.”

Algar attended the Lewis Gun School again on 26 September. It was
while he was at the school on 29 September that he earned
promotion to Corporal. On 13 October he returned to the
2nd Battalion Auckland Regiment and on 27 October Algar was granted
leave to England, returning on 15 November. He was assigned to duty
in England on 31 December. In early February 1919 Algar embarked
on the Hororata at London and headed for Wellington. It carried over
1,500 troops, 1,151 of them the first draft of “fit” 1914-15 men. The
vessel arrived on 15 March and some troops disembarked at
Wellington before it headed to Auckland and Lyttelton. Ports were to
give them a special reception but as they were delayed by a gale
these were curtailed. Algar was discharged on 14 April 1919 after
serving 132 days in New Zealand and 2 years 295 days overseas, a
total service of 3 years 62 days. He was awarded the Military Medal
and received the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Post-war
In 1919 Algar was working as a cheesemaker at Tatuanui. On 29 December 1923 Algar married Lila
Wilhelmina ELLIS but they divorced in 1927. At that stage he was in Te Kuiti working as a carpenter
but moved to Auckland. Algar married Florence Matilda LICHTWARK on 17 January 1931. Florence
was born on 10 April 1902 in Opunake, to Charles Alphonso Herbert LICHTWARK (1869-1936) and
Matilda Ann HALL (1873-1944), the middle child in a family of nine, five boys and four girls. Algar
and Florence had a son, Algar Harold Joseph Bath born in 1932 in Auckland. When Algar jnr was
about one year old the family moved to Mangatangi, purchased some land, and began to clear it. It
was a difficult task, but it was their land, and they wanted a farm. They had begun with two cows
but within the first year one cow had died. Algar did work as a carpenter to help the family finances.
By 1949 he had moved his family to Awhitu. Several years later they purchased land from J. A. LIDDY
and had a dairy farm near the corner of Awhitu and Tram Gully Roads. They were soon fully involved
in the community. Algar still did some carpentry jobs as well as farming with the help of his son.
Algar enjoyed reading and his son remembered getting up at midnight and finding him still reading.
They were usually up by 4 a.m. to milk the cows.
Algar the son, married M. G. Noeline BUTTER in 1960. For a
period, they lived with Algar and Florence while the two Algars
built a home for the younger couple. Three or four years later
Algar Jnr bought the farm and Algar Snr retired. Both Algars
would still call on each other for assistance. Florence continued
to live at Awhitu until her death in 1984.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery RSA Row S3 Plot 010.
Noble Boys of Point Chevalier Roll of Honour pictured at right.

Sources

Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Photos and Family Information, Noeline Bath (daughter-in-law)
Auckland Museum Cenotaph

Researched by Lois Hopping

Edwin Joseph BINNS

Service Number: 13/2532
Regiment: Machine Gun Corps
Last known Rank: Private
Died: 26 January 1945
Age: 51 Years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 15 Plot 040

Pre-war
Edwin Joseph BINNS, known as Joe, was born on 7 June 1893. His parents Joseph BINNS (1838-1905)
and Frances Maria HUDSON (1852-1922) were both from Yorkshire and had seven children, though
two sons died young. They arrived in New Zealand on SS Tongariro in 1888 with three children and
settled on a farming property on Kohekohe-Karioitahi Road, Taurangaruru. A daughter was born,
then Joe, who was the youngest. The children walked down the road to Kariotahi School.
Before enlistment, Joe began an apprenticeship on the State Farm at Ruakura near Hamilton.

Enlistment and Training
On 23 August 1915 Joe attested
at Trentham. He was 6 feet (183
cms), weighed 142 lbs (64kgs)
and had a dark complexion, blue
eyes and brown hair. Joe was
single, Anglican and his mother
was his next of kin.

At camp 16 September 1915. Joe
second from left, back row

Service Abroad
Joe left Wellington as a Trooper of the Auckland Mounted Rifles on HMNZT 36 Tofua and the
8th Reinforcements on 13 November 1915 and reached Suez on 20 December 1915.
On 11 March 1916 he was transferred to No. 1 Machine Gun Company at Ismailia then embarked for
France on 6 April and was in the field at Armentières before moving south to the Somme
battlefields.
By 18 February 1917 Joe had become anaemic and spent time at a Divisional Rest Station but by the
28th he was discharged and re-joined his unit. However, on 3 March he had Pleurisy, was in hospital
at Wimereux then sent on the hospital ship Cambria to England and on 14 March admitted to
hospital at Walton on Thames, England.
On 1 February 1918 he embarked on Willochra at Liverpool for New Zealand and was discharged on
18 April 1918 as “no longer fit for war service on account of illness contracted on active service”.
He had served 116 days in New Zealand and 2 years 123 days overseas, a total of 2 years 239 days.
Joe received the 1914-15 Star, the British Medal and the Victory Medal.

Post-war
After his return to New Zealand, Joe went back to his
apprenticeship at Ruakura.
On 11 April 1923 he married Gladys RIDGLEY (b 1897),
daughter of John (Jack) RIDGLEY (1867-1938) and Jane
(Jinny) BRIGHT (1869-1932). She was the eldest with a
brother and two sisters and from the corner of Coast and
Butchers Roads.
Joe and Gladys had two sons and a daughter and lived on
the farm at Taurangaruru.
Joe was involved in the local RSA. Whenever he could,
Joe enjoyed being at the beach at Karioitahi. In January
1930 he found a large piece of ambergris (a substance
produced in the digestive system of a sperm whale)
weighing about 23 ounces; the second piece he had
found in a year. He would also net for mullet at the
coast.
Joe passed away at home on 26 January 1945.
With her sons’ help Gladys continued on the farm until
about 1960 when she moved into town to Sandspit Road
and Charlie took over the farm.
Gladys passed away 21 August 1986.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 15 Plot 040.
Kariotahi School Roll of Honour.
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Kariotahi section, Waiuku War
Memorial Hall.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum cenotaph
Noel Binns, Grandson - Knowledge and photos
New Zealand History
Familysearch
New Zealand BDM
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Women of Franklin 1893
Paperspast: Ambergris NZ Herald, 22 Jan1930; Death Notice, NZ Herald 29 Jan 1945

Researched by Penny Prescott

James BRIGHT

Service Number: 35994
Regiment: Auckland Mounted Rifles
Last known Rank: Trooper
Died: 8 May 1930
Age: 42 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 29 Plot 006

Pre-war
James BRIGHT was born on 12 May 1887, the eleventh of twelve
children of James BRIGHT (1838-1920) and Elizabeth HOLLAND (1949-
1931). His siblings were – Thomas Bright (1867-1943), Jane RIDGLEY
(1869-1932), Elizabeth RIDGLEY (1871-1927), Benjamin Bright (1873-
1937), William (Bill) James Bright (1875-1971), George Bright (1878-
1878), George Bright (1879-1969), Richard Bright (1881-1915), Samuel
Bright (1883-1950), Mary Rebecca COX (1885-1973), and Peter Bright
(1889-1962). James was born in Waiuku, Franklin.
In the 1900 electoral roll his occupation was listed as “labourer”. In
1911 it was as a “farmer”. He also learned his father’s boot making

trade and helped as well on the family farm on
Kitchener Road, Waiuku.

