They Came Home from WW1 - Waiuku and Awhitu Peninsula

He was wounded on 15 August and after
treatment in two field stations was admitted to
No 32 Stationary Hospital then taken to England
to the No 2 New Zealand General Hospital at
Walton on Thames on 23 August with gunshot
wounds to the right shoulder. He was later
transferred to Hornchurch Convalescent Home
and then Codford to await a ship home.
On 19 Dec 1918, Adam embarked on HMNZT 207
Oxfordshire for home after a total of 2 years 25
days service.
He was discharged on 2 March 1919.
Adam received the British War Medal and the
Victory Medal.

Post-war
Adam went back to farming at Bombay but by 1922 he and Gladys had moved to a farm on the corner
of the main road between Waiuku and Pukekohe and Pukeoware Road.
They had three children, a still born child, son John (Jock) and a daughter Marie.
Adam and Gladys no doubt participated in the community and the school lives of their children while
carrying out their farming activities.
On 9 January 1965 Adam and Gladys, at the ages of 79 and 73 respectively, left Wellington on the liner
RMS Rangitoto, bound for London. They had stops along the way at Tahiti, Panama Canal and
Bermuda. They returned home in September of that year.
Gladys died on 9 June 1971 and Adam went to live in Auckland with his daughter Marie.
Adam was buried in the Services section at Waiuku cemetery.

Grandson Phil has some of the shrapnel that was removed from Adam’s shoulder over 100 years ago.

In Memoriam
Waiuku RSA Cemetery Row S2 Plot 027.1.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Record
Photo and information from Phil Madill, grandson
New Zealand BDM
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Family Search – passenger lists

Researched by Heather Maloney

Reginald MAYHEAD

Service Number: 59943*
Regiment: Auckland Regiment
Last known Rank: Captain
Died: 30 June 1943
Age: 55 years**
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 32 Plot 050

*WW1 Service number, headstone shows WW2 service number.
**Age at death differs from headstone.

Pre-war

Reginald MAYHEAD was born on 7 August 1887 at Hersham, Surrey, the third of three children of
William Henry MAYHEAD (1857-1912) and Alice Jane BODDY (1857-1948). William and Alice married
in 1879 in Middlesex. William was a pork butcher at that time but went on to invest in hotels – he
owned the Ship Inn in Reading and the Lion Hotel in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, which is where he died.
Reginald must have come to New Zealand some time before 1911, as in 1911 he is listed as a farm
hand at Oparu, Waikato. In 1913 he travelled
back to his home in England on the RMS
Orama. On his return to New Zealand, he
settled in Camprie Glen, Waipu.
On 6 March 1916 Reginald married Brenda
May BARRETT at Auckland. Brenda was born
on 23 December 1891 in Wellington.
Not long after his marriage, Reginald met with
a serious freak accident while out riding his
horse at Waipu and was confined to bed for
some time with injuries to his thigh.

Enlistment and Training

Reginald enlisted on 26 June,1917 and named
his next of kin as Mrs B M MAYHEAD c/- Mrs H
D BAYLISS, Matarawa, Carterton (this address
later changed to Whangarata) and stated that
he was farming for himself.

Service Abroad
Reginald was posted to the 43rd
Reinforcements, B Company as a Sergeant.
He embarked on the HMNZT 111 Matatua on
2 October 1918 and arrived in London on 5
December 1918.

The Armistice had already been signed by this time, so Reginald did not see any action on the Western
Front, but he took part in educational and training positions while in the United Kingdom.
In February 1919 Reginald was admitted to Tidworth Hospital and then transferred to Hornchurch
Hospital before being discharged on 26 March. He sailed home on the HMNZT Maunganui as part of
draft 259, comprised of 1,128 men, and arrived home on 24 June 1919. He was discharged on 22 July
1919 after a total of 2 years 27 days of service, 266 days of that time on overseas service.

Post-war
On his arrival home, Reginald continued farming
at Whangarata until 1920 when he sold up and
moved to Waipipi, Waiuku, where he farmed
until his death. The farm he owned was at the
end of what became Mayhead Rd, about 6 kms
north of Waiuku and was a dairy farm of 200
acres (a large farm for that time).
Reginald was an accomplished entertainer and
was called on to perform at several community
events. He was involved in the local Farmers’
Union, was an active member of the Waiuku RSA
and the Home Guard. He served on the RSA
committee.
At the beginning of WW2 Reginald re-enlisted in
the Army and was promoted to Captain in the
Home Guard. He was second in command of the
Waiuku area.
Reginald died in Wanganui on 30 June 1943 while
attending a Home Guard training course.
The couple had one son, John Warwick, born in 1920 and who served in WW2 in the Naval Air Force.
John took over the farm following his father’s death and WW2 and Brenda continued to live with
him until her death on 10 July 1963. The road in the vicinity of their farm is named after the family.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 32 Plot 050.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Archives New Zealand, Probates
Photo: Carol Walters
Ancestry
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Local information
Papers Past: Clearing Sale, Northern Advocate 24 Sept 1920; Farmers

Union, NZ Herald 18 Mar 1935; Waiuku RSA 13 May 1936; Vocal
entertainment, 4 Oct 1937; Home Guard, NZ Herald 3 Jan 1941; Obit, NZ
Herald 2 July 1943

Researched by Barbara Raven

William John McCONNELL

Service Number: 48544
Regiment: Auckland Regiment
Last Known Rank: Private
Died: 2 January 1944
Age: 52 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 32 Plot 040

Pre-war
William John was born 17 August 1891 to James Edward McCONNELL (1858-1935) and Harriet Grace
BARTLETT (1864-1951), the third child in a family of seven sons and one daughter. James was born
in County Armagh, Ireland. He lived and worked for a period in Pakuranga, Auckland where he met
and married Grace. They purchased a farm at Glenbrook and eleven years later moved to Aka Aka.
William would have attended Brookside School. The name of the school changed in 1912 to
Glenbrook School. He enjoyed helping on the farm and participating in as many of the local activities
as possible. Prior to the war William was a member of the Auckland Mounted Rifles.

Enlistment and Training
William enlisted at Auckland on 17 February 1917 requesting to
enlist in the Mounted Rifles and to be part of the 27th
Reinforcements. On arriving at Trentham, he attested on 15
May. He was 25 years of age, 6 feet 4 inches (187cm) and
weighed 175 lbs (79kgs). He had a fair complexion, blue
eyes and auburn hair. On 12 June William embarked on
the HMNZT 86 Maunganui as part of the 26th
Reinforcements. Part of the 26th had already left on the
Willochra three days earlier.

Service Abroad
William disembarked at Devonport, England on
15 August 1917. The next day he was at Sling Camp as
part of 4th Reserve Battalion, Auckland Company. On
27 September William headed for France where he was
attached to the NZ Base Depot at Etaples. On 7 October he
moved from the Depot to the NZ Division in Etaples and on
11 October joined 1st Battalion Auckland Regiment in the field.
On 26 November William was wounded near Passchendaele and
evacuated to a Casualty Clearing Station with gunshot wounds to
head and legs – both ankles were fractured. Two days later he was admitted to hospital at Boulogne
and for further treatment he was transferred to King George Hospital, London on 13 December. On
7 February 1918 William was at Brockenhurst and with more treatment the movement in his ankles
was better. On 18 February he went to Hornchurch for convalescence.

In April William was at Codford for assessments and on 6 June 1918 William returned to Sling classed
A Fit. On 23 August William was moved to Larkhill and placed in the Reserve Battalion and on
10 September he proceeded to Etaples Depot and a week later headed out to join 2nd Battalion,
Auckland Regiment in the field.
On 30 September William was wounded for a second time (machine gun bullet right thigh) and on 2
October he was admitted to hospital at Camiers. His wounds treated, William was transferred to
Walton-on-Thames in England on 10 October and by 17 December he was at Codford. On
7 February 1919 William convalesced at Hornchurch. On 15 April he was finally discharged from
Hornchurch to take furlough but had to report back to Codford on 30 April for further assessment.
William was declared no longer physically fit for war service on account of wounds received in action
and placed on the New Zealand Roll.
He embarked for New Zealand on 19 May aboard the Ruahine, Draft 260 of over 1,000 men, women
and children with the deaths of 1 passenger and 4 children on the voyage home to Wellington. He
arrived in Wellington 8 July and returned to Auckland by special train. William served 2 years and 27
days overseas and 143 days in New Zealand and was discharged on 5 August 1919. He received the
British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Post-war
William returned to Aka Aka after the war and took up farming on his own account. On 30 June
1926 he married Beatrice OLD. Beatrice was born in Waitara, Taranaki on 15 May 1897 to John Old
(1868-1950) and Mary LOWRIE (1874-1924). William and Beatrice did not have children. They
enjoyed Aka Aka and participated in many of the local activities and could always find partners for a
good game of cards. Beatrice was active in Women’s Institute as a member and an office holder,
President for one. William became a member of the RSA, the Aka Aka Factory Suppliers’ Committee
and of the Hall Committee. He also served the district
as a member of the Drainage Board for seven years.
William passed away on 2 January 1944. In 1946 his
brother Albert was buried beside him. William’s
father, mother and brother Thomas were buried in a
joint grave also in Waiuku Cemetery. Beatrice moved
to the Waitakere area of Auckland and passed away
there on 22 August 1961 and was buried at
Waikumete Cemetery.