Enlistment and Training
James enlisted on 28 October 1916 at Waiuku
and entered camp on 14 November 1916,
where he was posted to the 24th New Zealand
Mounted Rifle Brigade. His occupation at that
time was recorded as “farrier and blacksmith”
employed by J. Bright (Snr). His next of kin was
recorded as his sister, R.M. Bright of Waiuku.
He was single, aged 29, Anglican and described
as 5 feet 9 inches (175cms), 166 lbs (75kgs),
with a fair complexion, blue eyes, and brown
hair.

Service Abroad
His overseas service commenced on 19 April
1917 when he embarked at Wellington on the
Moeraki bound for Sydney. After almost three
weeks in Sydney he boarded the Port Sydney
and left for Egypt to serve with the New
Zealand Mounted Rifles in the Egyptian
Expeditionary Force.

James spent six days sick in the ship’s hospital
and after disembarking marched into camp at
Moascar where he was posted to the Training
Mounted Regiment.
Three weeks later he was transferred to the
New Zealand Engineering Field Troop. On
6 December 1917 James was admitted to the
43rd Stationary Hospital in Palestine with
tonsillitis and transferred to the New Zealand
Convalescent Home eleven days later. In July
1918 he was admitted to hospital in Cairo with
malaria and again spent some time convalescing
at the Aotea Home in Heliopolis.
During his war service, James was elevated to
the rank of Lance Corporal on 25 January 1918
and promoted to Corporal on 17 October 1918.
He embarked in Suez on the Kaikoura on
4 January 1919 and was discharged on 17 May
1919 as no longer fit for war service on account
of illness contracted on active service. He served 184 days in New Zealand and 2 years 1 day
overseas, a total service of 2 years and 185 days.

Post-war
James purchased a piece of land in Goodwins Road, Aka Aka and ran dry stock. For a short period,
he joined his brother William on his property at Motu in the Gisborne District. Due to ill health,
James returned to the Waiuku area where he farmed until his death in 1930. It is recorded in the
Bright Family booklet, that he died of Bright’s Disease (now known as acute nephritis). There is no
record of any marriage or children.
James died on 8 May 1930, aged 42 years.
His headstone bears the words: He was a man among the few. God’s choicest gift. A man who was
true.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 29 Plot 006.
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Waiuku War Memorial Hall.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Personal contact with Graham Craig (Waiuku)
Bright Family 1865-1984
New Zealand BDM
Archives NZ - Probate records
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Papers Past: Death Notice, NZ Herald 10 May 1930

Researched by Ken George

Samuel James BRIGHT

Service Number: 58474
Regiment: Auckland Mounted Rifles
Last known Rank: Trooper
Died: 14 September 1957
Age: 61 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 38 Plot 045

Pre-war
Samuel James BRIGHT (always known as Jim) was the oldest child of Thomas Bright and Emily Jane
LEANING, born on 22 June 1896. His siblings were Charles Frederick (1898-1987), Dorothy Asenath
(1900-1995), Norman John (1902-1957), Wilfred Thomas (1903-1986), Joseph Henry (1905-1997),
and Elsie Rebecca (1909-2006). Up until the 1919
Franklin electoral roll his father, Thomas BRIGHT is
recorded as a “cordwainer”, which to those
unfamiliar with the occupation, is a person who is a
shoemaker making new shoes from new leather.
Jim had bought a dairy farm in 1914 and after
clearing and draining the land he bought a herd of
dairy cows. He sold his dairy herd, and farm sundries
prior to going overseas. The sale was advertised
extensively in newspapers of the day.

Enlistment and Training
His date of attestation was on 3 August 1917. Jim’s
New Zealand service commenced on 18 October 1917
when he was posted to the 36th New Zealand
Mounted Rifles as a Trooper. He was single, Anglican,
a self-employed dairy farmer and was 5 feet 10
inches (178cms), 157 lbs (71kgs) and had a dark
complexion, brown eyes, and dark hair. He stated
that he was still serving in the 3rd Auckland Mounted
Rifles. His training was at the Featherston Camp and
154 days later he embarked for Egypt.

Service Abroad
Trooper Bright embarked from Wellington on the
Moeraki on 21 February 1918, bound for Suez where
he disembarked on 4 April 1918. During the travel
the troops were transhipped at Sydney to the RMS Ormonde. Following a further period of training
he was transferred to the New Zealand Mounted Rifles, Auckland Squadron, on 15 May 1918. In
September 1918 he was admitted to the 36th Stationary Hospital at Gaza with jaundice. This was
later re-diagnosed as influenza, and he spent time in several different hospitals until he re-joined his
regiment on 14 November 1918.

Trooper Bright returned to New Zealand on 23 July on the Ellenga, arriving in New Zealand on 11
September 1919, and discharged from service a month later.
He received the British War Medal and Victory medal. He served 154 days in New Zealand and 1
year 205 days overseas.

Post-war
Jim returned to the Waiuku district. His farm was at the end of Bright Road and was alongside the
Awaroa Stream.
Jim married Ann Agnes AYLWARD (known as Tuss) on 24 November 1920. They had three sons and
eventually retired to Sandspit Road in Waiuku.
Jim died in 1957 and Tuss lived to be 96 years old. Tuss died on 29 October 1996 and is buried with
Jim.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 38 Plot 045.
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Aka Aka section, Waiuku War Memorial Hall.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Researcher interview with son Tom Bright
Papers Past: Farm clearing sale, New Zealand Herald / Auckland Star 13 September1917
New Zealand BDM
New Zealand Electoral Rolls

Researched by Ken George

Olga CLOTHIER

Service Number: 11/1673
Regiment: Wellington Mounted Rifles
Last known Rank: Corporal
Died: 6 June 1978
Age: 85 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 41 Plot 41

Pre-war
Olga CLOTHIER was born on 10 September 1892 at Drury, Auckland, the fifth of nine children of
Charles CLOTHIER (1851-1918) and Matilda DAVIS (1862-1953). Charles and Matilda were married in
Christchurch on 28 October 1883. By 1889 the family were living in Awhitu, Waiuku where Charles
was farming but subsidising the family’s income with gum digging.
Charles started school at Pollok on 11 April 1899 and his last day was 20 October 1906.
In 1914, prior to WW1 starting, Olga and his brother Arthur were shepherds on a farm on Te Kumi
Rd, Te Kuiti. Later that year Olga got a farmhand job working for L. J. NEWALL of Hawera and lived
with a R. HUGHES of Whenuakura.

Enlistment and Training

Olga enlisted on 23 August 1915 at Patea
and named his next of kin as Mrs. C.
CLOTHIER, Waiuku. He was posted to
the 7th Reinforcements, B Squadron.
While in training in Trentham, Olga had
three days in hospital with influenza.
Olga was Anglican and was described as
5 feet 10½ inches tall (178cms), 155 lbs
(70kgs) with a dark complexion, brown
eyes and brown hair.

Service Abroad

Olga embarked from Wellington on
9 October 1915 and arrived at Suez on
18 November 1915 where he
disembarked. On 23 January 1916 he
proceeded with his unit to Zeitoun.
Olga’s first hospitalisation for malaria
was on 21 June 1916. There were a
number of flare ups of malaria, and he
was hospitalised in Alexandria (5 August
1917), Helipolis (5 July 1918), and Cairo
(13 July 1918). Following this bout Olga
was sent to convalesce in Alexandria for
two weeks.