In Memoriam
Aka Aka Roll of Honour, Aka Aka Hall.
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Aka Aka section, Waiuku War
Memorial Hall.
Waiuku Cemetery Row 32 Plot 40.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Papers Past: Auckland Star 3 Apr 1935 Obituary, Franklin

Times 21 Jan 1944 Obituary

Photo – Waiuku Museum
New Zealand BDM
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Researched by Lois Hopping

George McDONALD

Service Number: 16237
Regiment: New Zealand Mounted Rifles
Last Known Rank: Lance Corporal
Died: 25 July 1974
Age: 81 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 16 Plot 005

Pre-war
George McDONALD was born 12 April 1893 at Waiuku, the youngest child of John Martin McDonald
(1840-1914) and Catherine Eliza DEAN (1849-1932). He had six sisters and five brothers, and they
were brought up at Otaua, near Waiuku.
George did all his schooling at Otaua School, starting on 15 November 1898, his last day being
6 December 1906.
He gave his occupation as a self-employed farmer of Otaua when he enlisted.

Enlistment and Training
George enlisted on 7 December 1916 and was
posted to A Squadron of the 13th Reinforcements
of New Zealand Mounted Rifles. Within weeks he
was promoted to Lance Corporal and on 14 April
was transferred to the 14th Reinforcements. A
month later he had been transferred to the
Mounted Rifles Machine Gun Specialist Company.

Service Abroad
On 10 July 1916, George embarked on HMNZT 58
Waihora and disembarked in Egypt on 21 August
and was posted to the Auckland Mounted Rifles.
On 9 September was transferred to the Imperial
Camel Corps.
George was to be admitted to hospital for a range
of illnesses, starting with malaria in October 1916.
In August the following year he was admitted to No
31 General Hospital, then transferred by train to
Cairo and admitted to the Heliopolis Convalescent
Home. Another trip to hospital followed in August
1918 but he was back in the field and posted to a
training Regiment in January 1919.
On 30 June 1919 he embarked at Suez on HMNZT 271 Ulimaroa and arrived back in New Zealand on
8 August.
He was discharged on 5 September 1919 after serving a total of 3 years 211 days, most of that time
overseas and all in Egypt.

Camels’ ability to carry heavy loads and go for
days without water made them ideally suited
for use during the desert campaigns during
WW1. A camel could regularly go up to five
days without water.
This photo shows a camel being given a drink.
George did make the comment to his family
that camels provided better shelter than a
horse.

Post-war
George returned to Waiuku and in 1919 he purchased a farm in Bothwell Park Road from his brother
Arthur. The farm had previously been purchased from an older brother who had owned the land since
1906. Family members still live on this farm.
On 4 June 1924 George married Dorothy Magdalene HICKEY, daughter of Thomas Joseph Hickey
(1852-1912) and Monica WILLIAMS (1860-1956). They had a family of four daughters, including twins
and one son. The eldest daughter, Eileen, died from strep throat when only nine years old.
George lived a simple life but did take part in all aspects of the local community, including the early
efforts to drain the swamp which led to the formation of the drainage board.

He had a strong affinity to horses and was a keen bowler. Both George
and Dorothy came from large Catholic families, many of whom lived locally
so that was what their life was centred around.
He was also renowned for his extensive and productive vegetable garden.
They lived on the farm at Otaua until retiring to Waiuku in the 1970s.
George seldom talked about the war, but he spoke highly of his Australian
mates who he served with and did talk about being the captain of the tug
of war team during his time in Egypt.
George died in 1974 and Dorothy died on 14 July 1981, aged 85 years and
is buried with George at Waiuku.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 16 Plot 005.
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Otaua section, Waiuku War Memorial Hall.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Family information from Judy Garshaw, granddaughter
Photos from Ancestry Tanya Morphett
New Zealand BDM
School records

Researched by Heather Maloney

Harold John McDONALD

Service Number: 11/1541
Regiment: Auckland Mounted Rifles
Last Known Rank: Trooper
Died: 13 August 1992
Age: 98 years
Cemetery: Waipipi Plot 075C

Pre-war

Harold John McDONALD was born on 16 July 1894 in Candelo, NSW, Australia, the sixth of seven
children of John McDONALD (1858-1944) and Charlotte LATIMER (1853-1933). He had four
brothers, one of whom died as a child, and two sisters. John McDonald was born in Auckland to
Peter McDONALD from Strathpeffer in Scotland and Dorcas WALTERS, whose family immigrated to
Waiuku, New Zealand in the 1840s from St Austell, Cornwall via Australia. Following Dorcas’ death
in 1861, Peter remarried and relocated to Australia with his growing family.
John married Charlotte in Bega, NSW, Australia aged 22 years old. They had seven children and in
the late 1890s the family relocated to Waiuku, New Zealand. John became the first Cheesemaker in
the Franklin district. His son Harold attended school from 1901 at Pukeoware moving a few months
later to Otaua, where he remained until November 1909. On leaving school Harold helped at home
and worked as a Farm Labourer on various farms in the district.

Enlistment and Training

Harold and his three brothers all enlisted to fight in WW1
Ernest, the eldest, in April 1914, Harold, the youngest in
June 1915, Ronald in October 1915 and Elvyn in February
1916. Three of the four returned safely home, however
Elvyn was killed in France in February 1917. Harold
enlisted on 29 June. He was employed as a Farm
Labourer by J. FRASER, Waiuku. His next of kin, his
mother, Charlotte was living at Jersey Park, Waipipi. He
was single, Wesleyan, 5 feet 3½ inches (161cms) tall,
weighed 126 lbs (57kgs) and was described as having fair
hair and blue eyes.

Service Abroad

Harold was assigned to the Mounted Rifles as part of the

6th Reinforcements of the NZ Expeditionary Forces. They

embarked from Wellington on 13 August 1915 on HMNZT

28, SS Tofua and disembarked at Mudros, Greece on Trooper Harold McDonald
4 October. The reinforcements were re-allocated to one

of the four regiments of the military district in which they were recruited, so Harold was transferred

from the Wellington Rifles to the Auckland division. He spent most of 1916 in Egypt, with a two-

month convalescence at the Sling Camp in England following a bout of ill health.

He was based at Moascar camp in Egypt for the duration of 1917 and was discharged back to
New Zealand, as medically unfit for service, in December, having served a total of 2 years 249 days,
74 days in New Zealand and 2 years 175 days overseas.

Post-war

Through the Soldier Resettlement Scheme, Harold was allocated a
farm on Creamery Road, Waipipi. He met Mary AYLWARD, the
eldest daughter of Thomas AYLWARD (1861-1957) and Matilda
WADDOUPS (1864-1951), two of the original Waipipi “Cape
Pigeons”, at a fair to raise funds for returned servicemen. On
11 March 1919 they were married at the Holy Trinity Anglican
Church in Waiuku. Harold and Mary had six children, Elva Doreen
(1919-2008), Rona Winifred (1921-2003), Alma Joyce (1922-1923),
Ena Joy (1924-2000), Lindsay Kingsford (1928-), Kathleen Mary Ellen
(1930-).
In the 1920s a “home separation” system was introduced where
each farm separated their cream at home, and it was transported to
the Waiuku Butter Factory. Harold ran a feeder line collecting cream
from the local farms for delivery to a collection point at the bottom
of Creamery Rd.

Harold and Mary, March 1919 McDonald family c1933

During the Second World War Harold served in the

Home Guard, Waiuku Battalion during 1943-44 as a

Storeman/Clerk, and from the spirit of comradeship

among the Waipipi contingent grew the Waipipi

Bowling Club, which opened in December 1946 with
Harold as its first President. His father-in-law Thomas

Aylward threw the first bowl. Harold and Mary
farmed at Waipipi until 1953, when they retired to 60

King St, Waiuku. Harold was well known for his large

vegetable garden and fruit trees from which he fed

his extended family, as well as neighbours and

friends. In 1986 Harold and Mary moved to a smaller unit in Manurewa. Mary died on 25 May 1987,
aged 94, following a fall at home. In 1988 Harold moved to the Franklin Memorial Hospital on

Kitchener Rd, Waiuku where he remained until his death on 13 August 1992, aged 98.
He is buried with Mary and their daughter Alma in the Waipipi cemetery alongside Mary’s parents,

Thomas and Matilda Aylward. Harold and Mary were survived by their five children, eleven

grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

In Memoriam
Waipipi Cemetery Plot 075C.
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Otaua section, Waiuku War Memorial Hall.

Sources

Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Family knowledge
New Zealand BDM
School records

Researched by Sally Myles (granddaughter)

Cecil James McFADYEN

Service Number: 17527
Regiment: NZ Army Pay Corp
Last known Rank: Staff Sergeant
Died: 1 March 1928
Age: 33 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 2 Plot 014

Pre-war
Cecil James was born on 26 March 1894 to James Morrison McFADYEN
(1854-1930) and Margaret Helena CRAWFORD (1863-1858), whose family
had come from County Antrim, Northern Ireland on the immigrant ship
‘Dauntless’ in 1865. James had come from Dunedin and was a blacksmith
and ironmonger who eventually had his own businesses and owned several
fine properties in and around Waiuku. Cecil was the second son in a family
of six children, Hugh Morrison (WW1,64818), Euphemia May who died in
1899 in her 11th year, Flora Helena, Helen Annie and Muriel Margaret.
As a young lad Cecil worked for Mr S.T. Rossiter who owned an ironmonger’s shop and on the business
being purchased by Mr W.L. Henton still continued to work for him for some time afterwards. Later
Cecil started an accountancy business in which he was engaged, until enlisting in 1916.
Cecil is noted riding his horse ‘Empress’ with the hounds with the Waiuku branch of the Pakuranga
Hunt Club who held their open meet at Waitangi four crossroads. The Huntsman having given a
second day of hunting with a large group of riders following, which included Cecil.

Enlistment and Training
The headline ‘Quota’s from the Country’ in the NZ Herald 22 June 1916 noted Cecil McFadyen and by
30 June the No 4 Group draft was complete with the recruits from Franklin going into camp as
members of the 18th Reinforcements – Mounted Rifles – C.J. McFadyen (Waiuku).
Cecil’s attestation papers state next of kin as J.M. McFadyen (Father) Waiuku, and to advise by
telephone 630A his sister Miss M. McFadyen, lately of the Lands & Survey Department, North
Auckland District Office. A self-employed bookkeeper, religion: Anglican, age 22 ¼ years, dark
complexion, blue eyes, black hair and classed as fit. He had registered for compulsory military training
and was serving by belonging to 3rd Auckland Mounted Rifles. Declared under oath taken at
Featherston on 28 June 1916, Cecil having organised his will on 26 June to divide evenly, shares
between his mother and his three sisters. He stated he was a bank clerk formerly an accountant, with
an estate under the value of 500 pounds.

Service Abroad
Cecil embarked for foreign service to Suez, Egypt on the HMNZT 70 Waihora sailing on 5 December
1916 from Wellington and arriving on 13 January 1917. This troopship sailed with the 19th and 20th
Reinforcements, Cecil as a Trooper in the New Zealand Mounted Rifle Regiment. He was posted to
strength at Moascar with the Auckland Mounted Rifles (AMR). He was then marched in from the
Training Regiment and transferred to headquarters in Cairo on 26 February 1917. By late April Cecil
was employed in the Pay section and was a Temporary Corporal.

In August he was officially transferred from AMR to the New
Zealand Army Pay Corp (NZAPC), and on 1 September was
appointed a Temporary Sergeant, then December saw him
appointed as acting Sergeant employed at HQ Pay Corp in Cairo. In
June 1918 the Staff Paymaster appointed Cecil as a Temporary Staff
Sergeant and he was promoted to Staff Sergeant on 1 November.
Cecil was mentioned in despatches on 5 April 1919 which was
notified in the London Gazette.

From General Sir E.H.H. Allenby G.C.B., G.C.M.G, Commander-in
- Chief, Egyptian Expeditionary Force. ARMY PAY CORPS,
McFADYEN 17527 Pte (T/S/SGT) C.J.
For gallant and distinguished services in the field. I have it in
command from the King to record His Majesty’s high appreciation
of the services rendered. Signed by Winston S. Churchill, Secretary
of State of War, dated 1 July 1919, From the War Office, Whitehall.

Cecil was still in Egypt on 7 August 1919 but embarked for New
Zealand on HMNZT 298 Kigoma on 1 December 1919 from Port
Said, Suez arriving in Wellington on 20 January 1920. He did not
take any active part in the field but proved his worth in the Pay
Office in Cairo. He served 3 years and 41 days of overseas service.

Post-war
Returning to New Zealand at the termination of the war, Cecil joined the staff of the Bank of
New Zealand, in whose employ he remained until a few months prior to his death, when a serious
illness (pulmonary tuberculosis) prevented him from carrying on the work. The accounting results for
Bachelor of Commerce in the NZ Herald 23 December 1922 by the University of New Zealand included
Cecil as a successful candidate in Bankruptcy and Joint Stock Companies papers.
Always of a bright and happy disposition, he was one of the most popular men of the Waiuku Tennis
Club and the Waiuku Club.
Cecil passed away on 1 March 1928 at Epsom. The funeral was largely attended and took place in
Waiuku where a short service was held in the Anglican Church. By special request the hymns ‘Onward
Christian Soldiers’ and ‘Art Thou Weary, Art thou Languid’ were sung. The Rev. J.C. Fussell who
conducted the burial service, referred to the fine qualities of the deceased. Many fine and beautiful
wreaths were placed on the grave, including one from the Waiuku Returned Soldiers Association.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 2 Plot 014.
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Waiuku War Memorial Hall.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Family knowledge – Cecil Todd (Nephew)

New Zealand BDMs
Waiuku Museum (photos)
Papers Past – Death notice NZ Herald 3 March 1928
Obituary, Franklin Times 5 March 1928

Researched by Gillian Conroy

A decorated shell casing Cecil brought back from Palestine.

Hugh Morrison McFADYEN

Service Number: 64818
Regiment: Canterbury Regiment
Last Known Rank: Private
Died: 6 April 1949
Age: 61 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 2 Plot 012

Pre-war
Hugh Morrison was born on 12 May 1887 to James Morrison McFADYEN (1854-1930) and Margaret
Helena CRAWFORD (1863-1958), whose family had come from County Antrim, Northern Ireland on
the immigrant ship ‘Dauntless’ in 1865. James had come from Dunedin and was a blacksmith and
ironmonger who eventually had his own businesses and owned several fine properties in and around
Waiuku. Hugh was the eldest in the family of six children. Euphemia May who died in 1899 in her 11th
year, Cecil James, Flora Helena, Helen Annie and Muriel Margaret.
As a young man Hugh was a farmhand for some years but at the time of enlisting in 1917, he was a
carrier and held contracts to cart cream and coal for the factories in the Waiuku district. His plant was
valued at £1,000, and he had ten vehicles, and sixteen horses. He also had a contract to cart pigs and
did a lot of carting for the farmers.
Hugh’s brother Cecil James, service # 17527 had previously enlisted in 1916, having the rank of Staff-
sergeant in the 19th Reinforcements of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Pay Corp in Egypt.

Enlistment and Training

Hugh’s attestation papers were signed in
Auckland on 21 April 1917, as a self-employed
carrier, 30 years, dark complexion, blue eyes,
dark hair and his religion Anglican. His next of
kin was his mother, Mrs M.H. McFadyen, but
also to advise his sister Miss M. McFadyen by
telephone 630A (Labour Dept, Wellington).
Hugh had a preference to enlist for the Mounted
Rifles. He had served with the Waiuku Mounted
Rifles but had resigned and had volunteered for
the 30th Reinforcements. He declared his will
was in the possession of the Public Trustee,
Wellington.
Hugh asked for five months extension to
complete some of his contracts and arrange for
the sale of his business. Exemption was allowed
until August 31.
Hugh was part of the 32 Reinforcements E
Company, which mobilised and proceeded to
camp today by ‘marching to the railway station
in Auckland. The public were not admitted to the station until the men had entrained, after which the
gates were opened, and relatives given an opportunity of saying farewell.’ (NZ Herald 23 August 1917)

Service Abroad
Hugh embarked for overseas service on the HMNZT 96 Maunganui leaving Wellington on 21
November 1917 and disembarking at Liverpool, Merseyside, England on 8 January 1918. He marched
into camp at Sling to the Auckland Infantry Regiment, before being posted two days later to the
Canterbury Regiment. Hugh embarked for France on 19 March and marched into camp at Etaples on
24 March 1918. Hugh was initially posted to 2nd NZ Entrench Battalion on 28 March before transferring
to 12th Company, 2nd Battalion, Canterbury Infantry Regiment in the field on 12 April. Just two days
later Hugh reported sick and was admitted to 52 Stationary Hospital with a case of mumps on 17 April.
His mother was notified by mail from England, he was then transferred to a convalescent depot before
being discharged on the 27 June to Base Depot, France.
Hugh was posted to various battalions and companies and in the field, until proceeding on leave in
Paris on 11 January 1919, before marching into Larkhill, England on 31 March 1919, where he was
medically examined, being in good health. He later embarked for New Zealand on HMNZT 261 Tahiti
from London on 27 May 1919 having served overseas for 1 year 266 days.

Post-war
In May 1920 Hugh had a contract for carting spawls from Murphy’s Quarry, Puni for the Franklin
County. In the same month there was a special sale at Pukekohe of Hugh’s contracting plant with an
extra-large attendance, his 21 horses averaging £43 up to £62.
Hugh was married to Clarissa KNIGHT (1892-1974) on 16 June 1920, by the Rev. J.C. FUSSELL in Waiuku.
Clarissa was a daughter of the local farming family of Arthur and Mary Elizabeth KNIGHT.
Hugh and Clarissa had two children, their son Arthur James Parkes (1921- 1994), and daughter, Clarissa
Jean (1923-1991).
The Knight family had moved to a farm in Aldred Road, Taurangaruru c1905, where they had farmed
for 18 years before retiring to Waiuku. Hugh and Clarissa took the farm over in c1923.
There was a great gathering of the RSA reunion and spirit of comradeship (Franklin Times 14 May
1930), for the 12th annual reunion of the Waiuku Branch, held in the Oddfellows Hall with about 100
men attending. Toasts were honoured during the evening, including “The Visitors” which was
proposed by Mr McFadyen. Hugh was a member of the RSA and regularly attended their meetings.
He was involved with the annual Jersey Bull sale which was a Franklin Breeders fixture. His herd was
the leading herd in the 1929-1930 season for the Franklin district, with 47 cows averaging 370 lbs fat
in 290 days. Hugh and Clarissa celebrated their silver wedding anniversary in 1945 as noted in the NZ
Herald 16 June 1945. Hugh was a prominent member of the
Pakuranga Hunt Club for many years, and during the 1930s
was often riding his horse ‘Port Waikato’, frequently
accompanied by his son Arthur on his horse ‘Laddie’. The hunt
would regularly cover the McFadyen farm where the hunt
breakfast was provided by Hugh and Clarissa and the ladies of
the district. The horse in the photo is believed to be ‘Cockles’.
Hugh and Clarissa were wonderful hosts and many family
feasts were enjoyed at their welcoming home.

In Memoriam

Waiuku Cemetery Row 2 Plot 012.
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Waiuku War Memorial Hall.