On 8 August 1917, Olga was sent on a Hotchkiss
Gun Course and then on 30 September he went
to a course at the Imperial School.
Olga also had several dental treatments while in
Egypt.
On 17 June 1918 Olga was promoted to Lance
Corporal and then on 8 November 1918 to
Corporal. On 19 April 1919 Olga was invalided
home to New Zealand on the Kaikoura. He was
discharged from service on account of illness
contracted on active service after 3 years 310
days service with 3 years 193 days overseas and
117 days served in New Zealand.

Post-war
Olga returned from overseas to farm a property called Stoney Creek in Waiuku.
On 10 June 1924 Olga married Cicely HOLMES youngest of eleven children of Samuel HOLMES (1850-
1924) and Alice Ann HARE (1860-1932). Samuel and Alice were married on 21 January 1878 at
Darling Downs, Queensland. Cicely was born in Waiuku on 12 November 1901. She and Olga had
two sons and a daughter.
Olga had a glass eye, the result of losing an eye in an accident while working in a mercantile store.
The family tell of how he liked to keep it in a glass of water on the windowsill when not using it.
Olga played the button accordion and the harmonica and enjoyed whistling. He smoked a pipe and
used the word kapai often.
The family remembered the old quarry at the back of the property at Valley Rd, which became the
vegetable garden. Olga’s hobby was woodwork and they had cape cod chairs out the front of the
house with multi-coloured freesias up the steep driveway. Olga talked of his time in Palestine and
Egypt to the grandchildren and how the enemy would creep into camp and into the tents and mark
their foreheads with a cross. Olga was obviously very much loved by his grandchildren.
Olga and Cicely farmed all their married lives around the Waiuku region – at Glenbrook between
1935 and 1938, then on Otaua Rd from 1946 to 1949, and Valley Rd, Waiuku until Olga retired in
1957. They continued to live at 11 Valley Rd until Cicely’s death on 5 March 1968. She is buried in
the Waiuku Cemetery. In 1978 Olga was living at 1 Hamilton Drive, Waiuku but later that year on
6 June 1978 he died at the Hillcrest Hospital, Mangere. Olga was buried in the Waiuku Cemetery
with Cicely.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 41 Plot 041.
St George Church Roll of Honour, Patea.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Clothier Family information and photos
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Archives New Zealand, Probates
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Ancestry – Holmes Family Tree
Papers Past; Call Up, Patea Mail 9 Aug 1915; Bowls, Roll of Honour, Patea Mail 23 Dec 1935; NZ Herald; 13 Feb 1936

Researched by Barbara Raven

George Vernon CODLIN

Service Number: 11/1633
Regiment: Imperial Camel Corps
Last known Rank: Lance Corporal
Died: 7 October 1928
Age: 42 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 25 Plot 010

Pre-war
George Vernon CODLIN was born on 8 July 1886 in Auckland, the third
of fourteen children of Theophilus CODLIN (1858-1946) and Mary Ann
SIMPSON (1860-1942). Theophilus and Mary were married in
Auckland in 1882. Theophilus’ parents, John CODLIN and Mere nee
TUPARA (daughter of Te Wherowhero, 1st Māori King) were some of the first settlers in Waiuku.
They bought 82 acres of Crown land in 1853 in the Waiuku district. In 1870 they settled in
Whiriwhiri, Waiuku on a 30 acre block of land which is where future generations continued farming.
George was a keen athlete and in 1914 George was working as a labourer for R. HOLMES of Waiuku.

Enlistment and Training
George enlisted on 30 May 1915 and attested in Trentham on 2 July 1915. He named his father,
Thomas J. CODLIN, Waiuku as his next of kin. Four of his brothers also enlisted over the course of
WW1.
George was a Roman Catholic and was described as 5 feet 11 inches tall (180cms), 161 lbs. (73kgs),
with a dark complexion, brown eyes, black hair and a small scar on his right cheek.
He was posted to the 6th reinforcements of the Wellington Mounted Rifles.

Service Abroad
George embarked on 14 August 1915 on the HMNZT 28 Tofua and disembarked at Suez on 19
September. On 13 November 1915 he joined his unit at Mudros before leaving Alexandria for Anzac
on the Hororata where he disembarked on Christmas Day, 1915. On 23 January George left for the
camp at Zeitoun and soon after was admitted to hospital with varicose vein problems. These were
operated on in February, and in early
March 1916 he returned to duty,
embarking for Cyprus from Alexandria.
On 8 May he returned to Alexandria,
had some dental treatment in June and
had a rest in Heliopolis in August.

On 9 September 1916 George was
posted to the 15th (NZ) Company,
Imperial Camel Corps.

The Imperial Camel Corps had been
formed in January 1916 to assist with the
fighting on the Libyan/Egyptian border, in
the Libyan Desert. Camels of course,
could carry heavy loads and go without
water for many days at a time. They
were therefore ideal for this type of
engagement. They were also used as the
final link in the delivery of supplies to the
troops.
On 19 April 1917 George received a
gunshot wound in the leg and was
transferred by train to Cairo where he was
admitted to hospital and later spent time
in a convalescent home.
In July the first signs of George’s future
problems would begin, and he had
numerous admissions to hospital until
finally a diagnosis of tubercle of the lung
was made in 1918.
On 1 September 1918 George’s younger brother, Allen Dale was killed in action in France.
It was 29 January 1919 before George was finally able to return home to New Zealand on the Malta.
He was discharged on 15 October 1919 as no longer physically fit for war service on account of
illness contracted on active service. He had served a total of 4 years 108 days and spent 3 years 133
days overseas and 341 days in New Zealand.
George received the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Post-war
In 1919 George went back to working as a labourer. He spent time in hospital with tuberculosis
during 1925. George never married and died intestate in Auckland Hospital on 7 October 1928.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 25 Plot 010.
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Waiuku War Memorial Hall.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Archives New Zealand, Probates
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Wise’s New Zealand PO Directory, 1923
NZ History – The Imperial Camel Corps

Researched by Barbara Raven

John Sydney CODLIN

Service Number: 74161
Regiment: Auckland Regiment
Last known Rank: Private
Died: 14 December 1961
Age: 65 years
Cemetery: Waiuku RSA Row S2 Plot 002

Pre-war
John Sydney CODLIN was born on 23 March 1896 at Waiuku, the ninth of fourteen children of
Theophilus CODLIN (1858-1946) and Mary Ann SIMPSON (1860-1942). Theophilus and Mary were
married in Auckland in 1882 and their first four children were born there.
Theophilus’ father, John, was one of the first European settlers in Waiuku, having bought 82 acres of
Crown land in 1853. He leased this land out and then moved onto 30 acres in Codlin Rd, Whiriwhiri.
John was married to Mere (or Mary) the daughter of Te Wherowhero, the first Maori King.
In 1888 Theophilus and Mary moved to Whiriwhiri where they farmed until their deaths. Theophilus
was able to send his cattle via boat to Onehunga where his brother, George, who was a stock agent,
was able to sell them.
John Sydney was a painter in 1914, a job he continued until his retirement and his last job prior to
enlistment had been for A. BARRIBALL.
John was living in Whiriwhiri and had been in the 3rd Auckland Regiment of the Territorial Forces.
He was a keen athlete and also enjoyed hockey.

Enlistment and Training
John enlisted on 5 February 1918 and named his father, Thomas CODLIN, Waiuku as his next of kin.
Four of his brothers also enlisted during the war.
John was a Roman Catholic and was described as 5 feet 6½ inches tall (168cms), 134 lbs (60kgs), with
a dark complexion, grey eyes, and dark hair. It was also noted that he had had a broken nose and
had a dark patch on his right hip.

Service Abroad
John embarked on 9 May 1918 from Wellington on the HMNZT 103 Maunganui and sailed for
Liverpool, arriving on 24 June. He was posted to the 37th reinforcements, C Company.
Just before John proceeded to France on 10 September 1918, his brother, Allen Dale CODLIN
(Service Number 60070) was killed in action on 1 September.
On 30 September, John received multiple wounds in the left thigh from gunshots. He was admitted
to the 22nd General Hospital in France and then transferred to Walton-on-Thames in London. In
November he was transferred to Hornchurch to convalesce.

John returned to New Zealand on the Mamari arriving on 20 August 1919. He was discharged from
service on 17 September 1919 after serving 121 days in New Zealand and 1 year 104 days overseas,
a total service of 1 year 225 days.

Post-war
On 18 January 1921, John married Veronica Kyra SAYER. Veronica was the sixth of seven children of
John Joseph SAYER (1869-1915) and Mary Ann WADE (1875-1952). Two of Veronica’s brothers also
went to WW1. Veronica was born on 23 December 1903 in Onehunga. John and Veronica had three
daughters.
In 1931 John served on the Waiuku Hockey committee.
They were living in Whiriwhiri in 1928. By 1935 they had moved to Kaiwaka Rd and continued living
there until John moved to George St, Waiuku in 1946. However, John was not on his own as his
brothers Leonard, Theophilus and his sister, Nita Vida were also living at this address.
Veronica was now living at 327 Parnell Rd, Auckland – perhaps to be near her elderly mother.
From 1949 until John’s death, he continued living at George Street and working as a painter.
John died on 14 December 1961 and was buried in the Waiuku RSA Cemetery.
Veronica died on 8 September 1976 and was buried at Pyes Pa, Tauranga.

In Memoriam
Waiuku RSA Cemetery Row S2 Plot 002.
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Waiuku War Memorial Hall.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
NZ History
Ancestry
Papers Past: Athletics, Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, 16 Jan 1914; Returned men, Pukekohe & Waiuku Times 12 Aug 1919;

Waiuku Hockey Committee, Franklin Times 31 Mar 1931

Researched by Barbara Raven

Theophilus James CODLIN

Service Number: 24/726
Regiment: New Zealand Rifle Brigade
Last known Rank: Rifleman
Died: 18 April 1956
Age: 71 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 25 Plot 014

Pre-war

Theophilus James (known as Theo or Theodore) CODLIN was born on 27 September 1884, the
second of fourteen children of Theophilus CODLIN (1888-1946) and Mary Ann SIMPSON (1860-
1942). Theophilus and Mary Ann were married in Auckland in 1882 and their first four children were
born there. Theophilus’ father, John, (who was married to Mere, daughter of Potatau
Te WHEROWHERO) was one of the first European settlers in the Waiuku area and had bought 82
acres of Crown land, which he leased out and then had another 30 acres at Codlin Rd, Whiriwhiri, to
live on himself. In about 1888 Theophilus and Mary Ann moved to Waiuku where they farmed until
their deaths. Theophilus Snr was able to send his cattle via boat to Onehunga where his brother
George was a stock agent and able to sell them for him.
Theo started school at Waiuku on 13 October 1890 and transferred to Otaua in 1896.
In 1911 and 1914 Theo was a labourer working for his father on the Whiriwhiri farm.

Enlistment and Training

Theo enlisted on 27 May 1915 and named his mother, Mrs T. CODLIN, Waiuku, as his next of kin. He
was posted to the 2nd NZ Rifle Brigade, C Company.
Theo was single, Roman Catholic and was described as 5 feet 10 inches tall (178cms) with a dark
complexion, blue eyes and black hair. He had various tattoos – on his chest, right arm and hands.

Service Abroad The Stokes Gun, with inventor Sir
Wilfred Stokes
Theo embarked from Wellington on the HMNZT 38 Tahiti on 9
October 1915 in a convoy with four other troop ships and
disembarked in Egypt on 18 November 1915. He proceeded to
Ismalia on 17 January 1916 and then on 6 April 1916 embarked
from Alexandria for France.
In May 1916 he trained in the use of the Stokes gun and then
was transferred to the 3rd Trench Mortar Battery.
On 3 July 1918 Theo was admitted to hospital in France with
influenza. In August while in the United Kingdom, he was
admitted to Brockenhurst with impetigo. From there he went
to convalesce at Hornchurch. On 17 November 1918 he
returned to duty.
During this time Theo’s younger brother, Allen Dale Codlin
(Service Number 60070) was killed in action in France on
1 September 1918.

Theo returned to New Zealand on the Ruahine and was discharged on 5 August 1919 after serving
163 days in New Zealand, 3 years 274 days overseas, a total of 4 years 72 days.

Post-war
Following his return to New Zealand, Theo continued his job as a labourer on his father’s farm at
Whiriwhiri. He never married.
In 1928 Theo began work as a labourer at Orua Bay (Manukau Heads), and in 1935 he was on the
electoral roll at Kanohi, Kaukapakapa. By 1946 he had moved to live in George St, Waiuku and was
again working on the family farm at Codlin Rd. His brothers, John Sydney and Leonard as well as his
sister, Nita Vida lived with him.
Theophilus James died in 1956 and is buried with his parents and other members of his family.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 25 Plot 014.
Waiuku Roll of Honour Board, Waiuku Memorial Hall.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Memories of Family Member Viv
Ancestry
School records
New Zealand BDM

Researched by Barbara Raven

Thomas Cleatus CODLIN

Service Number: 17/243
Regiment: Veterinary Corps
Last known Rank: Private
Died: 6 May 1973
Age: 81 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 36 Plot 011

Pre-war

Thomas Cleatus CODLIN was born on 4 October 1891 at Waiuku, the sixth of fourteen children of
Theophilus CODLIN (1858-1946) and Mary Ann SIMPSON (1860-1942). Theophilus and Mary married
in Auckland in 1882 and lived in Auckland until 1888 when they moved to Waiuku to settle.
Theophilus’ father, John CODLIN (one of the first European settlers in the area) and married to Mere,
daughter of the Maori King, Te WHEROWHERO, had bought land in 1853 in Waiuku. Some of this
land he leased out and he settled on a 30-acre block at Codlin Rd, Whiriwhiri in 1870.
Thomas started school at Otaua on 30 November 1896 and left in 1905 to work at home on his
father’s farm in Whiriwhiri and was in the 3rd Auckland Mounted Rifles.

Enlistment and Training
Thomas enlisted on 14 December 1914 and named his next of kin as his father, T. CODLIN, Waiuku.
He was posted firstly to the Auckland Mounted Rifles as a Trooper and then to the
2nd Reinforcements in the Veterinary Corp with the rank of Private.
He was single, Anglican and described as being
5 feet 11 inches (180cms) tall, 168 lbs (76kgs)
with a dark complexion, hazel eyes and black
hair.