Sources

Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Family knowledge and photo (Rosalie Samuels)
New Zealand BDM’s
Ancestry – Electoral Rolls

Researched by Gillian Conroy

Alfred Lewis McMILLAN

Service Number: 59945
Regiment: Wellington Regiment
Last Known Rank: Private
Died: 23 July 1957
Age: 73 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 34 Plot 059

Pre-war
Alfred Lewis McMILLAN (some army records say McMILLEN) was born
on 23 September 1883 at Havelock Suburban, the eldest of six children
of Aeneas McMillan (1841-1931) and Mary Anne Harriet BENGE (1852-
1929). Aeneas and Mary were married in 1883. Aeneas had emigrated
from Inverness, Scotland and Mary from East Sussex. Havelock
Suburban is about 5 miles from Havelock, Marlborough along the
Kaituna Valley Road. In the early 1900s Alfred was involved in the Pelorus region in rifle shooting and
wood chopping. In 1914 he teamed up with his future brother-in-law, Archibald FINLAY, to buy land
in the Marlborough area. Alfred applied to join up with the army in 1914 but was rejected because
he had a hernia. In 1916 he bought land to farm in Okoroire, between Matamata and Tirau.

Enlistment and Training
Alfred enlisted at Hamilton and attested on
10 February 1917 at Te Aroha, he named his
mother, Mrs M McMillen, Havelock
Suburban, Marlborough as his next of kin.
He was Anglican and was described as
5 feet 8 ½ inches tall (173cms), 131 lbs (59kgs) with brown hair, brown eyes and a dark complexion
with a flat right foot.
He gave his address on enlistment as Tauhei, near Morrinsville, and his occupation as self-employed
farmer. When he applied for an exemption, he was a dairy farmer and was granted a three-month
extension.

Service Abroad
Alfred embarked from Wellington on HMNZT 94 Arawa on 13 October 1917, arriving in Liverpool on
8 December 1917. He was posted to the 30th Reinforcements, E company in the Wellington Reserve
Battalion.
In June 1918 Alfred was placed on the nominal roll as unfit because of a hernia. In October 1918 he
was hospitalised with influenza and was transferred to Hornchurch to convalesce in November 1918.
At the end of December 1918 he moved to Codford, England to begin duties there.
On 13 February 1919 Alfred became a cook but relinquished that post 6 weeks later. In March 1919
he was before the Medical Board, and it was decided that he could no longer be in active service
because of the aftereffects of pneumonia from the influenza – he had a chronic cough and was anemic.

On 28 May 1919 he
returned to New Zealand
on HMNZT 248 Rimutaka
and was discharged from
service on 27 June 1919
after spending 1 year and
230 days overseas.

Post-war
On his return to New Zealand, Alfred continued to farm on his Okoroire property until 1938.
During this time, in 1920, Alfred married Annie Elizabeth or Elizabeth Annie FINLAY. Annie was born
in 1893, the seventh of twelve children of Robert Finlay (1854-1937) and Annie Eliza SMART (1863-
1924). Robert and Annie had married on 19 September 1883 at Ohinemahuta or Onamalutu as it was
known then, (Marlborough region). Robert was born in Dublin and Annie in Blenheim. Annie’s father,
Charles Smart was one of the earliest settlers in the Ohinemahuta area.
Alfred and Annie had three children: Eric Rex, Joan Elizabeth, and Robert Lewis. Alfred served on the
householders and school committees in the early 1930s for Okoroire Railway district and school.
In 1938 they had moved to Boundary Rd, Taurangaruru, Waiuku and continued farming there until
Alfred’s death. Annie died on 5 September 1950 and was buried in the Waiuku Cemetery. Alfred died
in 1957 and was buried next to Annie.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 34 Plot 059.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Jacqui – family member
Archives New Zealand, Probates
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
New Zealand BDM
Ancestry
Papers Past: Marlborough Express, 25 July 1914; Pelorus Guardian 10 July 1914, 17 Nov 1905, 9 Jun 1908, 8 Mar 1912;

Exemption, Akl Star 23 Feb 1917; Householder committee, Matamata record 30 April 1930 & 1931; School committee, NZ
Herald 22 April 1932

Researched by Barbara Raven

Clarence Stanley McNAMARA

Service Number: 11/1583
Regiment: Wellington Mounted Rifles
Last known Rank: Sergeant
Died: 22 May 1978
Age: 82 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 4 Plot 035

Pre-war

Clarence Stanley McNAMARA (known as Clarrie) was born on 6 October 1895 (although his WW2
records record his birth date as 1896), the seventh of thirteen children of John Thomas McNamara
(1862-1936) and Mary Isabella EGAN (1862-1949). John and Mary were married at Whiriwhiri, Waiuku
on 15 April 1884. John had been born in Cape Town, South Africa as was Mary. Both were buried in
the Waiuku Cemetery. Clarrie was living in Waiuku in 1914-15 and was working as a farmhand. He
participated in the local athletic events and rugby.

Enlistment and Training

Clarrie enlisted on 14 June 1915 and named his next
of kin as his father, J T McNamara, Waiuku. He had
been in the C Squadron of the Auckland Mounted
Rifles as a cadet. Clarrie was described as single,
Catholic, 5 feet 7 ½ inches tall (171cms), 147 lbs.
(66kgs), with a fair complexion and grey eyes.
He was posted to the 6th Reinforcements. While in
Trentham, he was hospitalised with influenza.

Service Abroad

Clarrie embarked for Suez on HMNZT 28 Tofua on 14
August 1915 and arrived on 19 September. On
20 October 1915 he transferred to 3rd (Auckland)
Squadron, New Zealand Mounted Rifles at Zeitoun.
He continued fighting in Egypt and in July 1917 was
sent to the School of Instruction. He was then
promoted to Lance Corporal and at the end of
September, he was sent for training on the use of the
Hotchkiss Gun. Clarrie was admitted to Cairo
Hospital in October 1918 with malaria and went from there to a convalescent home. Two months
later he resumed duty.
Clarrie was declared no longer physically fit for war service on account of illness contracted on active
service – malaria and debility. When examined by the Medical Board he was found to be considerably
underweight, short of breath after exertion and with a troublesome cough.
He was discharged on 30 March 1919 after spending 3 years and 218 days overseas.

Post-war

On returning home, Clarrie resumed his job as a farmhand in Waiuku.

On 12 July 1922 he married Clara Evelyn ENRIGHT at Waiuku. Clara was the eldest of eight children of

Matthew Enright (1867-1942) and Alice UNDERWOOD (1875-1958). Clara and Clarrie had two

children: Edna Joan, and Marie Isobel. In 1924 Clarrie and Edna had moved to Paeroa and in 1928

Clarrie was working as a surfaceman at Karangahake. Part of his time here was spent working on the

Karangahake/Waihi tunnel. It was during this time that their home was destroyed by fire and that

Clarrie had an accident when his jigger was struck by a train. He was also an active member and

elected officer of the Lodge in 1929. In 1935 the family were back in Aka Aka, Waiuku and Clarrie was

farming. In 1938 they had moved to George St, Waiuku and were still farming.

In 1939, Clarrie re-enlisted in the army (Service # 27004) as part of the Forestry and Railway Division

and was sent for training at Ngaruawahia in 1940. He embarked for Egypt on 7 August 1940 and in

September was promoted to Sergeant. He fought at Tobruk and in Palestine, Egypt, Syria and

Lebanon. He suffered badly with gas burns on his face.

In October 1942 Clarrie returned to New Zealand

with eyesight problems and because his wife was

unwell. He was discharged from active service on

14 February 1943 and returned to Waiuku and to

his home in George St. Clarrie continued to farm

until 1954 and lived in George St where he kept a

very large garden with fruit trees and had a very

neatly trimmed macrocarpa hedge.

The family remember him always marching on

Anzac Day.

Clara died on 16 September 1964. By 1969 Clarrie House at George Street
had moved to Given Rd, Pollock where he spent his final years living with

his daughter. He died on 22 May 1978 and is buried in Waiuku with Clara.

In Memoriam

Waiuku Cemetery Row 4 Plot 035.
Waiuku Town Hall Memorial Board.
Aka Aka Roll of Honour, Aka Aka Hall.

Sources Clarrie is on right front seated on the ground in this family photo.

Archives New Zealand, Military
Records
Auckland Museum Online
Cenotaph
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Photos and information: Family
members Anne Walter, Bev
Cochrane & Carol Walter
Papers Past: Mauku Sports, Franklin

and Waiuku Times 29 Dec, 1914; Otaua
Sports, 21 Feb, 1915; House fire, NZ
Herald, 22 Dec 1924; Football, Franklin
Times, 8 Oct, 1926; Accident, NZ
Herald, 18 June, 1927; Invalided home,
Franklin Times 18 Dec, 1942

Researched by Barbara Raven

Charles McNAUGHTEN

Service Number: 13/582
Regiment: Auckland Mounted Rifles
Last known Rank: Trooper
Died: 8 Dec 1952
Age: 72 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 12 Plot 028

Pre-war

Charles (Barney) was the tenth of eleven children, born to John McNAUGHTEN (6 Jan 1828-27 May
1905) and Ann Jane REDPATH (1834 – 6 Jun 1903). He was one of six sons and five daughters. His
birth is not listed with the Government BDM website. However, when Barney enlisted, he gave his
date of birth as in June 1881. Most likely he
was born on the family farm at Taurangaruru,
Waiuku.
Barney started school at Waiuku. Later he
attended the Karioitahi school but returned
to Waiuku to complete his schooling. He and
his siblings would have walked, or they may
have been fortunate to ride a horse to and
from school.
Following his school years, Barney was a
farmer. His father John McNaughten died in
1905, and Barney was the beneficiary of his
Waiuku farm of about 60 acres in the Parish
of Waipipi. He may also have lived for a time
with his unmarried siblings Joseph and Bessie
on Joseph’s farm bordering the Awaroa River in the district of Pura Pura (between Waiuku and Otaua).
In the 1911 Electoral Roll, Barney is listed as a farmer in the Franklin Electorate.

Enlistment and Training

Barney was 33 years and 2 months when he enlisted on 27 August 1914, to serve as a Trooper in the
11th North Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, Regimental
number - 13/582. His older brother James enlisted the same day - Regimental number - 13/574.
Barney was 5 feet 8 inches (172cms) tall. He had a fair complexion with blue eyes and brown hair. He
was said to be of good character and had been a member of the Waiuku Rifle Club and the Waiuku
Mounted Rifles. His brother Walter of Waiuku was listed as his next of kin.

Service Abroad

Barney (and James) left New Zealand 12 October 1914 and were at sea until 14 December 1914, when
their troop ship landed in Egypt. They remained there in training until 9 May 1915 when they
embarked for the Dardanelles. From May until August, Barney was with thousands of other
servicemen existing in the dangerous conditions of Gallipoli. In August, the ANZAC Commanders
devised a plan to take the heights of Chunuk Bair and the Sari Bair Ridge. On 8 August, a pre-dawn
assault on Chunuk Bair was led by the Wellington Infantry Battalion and they managed to take the
summit.

Four New Zealand units including the Auckland Mounted Rifles fought to hold the hill. Barney was
one of the 2,500 New Zealand casualties of the first two days. He was wounded on 8 August, the same
day his brother James became one of the 800 New Zealanders who were killed during those fateful
days of August 1915.

A few days later Barney was taken to Malta where his
condition was listed as ‘dangerously ill’. He had a bomb
wound to his left shoulder. During the Great War, thousands
of wounded servicemen were hospitalised on the island of
Malta, the ‘nurse of the Mediterranean’. By the end of August
Barney was ‘out of danger’, but he remained in Malta until
mid-October when he was transferred to England, to the First
London General Hospital. In April 1916 Barney was admitted
to the Military Hospital at Walton-on-Thames and remained
there until May when he returned to Egypt before being
invalided back to New Zealand.
Barney arrived home in June 1916 on the SS Tahiti. He was
discharged 21 August 1916 as ‘no longer fit for war service on
account of wounds’ and was granted a war pension. He had
served a total of 360 days.

Post-war

Subsequent Electoral Rolls have Barney living in Kitchener
Road, with his occupation always listed as a farmer. But it
appears that Barney was never able to work again due to his
non-functioning left arm. Like many returned soldiers who had experienced the carnage of war, he
sought solace in alcohol. His older unmarried sister Bessie cared for him for most of the remainder of
his life. They lived in a simple two-bedroom cottage opposite the Franklin Memorial Hospital. Family
stories suggest Bessie would give Barney some money and he would walk to the township and meet
up with his cronies at the Kentish Hotel. Of course, at the end of the day he always had to walk up
‘Doctor’s (Howden) Hill’ to get home again.
My father Jack said at the outbreak of the Second World War his Uncle Barney had told him not to
volunteer to go overseas (Dad was married with two small children at the time and doing ‘essential’
work on the farm so was never called up).
Barney died at a care facility in Papatoetoe and is buried at Waiuku Cemetery. His grave is adjacent
to his sister Rachel, her husband William Smith and their infant son John and their daughter Marion.

In Memoriam

Karioitahi School Roll of Honour.
Waiuku Memorial Hall Roll of Honour.
Waiuku Cemetery Row 12 Plot 028.

Sources

Archives New Zealand, Military Record
Ancestry – Electoral Rolls
Archives New Zealand – Will of John McNaughten
Board of Education, Auckland – Four Certificates
“Counting the cost of Chunuk Bair” – Richard Stowers – Waikato Times – 8 August 2015
Malta during the First World War 1914-1918. Anthony Zarb-Dimech
New Zealand Society of Genealogists – Kiwi Collection Index V1
PapersPast: NZ Herald – 27 Aug, 9 Sept, 4 Nov 1915, 10 June 1916; Auckland Star – 1, 16, 27 May 1916

Researched by Colleen van der Laan (nee McNaughten)

John McQUIRE

Service Number: 13355
Regiment: Otago Infantry Regiment
Last Known Rank: Lance Corporal
Died: 14 December 1946
Age: 59 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 33 Plot 038

Pre-war
John McQUIRE was born on 9 November 1887 at Hensingham, Cumberland, England and registered
at Whitehaven, to Joseph McQUIRE (1863-1909) and Elizabeth BOADLE (1863-1904), the eldest of
seven known children, two boys and five girls. Both parents passed away in England. John’s father
Joseph was a butcher in 1891 and in 1901 a farmer and butcher on his own account. John also made
his living as a butcher and at the time of enlistment had been working for the Christchurch Meat
Company.

Enlistment and Training
John enlisted at Tauherenikau, near Featherston, on 18 January
1916. He was 28 years and 2 months old, 5 feet 8 inches (173cm)
tall and weighed 140 lbs (63kgs). He had a fresh complexion,
brown eyes and hair. John did his training at Featherston and
was posted to D Squad 12th Mounted Rifles. On 4 April he was
transferred to the Mounted Rifles 13th Reinforcements, the unit
that he would leave for active duty with. John’s sister, Margaret,
who married Thomas KENNEDY in 1912, was listed as his next-of-
kin.

Service Abroad
John embarked on 27 May 1916 aboard HMNZT 54 Willochra and along with the Tofua headed for
England and after being diverted from their original destination arrived at Plymouth on 26 July 1916.
On 4 August John transferred to the Infantry and was posted to the 2nd Otago Company, 3rd
Reserve Battalion. On 5 October he was with his battalion and posted to 4th Company 2nd Battalion
Otago Infantry Regiment.
On 23 June 1917 John earned promotion to Lance Corporal of 4th Company. On 12 October New
Zealand soldiers suffered major losses at Passchendaele and on 13 October John was wounded by a
machine gun and admitted to the 3rd Stationary Hospital. By 15 October he was transferred to
Brockenhurst Hospital with gunshot wounds to his right wrist, forearm and left thigh, requiring the
amputation of his left leg. Gradually injuries began to improve, and he went to Walton-on-Thames
at the end of January 1918. On 4 February 1918 John was sent for training to commercial section,
Oatlands Park, while still receiving treatment and help at Walton. On 6 August he was supplied with
his first artificial limb and 7 January 1919 this was replaced. John completed his course on 14
January 1919, the certificate showing attendance of 178 days, leave 39 days, hospital 32 days.

John embarked for Wellington on
Zealandic on 18 January 1919, as
Draft 217 of 1,021 officers and
men. They arrived in stream on
26 February but did not disembark
for two days due to influenza
health checks.
He was discharged on 6 March
1919 as no longer physical fit for
war service on account of wounds
received in action (loss of left leg).
He received the British War Medal
and Victory Medal and had served
a total of 3 years and 69 days with
156 days in New Zealand and 2
years 278 days overseas.

Post-war
John returned to Waiuku after his discharge and continued working as a butcher. In 1923 Thomas
Kennedy and John acquired a property (now 19 Queen Street) and set up the first grocery store on
the site. On 15 April 1924 John married Sarah Mildred FURNISS in Waiuku and they had three
children, one sadly passed away at two days old. Sarah was born on 8 August 1894 at Stratford to
Henry FURNISS (1861-1943) and Sarah Ann JONES (1863-1934). She was the third born in a family of
six children, five boys and one girl.
John and Mildred, as she appears to have been known, settled at Sandspit Road, Waiuku with John
appearing on electoral rolls as an accountant. In 1934 he bought Kennedy’s half of the business and
continued to trade, later becoming a 4 Square store. In 1945 John leased the store to the Farmers
Trading Co. and on his death the executors continued the lease until 1967 when they sold the
premises to Farmers Trading Properties.
John believed in Waiuku and what it could be and in 1932 he was elected Chairman of the Town
Board. He continued as Chairman until 1941 when he did not seek re-election. In May 1935 John
became a Justice of the Peace. In April 1939 when the Red Cross Society was formed in Waiuku John
was elected as President. He was an active member of the Waiuku RSA and held several office
positions - Vice President, Treasurer and Auditor as well as committee member. He also joined the
Waiuku Bowling Club and enjoyed many days of company and competition. The Club presented a
Life Member’s badge to him in 1941.
John passed away on 14 December 1946. Shortly after John’s death Mildred went to live with her
son Athol and daughter Estelle at 10 East Coast Road in Auckland. The children eventually left but
she continued to live there until the early 1970s when she moved to be closer to Athol and his family
in Rotorua. She passed away on 18 September 1981 and was buried with John in Waiuku.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 33 Plot 038.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Waiuku – 150 years of growth 1851-2001 -19 Queen Street
Photograph RSA Executive c1937 – Waiuku Museum
Papers Past: Town Board, NZ Herald 12 Oct 1932, JP, Akl Star 31 May 1935; Red Cross, Akl Star 15 Apr 1939

Researched by Lois Hopping

William MEACHEN

Service Number: 52242
Regiment: Auckland Infantry
Last Known Rank: Private
Died: 16 May 1952
Age: 58 Years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 35 Plot 034

Pre-war
William MEACHEN was born on 27 October 1893 at
Manchester, the youngest of nine children of Robert
Charles MEACHEN (1851-1934) and Margaret Biggam
KILPATRICK (1854-1923). Robert and Margaret were
married on 21 November 1873 in Glasgow. Robert was
a journeyman/bookbinder and had been born in
Southwark, London.
In 1901 and 1911 William was living at home in
Manchester at 219 Moss Lane. His older sister Annie,
who married Rudolph Douglas RICHARDSON came to
New Zealand in about 1912 and on 13 March 1913
William left Liverpool on the Essex for NZ, working his
passage, via Melbourne and Sydney to join her.
In 1914 William was a hotel porter at the Kentish Hotel
in Waiuku.