Service Abroad

Thomas embarked from Wellington on
15 December 1914 on the HMNZT 14 Willochra
and arrived in Egypt on 29 January 1915.
As part of the Veterinary Corp, Thomas would
have been responsible for the care of the horses.
A variety of problems had to be dealt with;
influenza (an outbreak among the horses
occurred in January 1915) followed by an
outbreak of ringworm. Water was often in short supply, the flies caused all types of sores especially
around the mouth and nose area, sand colic and in 1918 an outbreak of anthrax. Mange was also a
problem.
The men would have been involved in cleaning out the horse’s living quarters and making sure the
food was suitable.
Thomas was in Egypt in 1915 and 1916. Then on 7 April 1916 he embarked for France.

On 14 April 1917 until 11 May, Thomas was in
hospital in France. He then returned to his role
at the Veterinary Hospital in Calais. Throughout
1917 Thomas had various admissions to hospital,
once at least with bronchitis. In May 1918 he
was admitted to hospital with trench fever and
was invalided back to England.
Thomas had four brothers who served in WW1,
his older brother, Allen Dale was killed in action
in France, but the others all returned home.
Thomas returned to New Zealand on the
Horarata and was discharged from service on 14
April 1919 after serving 143 days in New Zealand
and 4 years and 92 days overseas, a total service
of 4 years 235 days.

Post-war

Thomas spent all his working life working on the family
farm at Whiriwhiri.
On 28 August 1930 Thomas married Ethel Mary NOBLE.
They had no children. Ethel was the fifth of eleven
children of Edward Ellesmere NOBLE (1848-1922) and
Hannah ASHLEY (1854-1910). Hannah and Edward
were married on 14 June 1872 and lived the early part
of their married life in Wairoa.
An interesting item got coverage in the local paper
when Thomas’ wife wrote to the Minister of Public
Works after she had got no response from many
requests to the Council to improve the state of their
road.
Ethel died on 28 September 1953 in Pukekohe. She is
buried in Waiuku.
Thomas retired to 10 George St, Waiuku in 1957 and his sister Nita lived with him. He enjoyed
playing bowls. He died on 6 May 1973 of complications from diabetes and was buried with Ethel.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 36 Plot 011 – There is no headstone.
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Waiuku War Memorial Hall.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Photo: Footprints #4720 group of Waiuku men in Egypt, Sept 1915
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
New Zealand BDM
Family information from Viv
Papers Past: Call up, Pukekohe & Waiuku Times 28 Aug, 1914; Returning soldiers, Pukekohe and Waiuku Times, 4 Mar,

1919; Bowls, Franklin Times, 21 Nov, 1923; Letter to Semple, Franklin Times,24 Jan, 1939;

Researched by Barbara Raven

Herman Ernest COFFIN

Service Number: 30352
Regiment: Wellington Regiment
Last known Rank: Lance Corporal
Died: 12 June 1963
Age: 74 years
Cemetery: Waipipi Plot 038

Pre-war
Herman Ernest was born 27 May 1889 at Okains Bay, Akaroa to Alexander Bathurst COFFIN
(1858 - 1935) and Sophia Doretta RIDDER (1860-1951), the seventh child in a family of six boys and
three girls. Sophia, of German extraction, and Alexander, the son of an American whaler and an
English mother, married in New Zealand in 1878. Some of Alexander’s siblings were christened
BATHURST or they took the name BATHURST-COFFIN. Bathurst was the maiden name of Alexander’s
mother Caroline. The family lived and then farmed in Okains Bay before heading to Opunake in 1890.
They took up virgin boggy land in the Te Kiri/Awatuna area in 1891 and made it a dairy farm. The
children left Okains Bay School in April 1892 and went to Eltham Road School. On 5 March 1900
brothers William (born 1885) and Christopher (born 1887), along with Herman, were registered Nos.
1, 2 and No.3 at Te Kiri School. Herman finished school on 9 August 1904 and headed “Home”. By
1911 Herman was working as a labourer in Sefton, Canterbury. He later joined three of his brothers
who were in Kohumaru, near Mangonui, and worked as a labourer, possibly on a family farm. However
he returned to assist his father on his farm at Te Kiri as he was working there when he enlisted.

Enlistment and Training
Herman attested 22 August 1916 at Featherston and was
posted to H Company 20th Reinforcements. He was 27 years
3 months old, 5 feet 6½ inches tall (169cms) and weighed
151 lbs (68kgs). He had blue eyes, light brown hair, a fair
complexion and was Presbyterian. Herman’s little finger on
his left hand was deformed as the result of an accident.
Herman embarked 7 December 1916 aboard HMNZT 71 Port
of Lyttelton and headed overseas as a member of the 11th
Reinforcements, 4th Battalion, H Company, New Zealand
Rifles.

Service Abroad
Herman arrived at Plymouth, England on 18 February 1917
and was taken on strength at Sling Camp with B Company, 5th
Reserve Battalion, 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade. At the end
of March Herman headed to France as part of 11th Company,
3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade Wellington Infantry Regiment. On
10 August he was wounded and admitted to No.4 New
Zealand Field Ambulance and spent several days receiving treatment for a slight gunshot wound to his
neck at the No.1 South African Hospital at Abbeville. Herman was transferred to a Convalescent Depot
at Cayeux and while there he was also treated for trench fever.

According to a postcard to his sister May dated 26 September Herman acknowledged his slight wound
compared to other soldiers he had seen. By 8 February he was attached to the New Zealand Division
Wing 22nd Corps Reinforcement Camp. Shortly after his transfer back to the Wellington Regiment he
spent a period with the 1st New Zealand Entrenching Battalion. On 14 September he was shot in his
left leg, and two days later admitted to hospital. After convalescence Herman returned to the Base
Depot at Etaples on 27 September. On 28 December Herman was appointed Lance Corporal.
Herman embarked on HMNZT 251 Pakeha to return to New Zealand on 12 April 1919 and arrived in
Wellington 30 May 1919. The Northern region troops headed home by train overnight. Herman
served a total of 2 years 310 days, 2 years 175 days overseas. He was discharged on 27 June 1919 and
received the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Post-war
After the war Herman was offered a partnership with his brother-in-law, Albert Wichman (husband of
sister May), in the purchase of land at Waipipi. The land registered to Herman in 1919, according to
a map included with Of Pigeons and Pipis, was on Creamery Road just down from the school. Wichman
had land just behind and adjoining it. They spent five years re-grassing the farm as it had been
cropping land and in a rough state. This did not stop Herman from playing hockey. On 27 April 1927
Herman married Dorothy Stella HURST. Dorrie, as she was known, was born in Egmont on 28 June
1901 to Christopher Hodgson Hurst (1868-1928) and Sarah Ellen DASH (1863-1945), a farming family
from Te Kiri. Dorrie trained for four years at New Plymouth Technical College to be a teacher. Her
first appointment as a probationer was to Kaponga School in 1920. By 1930 the land purchase
partnership had ceased. Between 1928-1943 Herman and Dorrie’s family grew to eight children,
seven girls and one boy. Their son John lived all his life with his parents and worked the farm. The
family always kept a well-stocked vegetable garden, a skill all of the children took with them. Herman
was one of the first in the district to own a tractor. He was also on the Waipipi School Committee
1936-1948, a founding member of Waipipi Bowling Club and on the Hall Committee. Herman passed
away in 1963. Dorrie continued to live on the farm with John until her death on 26 October 1977.
They were buried beside each other at the local cemetery.

Herman and Dorrie, over a lifetime, learned the virtues of hard work, routine and everything had a
value, no matter what it was. This was passed on, especially to their son John, and because of this the
family has a treasure trove of family history, a privilege I was able to share e.g. postcards sent, received
and gathered while at war, details on land purchase – still so much for family to investigate.

In Memoriam
Waipipi Cemetery Plot 038.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Coffin Family Information and photo (daughter Kay Orr)
Auckland Museum Online Cenotaph
New Zealand BDM
Of Pigeons and Pipis – Clyde Hamilton

Researched by Lois Hopping

Wilfred Seymour Thorne COLBECK

Service Number: 23/2128
Regiment: New Zealand Rifle Brigade
Last known Rank: Captain
Died: 6 June 1965
Age: 69 years
Cemetery: Waiuku RSA Row S2 Plot 028.2

Pre-war
Wilfred Seymour Thorne (known as Seymour) COLBECK was born to Wilfred Bruno COLBECK and
Julia THORNE GEORGE on 9 April 1896. Seymour was the eldest of four children. His parents were
married at St Mary’s Cathedral Church in Parnell and were given
a residence as a present from Julia’s family. Sir George Grey was
Julia’s great-uncle. Seymour’s father was a solicitor then became
a well-respected stockbroker and the family were able to provide
well for the children. The photograph is of Seymour’s family – L
to R Grey (aka Bus), Julia, Wilfred Bruno with Stuart on his knee
and Seymour. A sister Nancye was born 1908.
Seymour attended King’s College and from 1910 to 1914 he
attended Wanganui Collegiate (Upper School). He was an all
round student participating in the 1st XV 1913-1914, captain of
the rowing crew 1914 and a prefect 1913-1914. He did well at
athletics and was a very good golfer even at school age. He was
also a member of the Wanganui Collegiate’s Cadets.. Seymour
was a clerk at New Zealand Insurance Co, Auckland prior to
enlisting.

Enlistment and Training
Seymour enlisted on 12 July 1915 at Palmerston North. He was 19 years and two months old, 6 feet
1 inch (185cm) and weighed 175 lbs (79kgs). He had grey eyes, brown hair and a medium
complexion. On arrival at Trentham, he was posted to A Company 8th Reinforcements as a Corporal.
On 15 September Seymour was promoted to Sergeant and on 6 November to 2nd Lieutenant. He
was transferred two weeks later to 11th Infantry Reinforcements and confirmed to E Company on
2 December.

Service Abroad
Seymour left New Zealand aboard the HMNZT 50 Tahiti on 1 April 1916 and disembarked at Suez on
3 May. Embarking from Alexandria on 27 May 1916 for France. Arriving 9 June, he marched out of
Etaples 3 days later for England and on 16 June he was posted to A Company 5th Training Battalion at
Sling. He was there for four to five months and in early December Seymour was posted back to
Etaples and finally to A Company 2nd Battalion New Zealand Rifle Brigade on 8 January 1917.
Then followed a series of promotions – Lieutenant (30 March 1917), Temporary Captain after his
Captain was wounded (12 October 1917), Temporary Command of A Coy (3 to 23 March 1918) until
his officer returned. During May 1918 Seymour was admitted to Brockenhurst Hospital with trench
fever before convalescing at Brighton.

He was specially “Mentioned in Despatches” by Field Marshall Sir Douglas Haig for distinguished and
gallant services and devotion to duty. Gazetted in the London Gazette 24 May 1918.
Another change happened on 9 July 1918 when he was attached to Headquarters London and
placed on Staff at Brocton and for two weeks in September, he was assigned to the 56th Bombing
Course. He was promoted to Captain on 4 September and on 25 September he was appointed
Platoon Commander of 5th Reserve Battalion. In early July he returned to London and on 5 August
Seymour embarked on the Ayrshire as part of Draft 282, being 671 men. They arrived in Lyttelton on
20 September and the Auckland troops were brought north on the Monowai. Seymour had served
296 days in New Zealand and 3 years 173 days overseas, a total service of 4 years 104 days and was
discharged on 23 October 1919. He received the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Post-war
Seymour returned to the home of his parents in Remuera at the end of
the war. He was however very quickly part of the Territorials from 10
March 1920 to 15 July 1921. On 1 June 1922 Seymour and May
MORRAH were married at St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral in Wellington. Agnes
“May” Morrah was born 28 March 1896 to Edward Howard MORRAH
and Annie Martha BUCZKOWSKI at St Peters, Norwood, South Australia.
Seymour and May settled on a dairy farm of approximately 80 acres at
Aka Aka near Waiuku shortly after their marriage and Seymour
immediately started to make drainage improvements (Section 217,
Waiuku East Parish) and purchase top Friesian stock to build up his
herd.
They had two daughters Annette Julia and Patricia May. The family
became well involved in the local area and May enjoyed Women’s
Institute and her girls were involved in the Junior Group. Seymour
managed to find time for his love of golf and very quickly became fully
involved as a player, Club Captain, Auditor and Committee Member.
In April 1941 Seymour was in the Home Guard and on 1 August 1941 he was appointed to Major
(temp) within the Waiuku Battalion. About October, Seymour and May moved to a smaller farm of
approximately 45 acres owned by Mr and Mrs I. WALTERS.
On 1 December he was appointed to command the Home Guard Battalion. Regrettably, in April
1942 he resigned his commission because of ill health. Although Seymour withdrew from the Home
Guard, he was still active within the RSA which he joined in 1925 and he was made a life member on
26 April 1949.
By 1949 Seymour had settled in Colombo Road, Waiuku and had become a stock agent working for
Thomas Borthwick and Sons. This gave him more time for himself and May and, of course, golf. He
finally retired in the early 1960s. Seymour passed away on 6 June 1965. May passed away 24 April
1980 and her ashes are buried in Pye’s Pa Cemetery.

In Memoriam
Wanganui Collegiate School Roll of Honour.
Waiuku Cemetery, RSA Section, Plot S2-028.2.

Sources

Archives New Zealand – Military Records, Probate Record
Papers Past, New Zealand BDM, New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1227-25-7 Colbeck Family Photo
London Gazette, Supplement 30706 page 6204
Waiuku Museum -photo of Seymour

Researched by Lois Hopping

John CONROY

Service Number: 56248
Regiment: Auckland Regiment
Last known Rank: Private
Died: 25 October 1968
Age: 84 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 12 Plot 057

Pre-war
John CONROY was born on 3 October 1884 and was the second son of Timothy CONROY (1848-
1937), from Rosenallis, Ireland, and Charlotte Mary COLLINS (1855-1929) born in Dorchester,
England. They were married in Colchester, England and shortly afterwards sailed on S.S. Oxford for
New Zealand arriving in Auckland on 8 September 1874. John had three brothers and two sisters.
The pioneer family settled at Pakington (later changed to Glenbrook), and the children were all born
in a hut on a block of land of 100 acres.