Enlistment and Training
William was enlisted on 29 October 1915 under the
Service Number of 12/3419, and posted to the 8th
Reinforcements, A Company, but soon after going into
Trentham he suffered appendicitis and was admitted
for an operation in Wellington Hospital. He was then discharged from service as unfit at present.
On 3 February 1917 William re-enlisted and was posted to the 28th Reinforcements, A Company.
William named his next of kin as both his mother, Mrs. M Meachen, 219 Moss Lane, East Manchester,
England and his sister, Mrs. A Richardson, Alderley Rd, Auckland.
William was single, Anglican and was described as 5 feet 6 inches (167cms), 133 lbs (60kgs), with a
dark complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair.
He gave his occupation as carter and his employer as G Arkel, Waiuku.

Service Abroad
William embarked from Wellington on the Waitemata on 14 July 1917 and after transhipping at Cape
Town, arrived at Plymouth on 25 September. On 26 October William proceeded to France to join his
battalion on 9 November.

In January 1918, William joined the Australian Tunnelling Company for a month, before returning to
his own unit.
William spent time in hospital in France in March with a toe problem and then again in April.
In May he was sent to work with the Cycle Corp for several weeks. The Cycle Corp had been created
in 1916 using recruits who were training to join the Mounted Rifles.
William returned to NZ on the Ruahine leaving from Plymouth on 19 May and was discharged on 5
August 1919 after spending 1 year 360 days overseas.

Post-war
William returned to his job in 1919 as the porter at the Kentish
Hotel, Waiuku. In 1920 he began working as a baker’s assistant for
Harold BINT.
On 30 March 1921 at the Holy Trinity Church, Waiuku, William
married Daisy HOLMES (1896-1971). Daisy was the ninth of eleven
children of Samuel Holmes (1850-1924) and Alice Ann HARE (1860-
1932). Samuel and Alice’s other children also married into Waiuku
families.
William and Daisy had four children: two sons and two daughters.
Daisy and William lived in Colombo Rd, Waiuku in a house sold to
them in 1922 by Daisy’s brother Herbert who had originally had the
house built for himself. William continued in his job as a baker’s
assistant for Arkles Bakery.
William joined the Free Mason Lodge on 1 October 1921 and was
installed as an Officer in 1932.

In late 1950 William and Daisy moved into a new home built for them by their son at 29 Valley Rd,
Waiuku.
William died on 16 May, 1952 of lung cancer and was buried at Waiuku Cemetery, Row 35, Plot 34.
Daisy died on 3 June 1971 and was buried with William.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 35 Plot 034.
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Waiuku War Memorial Hall.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
and Probate Records
Information and photos from Philip and
Annette Meachen
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
New Zealand BDM
Ancestry – Meachen Family Tree
Papers Past: Installation of Lodge Officers, 18

Apr 1932

Researched by Barbara Raven

William with his sister Ida in the car

James Raymond MEAGHER

Service Number: 69418
Regiment: Wellington Mounted Rifles
Last Known Rank: Trooper
Died: 11 January 1987
Age: 87 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 48 Plot 019

Pre-war
James Raymond MEAGHER was born in The Levels, Timaru on 17 April 1899, the youngest son of James
Francis Meagher (1866-1943) and Catherine FOLEY (1871-1949). It appears that his three brothers all
died as young adults, one was killed in a tragic accident in 1922, age 28.
His parents were living in a small settlement near Levin and James started school at Kereru (now
Koputaroa) on 25 January 1904, then transferred to Levin when his parents took over the license of
the Wereroa Hotel in September 1907. In 1909 the family shifted to Waverley for a short time to run
the Clarendon Hotel before going farming at Te Rehunga, near Dannevirke, in 1910.
It was from this address that James, self-employed farmer, enlisted.

Enlistment and Training
James tried to enlist in April 1916 but was rejected as
he was underage. On 10 September 1917 he had
another attempt, this time at Woodville, and by
adjusting his birth year, he was accepted.
He gave his mother as next of kin and stated that he
was serving in the A Company of the 17th Regiment.
He was described as single, Roman Catholic, 5 feet
8 ½ inches (173cms), 165 lbs (75kgs), with a medium
complexion, blue eyes, and dark brown hair.
He was posted initially as a Private to C Company of
the 34th Reinforcements on 17 October 1917 but then
transferred on 31 October to 9th Squadron of the
Wellington Mounted Rifles 36th Reinforcements as a
Trooper.

Service Abroad
The SS Moeraki left Wellington on 21 February 1918,
and James and the other troops arrived in Sydney and
transferred to the RMS Ormande for the rest of the
voyage to Suez, disembarking on 4 April 1918. They
marched into Moascar Camp and just a few days later
James was admitted to hospital with measles. He was transferred to a rest camp after two weeks and
on 15 May he re-joined his unit. In June, James was again admitted to hospital, this time with gastritis
and after time in Kantara, Abbassia and Heliopolis hospitals he was finally discharged on 17 July and
posted to the Training Regiment, New Zealand Mounted Rifles.

Another spell in several hospitals started on 4 October 1918 when he caught malaria in the Jordan
Valley. He was assessed by the Medical Board on 22 December 1918 and placed on the roll for home.
He finally embarked at Suez on HMNZT 230 Kaikoura on 6 March 1919 and was discharged on 1 August
1919 after serving a total of 1 year 289 days.

Post-war

James returned to his parents’ farm at Te Rehunga but in
1920 he was successful in the ballot for a farm at a
soldiers’ settlement at Ardkeen, near Wairoa. From 18
applicants he was drawn for Section 3 of 631 acres, with
his brother winning another section in the ballot.
In 1925 he married schoolteacher Isobel Margaret
LOGAN, the daughter of Andrew Logan (1861-1942) and
Alice Maud WILLIAMS (1877-1942) at Dannevirke.
James and Isobel had four children including twin
daughters born in 1927.
James was very involved in the community, being on the
committee or executive of the Wairoa A & P Show, Mahia
Hunt Club, Wairoa Racing Club, Waiau Sports Club and
Frasertown Athletics. He competed and judged in horse
events as well as judging athletics.

They farmed here until 1944 when he took up the license of
the Masonic Hotel in Woodville.
By 1957 they had moved to Butcher Bridge Road in Waiuku
and were again farming.
After a short time in Manurewa where James was working
as an agent and Isobel went back teaching, they retired to
Sandspit Road in Waiuku.
James died in Middlemore Hospital in 1987 and Isobel died
in 1997, aged 95 and they are buried together.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 48 Plot 019.
Ardkeen Soldier’s Settlement.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
School records
New Zealand BDM
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Wairoa Acebook page – Ardkeen Soldiers Settlement story
Papers Past: Farm ballot, Gisborne Times 12 June 1920; Wairoa Racing Club, Poverty Bay Herald 1932-1936; Wairoa

Sports Club, Poverty Bay Herald 1937 & 1938; Frasertown Athletics, Poverty Bay Herald 1937; Publican License, Manawatu
Times 11 Sept 1944 & 2 May 1945

Researched by Heather Maloney

William MICHIE

Service Number: 64817
Regiment: Canterbury Regiment
Last known Rank: Private
Died: 16 January 1957
Age: 76 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 37 Plot 038

Pre-war
William MICHIE was born 7 August 1880 in Waiuku, the youngest of seven children of Thomas
Michie (1832-1905) and Hannah FAHEY (1842-1922). Thomas and Hannah had married in 1865 soon
after their arrival in New Zealand on the Alfred. Their first two children were born on Kawau Island
where Thomas and Hannah were employed by Sir George Grey as a gardener and housemaid.
Barbara, their first child, was born on the beach before a boat could arrive to take Hannah to
Auckland. Hannah and Thomas moved to Auckland in 1868 and lived in Albert St where another
child was born. In 1870 they moved to Waipipi where the final four children were born. The family
lived in a cave and sod hut until a farmhouse could be built on the corner of Parakau and Awhitu
Rds. Thomas incurred a serious leg injury which resulted in amputation.
In 1914 William was a self-employed builder/carpenter. He had been in the Waiuku Mounted Rifles.

Enlistment and Training
William enlisted on 26 April 1917 and was initially posted to the 2nd Battalion, Canterbury Infantry
Regiment. He named his next of kin as J W Michie, brother, Waipipi. William was described as
Roman Catholic, 5 feet 3 inches tall (160cms), 126 lbs (57kgs) with a dark complexion, blue eyes and
dark hair. He had an appendectomy scar.
On 5 September 1917 he was reposted, this time to the 32nd Reinforcements, E Company.

Service Abroad

William embarked from Wellington on HMNZT 96 Maunganui
on 21 November 1917 and arrived in Liverpool on 8 January
1918.
He was admitted on 6 February to a Military Hospital with
rubella and was sent to a Quarantine Camp to recover.
On 19 March 1918 he proceeded to France and joined his
Battalion on the 26th. William was admitted on 17 April to
hospital in France with mumps and then in May with gastritis.
He was sent to a convalescent camp until the end of May.
On 4 September 1918 William received a gunshot wound to
his left arm and was evacuated from France to the UK. On
recovery, in October 1918, William returned to France where
he had recurring bouts of bronchitis which caused lung
infections resulting in mild TB. This was to be an ongoing
problem for him throughout his life.

On board journal of 32nd Reinforcements

William returned to New Zealand from
Southampton on the HMNZHS 02 Marama
leaving England on 9 June 1919 and arriving in
New Zealand on 17 July. He was granted a six-
week pension.

William was discharged on 9 September 1919
after spending 1 year 239 days overseas.

Post-war
William returned to live in Waipipi and to his job as builder/carpenter. In 1928 he was living at
Bowen St, Waiuku. His workshop was in the wharf buildings and then later near the Catholic Church.
In 1935 and 1938 he was living in Otaua Rd.
In 1939 he married Minnie KNIGHT, the eldest child of Arthur Knight (1859-1929) and Mary Elizabeth
BAINES (1864-1938). Arthur came from Warwickshire and was a butcher. Mary was from
Lincolnshire. William and Minnie had no children. William was remembered fondly by a family
member as a “lovely gentleman”. From 1946 until William’s death, William and Minnie lived in Hull
Rd. After William died in 1957 Minnie continued to live in Waiuku – firstly in George St, then at
4 Hull Rd and finally at 26 Martyn St. She died on 1 March 1972 and was buried with William in the
Waiuku Cemetery.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 37 Plot 038.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Archives New Zealand, Probates
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Ancestry
Gavin Michie Family research
Tracey Majurey nee Michie (NZ Franklin Suffrage 125)
Information from Poppy Short (niece)

Researched by Barbara Raven

William Charles MOLLOY

Service Number: 73267
Regiment: Auckland Regiment
Last Known Rank Private
Died: 26 May 1964
Age: 66 years*
Cemetery: Waiuku RSA S2 Plot 006

*Age at death differs from plaque.

Pre-war

William was born in Tokatoka, Northland on 5 August 1897. He was the eldest son of Charles MOLLOY
(1868-1947) and Emmeline COX (1874-1955) who were married at the Cox family residence at Te
Kopuru, Northland in 1896. His mother had been born on Great Barrier Island and his father at
Otahuhu. William had five younger brothers and sisters: Tom, Charles, Emmeline, Joseph, and Patricia.
The family moved to Waiuku about 1910 and farmed on Hull Road.

Enlistment and Training
William Molloy attested in Auckland on 19 October 1917 and entered camp on 21 November as a
Private in the Auckland Regiment. He had previously been part of the 16th Waikato Regiment in the
lead up to his enlistment.
He was described as 5 feet 7½ inches (171cms), 175 lbs (79kgs), with a dark complexion, brown eyes,
brown hair, single and Roman Catholic. It was also noted that he had flat feet and tattoos on both
forearms and right upper arm. He named his mother Mrs E Molloy as next of kin.
He trained at Featherston for the next few months being posted first to E Company, then to
B Company of the 37th Reinforcements and just before embarking he was transferred to B Company
of the 36th Reinforcements.

Service Abroad
William remained in New Zealand until 23 April
1918 when he embarked from Wellington on
HMNZT 102 Willochra and arrived in Suez on
31 May 1918. He trained with the Overseas
Australian camp until 4 July when he left
Alexandria onboard HMS Ormonde for
Southampton. After his arrival on 18 July, he
marched into Sling Camp and was there until
30 September when he was sent to Etaples,
France where he joined the 1st Battalion
Auckland Regiment in the field on 8 October
1918. William embarked at Liverpool on 5
August 1919 aboard HMNZT 282 Ayrshire.

He arrived back in New Zealand on 20 September 1919, disembarking in Lyttelton and was discharged
on 23 October after serving a total of 1 year 337 days. He received the British War Medal and the
Victory Medal.

Post-war
After his arrival back in New Zealand William (also known as Bill) continued working on the family farm
near Waiuku. He married Margaret Mabel CODLIN in 1937. Margaret was one of fourteen children
of Theophilus Codlin (1858-1946) and Mary Ann SIMPSON (1860-1942) and she had five brothers who
went to the war. William and Margaret continued to work on the family farm at this time and both
were listed as farmers on Hull Road, along with his father and mother on the 1938 electoral roll.
They had four children - Mary, Brian, Myles and Tim. The sons all died as young adults.
On the 1946 and 1949 rolls, William and Margaret are listed as farmers living in Whirwhiri but by 1954
they were living in George Street, Waiuku.
William worked as a forestry worker from 1957 until his death on 26 May 1964. He is buried in the
RSA section of the Waiuku cemetery. Margaret died 9 January 1977 and is buried in Waiuku.

Forestry gang, Maioro Forest 1960 – George Niven, Peter Harris & Bill Molloy

In Memoriam
Waiuku RSA Cemetery Row S2 Plot 006.
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Waiuku Memorial Hall.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Ancestry Family Trees
New Zealand BDM’s
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Photo: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collection
Researched by Dianne Jones

Henry James Alexander NAYSMITH

Service Number: 42766
Regiment: Canterbury Regiment
Last Known Rank: Private
Died: 22 December 1966
Age: 80 years
Cemetery: Waiuku RSA Row S2Plot 011

Pre-war
Henry James Alexander (known as Jim) NAYSMITH was born on 5 October 1886 at Helensville, the
third of twelve children of James Henry Alexander Naysmith (1849-1918) and Sarah Ann ROSIEUR
(1863-1948). James and Sarah were married in 1882 and spent most of their married life in
Dargaville where James was working as a bushman. James was born in Auckland after his parents,
Henry and Mary came to New Zealand in 1842 and Sarah was born in Mangonui, in the Far North.
In 1911 and 1914 Jim was living in Dargaville and was working as a baker for himself.

Enlistment and Training
On enlistment on 16 December 1916, Jim gave his
address as c/- GPO, city. He named his father, Henry
James Alexander NAYSMITH as his next of kin. Two
of Jim’s brothers also enlisted - George Arnold,
service no. 12/608 (also a baker) fought in both
Egypt and Europe, and Ernest Charles enlisted but
had a heart condition which precluded him from
serving.
Jim was single, an Anglican and was described as 5
feet 10½ inches tall (178cms), 166 lbs (75kgs), with a
fair complexion, blue eyes and fair hair.
He was posted to the Machine Gun Section of the
25th Reinforcements.

Service Abroad
Jim embarked on the HMNZT 84 Turakina on 26 April
1917 and sailed via Sydney, Freemantle, Durban,
Cape Town and Free Town, Jamaica. They arrived in
Plymouth, England on 20 July 1917.
Jim proceeded to France on 26 October 1917 as part
of the A Company, 4th Canterbury Regiment. On
10 November he was posted to the 13th Company of
the 2nd Battalion Canterbury Regiment.
On 30 November, Jim received severe gunshot
wounds to his right leg, his back and to his arm.

He was admitted to No. 3 New Zealand Hospital in France and then on 6 December was transferred
to the Fulham Military Hospital in Hammersmith. On 14 January 1918 it was noted that he was
making favourable progress and on 30 March he was transferred to Brockenhurst. Jim told of how
the then Princess Royal came visiting and brought the soldiers sugar lumps and cigarettes.
The Military Board then decided that he was no longer physically fit for war service on account of his
wounds, and he returned to New Zealand on the Marama and was discharged on 28 April 1920 after
spending time in hospital in New Zealand. Jim had served a total of 3 years 134 days with 1 year 148
days of that time overseas and 1 year 351 days in New Zealand.

Post-war
Jim spent a year in hospital after his return to New Zealand, “wrapped up like a mummy” a family
member said. After his recovery, Jim visited his brother, Alfred John, a fruitier in the Waiuku
Main Street, and there met his future wife.
He married Gertrude Mary HARRIS on 20 April 1926 in Waiuku. Gertrude was born on 28 February
1894 in Onehunga, the eldest of three children of Richard John HARRIS (1866-1950), Headmaster
and Elizabeth Annie LEATHART (1866-1937).
Jim and Gertrude had one son. They began their married
life in the Waiuku region by winning an advertised rehab
farm at Coast Rd, Kariotahi. There were a few clear acres,
enough to run 9–11 cows and the rest, mainly gorse, had
to be cleared by hand. Haymaking was done by cutting
the grass with a scythe, turning it to dry with pitchforks
and then once it was dry, piling it into haystacks. These
had to be precisely built so they didn’t catch fire or fall
over. Two draught horses, Dolly and Bill, were used to help with the job. Jim recalled feeling the
1931 Hawkes’ Bay earthquake while out haymaking. The farm developed into a unit running
pedigree Jersey cattle. Jim is remembered by family members as always being bright, loveable and a
bit of a mischief. He was always ready to help others and never complained, despite the shrapnel
that slowly surfaced from his back and had to be removed at regular intervals.
Jim and Gertrude were involved in many of the community activities. Jim’s special love was tennis
and he represented both Waiuku and Pukekohe. He attended the local RSA where he enjoyed the
friendships he made. He was often the M.C. at the community events. The family remembers him
playing the harmonica. When he was no longer able to play tennis, he turned to croquet. In 1957
Jim and Gertrude retired to 9 France St, Waiuku and a croquet lawn was added to their home and he
would play from a wheelchair. Jim died on 22 December 1966 and was buried in the RSA cemetery.
Gertrude continued living at France St and died on 10 September 1974 and was cremated at
Waikumete Cemetery. Her ashes were then buried with Jim.

In Memoriam
Waiuku RSA Cemetery Row S2 Plot 011.

Sources

Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Elaine BALDWIN and Kay VINCENT (daughter in law and granddaughter)
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Archives New Zealand, Probates
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Ancestry

Papers Past: Auckland Star Enlisting,3 Jan 1917; NZ Herald Cattle sale 9 Sept 1933, Franklin Times Rugby vice president, 9

April 1937, President Tennis Club 29 March 1939

Researched by Barbara Raven

Edwin NEIL

Service Number: 57833
Regiment: NZ Mounted Rifles
Last Known Rank: Trooper
Died: 26 April 1958
Age: 61 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 11 Plot 055

Pre-war Edwin standing at back with his parents & siblings
Edwin NEIL was born on 4 October 1896 in
Auckland, the eldest of seven children of Dennis
NEIL (1870-1941) and Margaret Cicily HICKEY
(1869-1943). Dennis and Margaret were married
on 16 December 1896. Dennis was born in Waiuku
and farmed all his adult life in Otaua.
Edwin attended Otaua School from 1903 to Dec
1910.
Prior to signing up Edwin had been in the 3rd
Auckland Regiment for three years and in the
Senior Cadets for two years. In 1916 he was
farming for his father at Otaua.