John was educated at Brookside school, Glenbrook and left after gaining his
Proficiency Level at age 14 years. Like most youth of the day, he went to work on
the family farm. The first Catholic services in Glenbrook were held in the home of
Mrs Peggy DROMGOOL in the early 1900s, and the Conroy children attended mass
there every month. Timothy Jnr remembers the older family members rode and
the girls rode side saddle to mass at Patumahoe.
Turning rough native land into sustainable farming was hard work during the early
years. To increase income the families had to find other ways of making a living,
such as supplying cut flax for the mill at Stoney Creek. John and brother George
along with other young men, worked at this mill while it was in operation. When
this ceased Timothy secured contracts to supply metal for road making.
During the years that followed, John, George and one of their sisters went to work for Mr Richard
WALTERS, first at Pukeoware and later, at his Aka Aka swamp farm. The three of them milked 56
cows by hand. John was a very strong lad, and throughout his life
he was known to be a great worker. He was extremely able with a
spawling hammer (for rock breaking) and as a young man worked in
the metal quarries. He played a game or two of football and
enjoyed the local weekend dances. He loved net fishing at the
white cliffs on McCullough’s Beach and spent many Sundays fishing
there with George and the FLANAGAN boys.

Enlistment and Training
John signed attestation papers in Waiuku on 4 April 1917. John,
farmer of Glenbrook was medically examined on 23 April, having
been previously examined in Waiuku in 1916 and rejected. On
enlistment he was 31 years 6 months, 5 feet 11 inches (180cms), he
named his sister, Alice Mary Conroy, as his next of kin. John was
posted to ‘A’ Coy 29th Reinforcements as a Private and commenced
duty on 30 May in the Auckland Infantry Regiment. The 30th draft
from the Auckland districts were sent for training on 31 May 1917 with the Infantry going to
Trentham. The group left for camp by a special train, having paraded down Queen Street.

Service Abroad
After training, John embarked in Wellington on HMNZT 91 Mokoia on 13 August 1917 and
disembarked in Glasgow, Scotland on 2 October. He marched into camp at Etaples on 28 October.
Initially he was attached to the Australian Gunners but then re-joined the 1st Battalion on 19 January
1918. John was wounded on 26 March and admitted to hospital with a gunshot wound to his left
foot and transferred to the NZ hospital in Hornchurch, England. By 1 August he had joined the
Auckland Regiment Battalion at Sling. On 30 September he was fit enough to proceed again
overseas and back into the field in France on 12 October. John embarked for home to New Zealand
on the Waimana on 10 May 1919 and disembarked in Auckland on 24 June 1919. He had served 1
year and 315 days overseas and 103 days in New Zealand, a total service of 2 years 53 days.

Post-war
On returning home John was presented with a plaque:

‘Presented by the residents of Glenbrook to Private John Conroy as
a token of Appreciation of services rendered during the Great war
1914-1918’.

He took over and managed the home farm at Browns Gully on
Conroy Road and looked after his parents until they died.
“Old John” as he was affectionately known by his relations was “as
big as a Kauri tree” with wondrous strength and a voice like a brass
band. He wouldn’t have a telephone in the house, he didn’t need
one as he would carry on conversations with all the neighbours
within a five-mile radius from the back veranda!
His powers as a vet and the old remedies he would concoct worked
well and many a neighbour came and collected him to help calve a
cow. In the 1920s his sister Alice Robinson separated from her husband, coming to live in the family
home with her 2-year-old son. Her two girls stayed at the Convent in Pukekohe. Once John had

built a house for them, the girls were able to return home. John
lived with his father in the cottage. He bought a herd of cows
which Alice and her family milked for him. She also house-kept for
her father and brother. When Timothy Snr died, John moved into
the newer home with Alice. In later years, Alice’s daughter Eileen
and two of her young children came back to the farm and the girls
grew up there. John never married or had children, but his love
for children was unending. The farm was eventually sold, and the
family moved to a home at 61 Victoria Ave, Waiuku that came with
some land.

In Memoriam
Waiuku War Memorial Town Hall Roll of Honour.
Glenbrook Hall Roll of Honour.
Waiuku Cemetery Row 12 Plot 057.

Sources

Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Conroy Family History 1847-1977,
Conroy family sources – Heather Walden (Conroy), Diane Conroy, Robinson family

Researched by Gillian Conroy

Thomas Cannell COWLEY

Service Number: 90747
Regiment: Training Unit
Last known Rank: Private
Died: 6 November 1918
Age: 38 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 23 Plot 015

Pre-war

Thomas Cannell COWLEY was born in Lezayre, Isle of Man, the son of John and Jane COWLEY. His
mother died in 1884 and in the 1891 census when Thomas was nine, the family consisted of his
father, older brother John aged ten and younger sister Jane aged eight. The family farm named
Crammag consisted of 167 acres on the Isle of Man.
Thomas aged 20, a joiner and his sister Jane, a domestic, arrived in Auckland via Australia on
21 September 1903. Jane married Walter GERRARD in 1905 and died in 1931.
On the 1905 electoral roll Thomas was living in Sherbourne St, Mt Eden in Auckland, with his sister
and her husband and both
men were carpenters. On
the 1914 electoral roll he
was living in Opotiki, still
working as a carpenter.
On 12 May 1914 he married
Ellen Louise CHRISTIAN at
Hamilton. Ellen known as
Nellie was the daughter of
James Henry CHRISTIAN and
Ellen MEADOWS and was
born in Cheshire, England.
Their first child, a daughter,
was born in September
1916 at Waiuku.

Enlistment and Training

Thomas enlisted in Auckland
on 13 June 1918 but
appealed his call up as he
had one small child and his
wife was pregnant, but it
was only deferred for a few
months.

He left home on 24 October 1918 and was in Featherston Camp on 26 October.
He was described as 5 feet 8½ inches (173cms), 144 lbs (65kgs), with dark complexion, blue hazel
eyes, black hair and of Wesleyan religion.
He gave his last employer as P. DROMGOOL of Waiuku and his occupation as carpenter.
Thomas was posted to E Company C1 but within days he was ill and was admitted to Greytown
Hospital. The official military record said he died at 12 noon, Wednesday 6 November 1918, after
being in hospital for nine days with influenza.
The newspapers all reported that his death was from typhoid.
Although Thomas never made it to the war, he was buried with a Commonwealth War Graves
headstone.

Post-war
Nellie gave birth to their second child, a daughter, on 6 January 1919, two months after Thomas
died. She was issued with a Memorial Plaque for her husband in July 1922.
She remained living in Waiuku for the rest of her life and never remarried. She died on 31 December
1953 and is buried next to Thomas.

Those who had enlisted for service but died in training in New Zealand were not entitled to any
medals, but their next of kin did receive a Memorial Plaque.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 23 Plot 015.
Featherston War Memorial.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Record
Family Search – passenger lists
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
New Zealand BDM
UK census
Papers Past: Death, Evening Post 9 Nov 1918
Researched by Heather Maloney

Leslie Upton Clifford CROWHURST

Service Number: 60081
Regiment: Auckland Regiment
Last known Rank: Private
Died: 5 April 1970
Age: 72 years
Cemetery: Waiuku RSA Row S2 Plot 020

Pre-war

Leslie Upton Clifford CROWHURST (known as Les) was born on 29 September 1897 (although his
school records and army record give different dates) in Auckland, New Zealand and was the eleventh
of thirteen children of Samuel George CROWHURST (1852-1937) and Catherine BREEN (1856-1938).
Samuel and Catherine were married on 15 August 1876 in Remuera. Les’ grandfather, Samuel
CROWHURST, had come to New Zealand with the 58th Regiment. They had accompanied the convict
ship Lord of Auckland to Sydney and had then sailed on to the Bay of Islands, arriving in March 1845.
When the Regiment left New Zealand, over 300 officers and soldiers elected to stay, Samuel being
one of those. Les’ father was born in Onehunga and spent 12 years working for Alfred BUCKLAND
and Sons, before moving to work for the railway services for twenty-seven years. His mother,
Catherine, spent her early life in and out of workhouses in London, her last stay ending in June 1871.
She came to New Zealand on the Glen Fern in 1874.
Les was a biograph operator or motion-picture operator in 1917 working for Amalgamated Theatres
Ltd in Newmarket. His last employer was E. W. DAVY of Huntly.

Enlistment and Training

Les enlisted on 11 June 1917 and did his training at Trentham. He named his mother, Mrs Catherine
CROWHURST of 4 Roxburgh St, Newmarket as his next of kin. He had served in the Territorials,
33rd Company Senior Cadets.
Les was described as single, Anglican, 5 feet 10 Inches (178cms), 124 lbs (55kgs) with a dark
complexion, brown hair and brown eyes.
On the same day he enlisted, his brother, Francis Ernest (60080) also enlisted and in fact the two
brothers embarked on the same ship for England in 1917. Altogether five of the CROWHURST sons
served in WW1, three of them did not return home. One died in Wellington Hospital from cerebral
meningitis contracted at Trentham and the other brothers were killed in action overseas.

Service Abroad
Les was posted to A Company of the 30th Reinforcements upon entering Trentham. He embarked
from Wellington on the HMNZT 93 Corinthic on 13 October 1917 and arrived in Liverpool on 8
December 1917.
He was hospitalised and then quarantined with rubella in January 1918.
Les was posted to France on 14 February 1918 and joined the 1st NZ Entrenching Battalion in March.
He suffered from several illnesses while overseas. In May, while in France he had scabies, in June he
had bronchitis and later that year in August he contracted trench fever. In October 1918 he was
sent to Torquay to wait for transport home. In March 1919 he was invalided back to New Zealand
on the Port Melbourne suffering from a heart condition, trench fever and gas poisoning.

His mother pleaded with the Medical Board not to return her son to active service as she had
already lost three sons. Her request was granted and Les was finally discharged on 23 September
1919 on account of illness contracted while on active service. He had served 324 days in
New Zealand, and 1 year 146 days overseas a total of 2 years 105 days. His discharge address was to
be either Rawhiti Rd, Onehunga or National Picture Theatre, Queen St, Auckland.

Post-war
In 1919 Les was living at 16 Morrow St, Newmarket and he was working as a biograph operator.
Les married Edith Catherine McILROY, third child of John Stanislaus MCILROY (1872-1944) and
Elizabeth Ellen COX (1876-1956) in 1921. Edith was born at Tokatoka, Kaipara, on 27 June 1902.
In 1928 and 1930 the couple were living with Les’ parents at Rawhiti St, Onehunga and Les was still
working as a biograph operator. In 1935 they had moved to 151 Parnell Rd and on the 1938
electoral roll they were still at the same address. Les was a member of the Tui Cricket club at this
time. In the Ballot List for WW2 published in 1942, Les gave his address as Croydon Flats, Parnell Rd.
Les enlisted for WW2 in February 1942 but it was not until August that he entered camp and was
posted to the 67th Searchlight Battery at Takapuna.

In April 1943 he was discharged
from service because of illness and
because of the urgent need for
motion picture operators. His
employers had made a strong case
‘in the public interest and their
undue hardship’
As Gunner #613052, he served in
the NZ Artillery in Auckland for just
over 10 months.

Les and Edith continued living at 333 Parnell Rd between 1946
and 1957, with Les still working as a movie picture operator.
In 1963 they moved to 22 Sandspit Rd, Waiuku and Les
continued working as a cinema operator.
Les and Edith did not have any children. Les died on 5 April
1970 and Edith died on 2 January 1984 and was buried in the
Waiuku Cemetery.

In Memoriam
Memorial Board, Newmarket, Auckland.
Waiuku RSA Cemetery Row S2 Plot 020.

Sources

Archives New Zealand, Military Record
Auckland Museum Online Cenotaph
Remuera Heritage
Ancestry
New Zealand BDM
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Papers Past: Cricket, NZ Herald 29 Oct 1938

Researched by Barbara Raven

Gerald CUTFIELD

Service Number: 13/34
Regiment: Auckland Mounted Rifles
Last known Rank: Trooper
Died: 25 July 1940
Age: 54 years*
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 31 Plot 035

*Age at death differs from headstone.

Pre-war
Gerald was born 3 August 1885 at Chapel En Le Frith, Buxton, Derby,
England. After the early deaths of both parents, Gerald and some brothers
were cared for by their Aunt Agnes and Uncle Arthur CUTFIELD at Merton
House, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire, England. In 1894 at the age of nine years he travelled to live with
Harry, an older brother in Canada. As soon as he was old enough, Gerald was sent to work outdoors.
At times it was intensely cold, and he suffered frost bite to his hands, losing the tips off several fingers.
Having spent his youth in Canada, he considered himself an English Canadian but because of the hard
work in the harsh climate Gerald decided to join other brothers in New Zealand in the early 1900s. He
bought his first farm in Otorohanga and was living there when the electoral roll was compiled in 1911.
On selling that farm, he lived at the YMCA in Auckland, while working as a land agent. Another farm
was purchased, this time at Waimauku and a new house was built on it. It was during this time that
he was introduced to Emily FLETCHER for the first time, and whom he later married.

Enlistment and Training

Gerald was living at Waimauku when he joined the 3rd Auckland Mounted Rifles, entering camp at
Potters Paddock, Epsom, Auckland, to begin training on 6 September 1914. He initially listed his
brother Harry in Manitoba, Canada as his next of kin but Frederick A (aka Arthur) Cutfield of Mauku,
Pukekohe was later added as his next of kin in New Zealand.

Service Abroad

Gerald left New Zealand 14 October 1914 bound for Egypt.
His chestnut mare Stella was in the hold, and he cared for Gerald and Stella
her during the journey. Training began in the hot desert
climate, the troops expecting to be sent to France.
However, the Auckland Mounted Rifles were sent to
Turkey to scale the scrub covered hills, to live and fight in
the squalor of what is now known as Gallipoli. Their riding
horses remained in Egypt and were cared for at Zeitoun
Camp. On 9 May 1915, Gerald departed Alexandria to join
the carnage of the Dardanelles. Gerald managed to keep
a diary during his time overseas and in it he mentions the
times of quietness, battles, deaths and casualties of his
comrades, swimming in the sea, plus the sending and
receiving of mail from home. Letters from ‘Em’ must have been treasured.