Enlistment and Training
Edwin enlisted on 2 July 1917 and named his
father, D. NEIL, Otaua as his next of kin. He was
posted to the 33rd reinforcements of the
New Zealand Mounted Rifles.
Edwin was Roman Catholic, single and described
as 5 feet 3½ inches tall (161cms), 114 lbs (52kgs),
with a fresh complexion, brown eyes and brown
hair.

Service Abroad

Edwin embarked from Wellington on
13 November 1917 on the HMNZT 98 Tofua,
arriving in Suez on 21 December 1917. He was
posted to the Machine Gun Squadron on
10 January 1918. In March he was sent to the
School of Instruction at Zeitoun. While there he
fell sick with measles and was sent to an
infectious measles hospital. He then had two
weeks at the Aotea Convalescent Hospital before
returning to his training at Zeitoun. On 17 May
he rejoined the Mounted Rifles Brigade.

In July 1918 Edwin developed malaria and spent some time in and out of hospitals and convalescing.
He finally returned to duty on 10 August 1918. On 6 March 1919 Edwin returned to New Zealand
from Suez on the Kaikoura. On his arrival home he was given 4 weeks sick leave and eventually was
discharged on 3 September 1919 after a total service of 2 years 33 days, 1 year 158 days of that
served overseas and 240 days in New Zealand.

Post-war
On 12 November 1919 Edwin married Christina
Helen DROMGOOL (1895-1942). Christina was the
youngest of three children of Christopher
DROMGOOL (1869-1947) and Mary Ann BRADY
(1866-1949). Edwin and Christina had eight
children. (Their wedding photo at right)
Edwin farmed all his adult life at Otaua and was
described by his eldest grandson as “a great
character and much involved in his family and
farm”.
Christina died on 7 January 1942 at Middlemore
Hospital and was buried at the Waiuku Cemetery.
Edwin remarried in 1945 to Bridget Nina (Nina as
she was known) CARROLL. Nina died on 28 July
1955.
Edwin died in 1958 and is buried alongside many
other family members in Row 11.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 11 Plot 055.
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Otaua Section, Waiuku War Memorial Hall.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Archives New Zealand, Probates
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
New Zealand BDM
Ancestry
Papers Past:
Map showing farm location on Crouch Road

Researched by Barbara Raven

George O’HARA

Service Number: 31088
Regiment: N Z Mounted Rifles
Last Known Rank: Shoeing Smith Corporal
Died: 23 November 1939
Age: 59 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 31 Plot 009

Pre-war
George O’HARA was born on 12 January 1880 to William O’HARA (1842-1924) of County Tyrone,
Northern Ireland and his wife Catherine Ann (d.1940). He was third in a family of six children with
four brothers William James (1874-1858), Joseph (1878-1955), Frederick (1886-1956), Charles
Walter (1892-1955) and their sister Margaret. The family lived in Papatoetoe and William is noted as
a wheelwright.
For some time George worked with the family who conducted a coachbuilding and blacksmith
business at Papatoetoe and Otahuhu.
By 1911 George was a farmer at Patumahoe and at the monthly meeting of the NZ Farmers Union,
G. O’Hara is listed as a member. The Pukekohe and Waiuku Times of 27 May 1913 reports that his
farm was on the left side of Klipsch Road and consisted of 204 acres. As reported in the Pukekohe
and Waiuku Times of 23 May 1916, George sold his farm, stock and plant. He had purchased it five
years previously. He intended enlisting shortly after this.

Enlistment and Training
George signed his attestation papers at Featherston on 23 August 1916. His next of kin was Mr W.
O’Hara of Papatoetoe (Father), he was a blacksmith in his own employ, aged 35 years, religion
Presbyterian. He states his birthday as 7 January 1881 (a discrepancy).
He was originally posted as a Private then Trooper to the 21st Reinforcements, NZ Mounted Rifles,
but then assigned to the 20th Reinforcements and appointed as a Shoeing Smith on 14 September
before being promoted on 2 October 1916 as a Shoeing Smith Corporal.

Service Abroad
George embarked from Wellington aboard the SS Moeraki on 14 December 1916, before being
transferred to the Mooltan at Sydney, bound for Suez, Egypt. He disembarked on 21 January 1917
to the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Training Regiment at Moascar, then posted to the Auckland
Mounted Rifles. Records show he was briefly a Lance Corporal and then at his own request was
relieved of this and became a Trooper on 3 February. He was transferred to the Brigade at the end
of April. On 1 May he was posted to Auckland Mounted Rifles 3rd Squadron as a Shoeing Smith.
He was in a rest camp from 9 to 21 January 1918 and was sick in hospital in June and sent to Kantara
and then Abbassia. George had contracted malaria and was constantly in hospital along with various
other illnesses. He travelled to the New Zealand Mounted Rifle Brigade on 19 September and
ordered to 2nd Mobile Veterinary Section in the field but was back in hospital in October with
wounds. He was sent to Aotea Convalescent Hospital in Heliopolis, having previously been there in
July, before being sent to Giza and then onto Suez in preparation for his return to New Zealand,
embarking on the RL Malta on 14 December and arriving home on 27 January 1919.

George was no longer physically fit for war service on account of illness (malaria). His foreign service
was 2 years and 47 days, his New Zealand service 218 days, a total service of 2 years 265 days and he
was finally discharged from service on 13 February 1919.

Post-war
George married Bertha SANDS (1890-1944) on 25 June 1919, the daughter of William and Mary Ann

SANDS, a local farming family.
George and Bertha became parents of two boys: Donald
George (1921-1986) and William Raymond (1923-1995).
George farmed part allotment 313 in the Parish of Waipipi,
with the farm on Constable Road, Waiuku. He was fully
involved with the Waiuku RSA, attending their meetings
regularly and a keen worker in its interests. The annual
reunion of August 1925 was held in the Temperance Hall. In
1928 he was on the committee.
George was well known as a horse breaker and at the annual
spring fair for working horses in 1937, George sold a 2 year
old bay gelding for £54.
In later years George did not enjoy good health and may
have suffered from his illness contracted in the war and he
passed away at home on 23 November 1939.
The Franklin Times of 4 December 1939 reported the passing
of a well-known Waiuku settler with an impressive burial
service. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. R.J.
CURRIE and by Colonel M. ALDRED for the Returned Services
Association. Ex-soldiers formed a Guard of Honour and also
filed past the graveside, dropping poppies on the casket. The
Last Post ended the service.
Bertha died on 28 December 1944 and is buried with George.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Waiuku War Memorial Town Hall.
Waiuku Cemetery Row 31 Plot 009.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Photo supplied by Peter Sands
New Zealand BDM
Papers Past: Death Notice NZ Herald 24 Nov 1939

Researched by Gillian Conroy

Percy Valpy OAKDEN

Service Number: 13/1079
Regiment: Auckland Mounted Rifles
Last known Rank: Sergeant
Died: 16 April 1973
Age: 77 years
Cemetery: Waiuku RSA Row S3 Plot 001

Pre-war
Percy Valpy OAKDEN was born on 16 June 1895 in Glenorchy, Otago to parents Harry Percy OAKDEN
and Evelyn Penelope VALPY. He was the fourth child and second son of six children, including three
sisters and two brothers. Percy’s mother Evelyn was a granddaughter of Judge William VALPY, who
came out to New Zealand in the ship Blundell in 1849, and purchased what is now known as Forbury
Park, Dunedin. The Oakden family moved from Otago to Auckland around 1900. Percy’s father had
worked on the staff of Messrs A.S. Paterson and Co. Ltd in Dunedin and then Auckland.

Enlistment and Training
Percy was one of the 241 men under the command of Major NORTHCROFT who left Auckland to join
the 5th reinforcement draft at Trentham on 15 February 1915. He was enlisted with the 3rd
Auckland Mounted Rifles. He was 5 feet 6 inches (167cms) and weighed 132 lbs (75kgs). He had
brown hair and brown eyes with a dark complexion. Percy was single at the time of his enlistment,
his occupation was recorded as farmer and his last employer was E. BARRIBALL, Waiuku. His
mother, Mrs E.P. OAKDEN was given as his next of kin. His two brothers also signed up, John Every
Oakden in the 8th Contingent, Auckland Infantry Battalion and William in the 5th Field Artillery. His
father was later in the Field Ambulance-B Section.

Service Abroad

Trooper Percy Valpy Oakden departed Wellington for Suez, Egypt on
13 June 1915 as part of the 5th Reinforcements of the Auckland
Mounted Rifles. He named his father H.P. Oakden as his next of kin.
He served in Egypt for 61 days before being sent to Gallipoli where he
was wounded on 28 August 1915. He was transferred to the Hospital
Ship Guildford Castle and taken to St. David’s Military Hospital in Malta.
After a short stay there he was transferred to the Ghain Tuffieha Camp
and from there embarked for England where he was admitted to the
Birmingham War Hospital, Northfield.
He remained in England for almost a year and in September 1916 was
sent to France where served in the NZ Army Field Artillery Brigade.
Percy acquired the rank of Bombardier in September 1918, was
promoted to Corporal in November 1918, and Sergeant on 15 January
1919. He returned to England in February 1919 and sailed home to New
Zealand aboard the Willochra. Percy’s total service in the N.Z.E.F amounted to 4 years and 90 days,
148 days in New Zealand and 3 years 307 days overseas.

He was finally discharged on 13 May 1919.
He received the 1914-15 Star, The British War
Medal and the Victory Medal.
An unusual incident occurred regarding Percy’s
Gallipoli medal. It was found outside the
Sandspit School in Waiuku by the nephew of
Mrs TUROA. During a special ceremony
organised by the RSA, the medal was eventually
returned to Percy’s daughter Molly HAYES-
VALLANCE.

Waiuku men of 4th Reinforcements at Trentham.
Percy, front row 2nd from right

Post-war
Percy married Lucy CAMERON, third daughter of Mr and Mrs W. CAMERON of Waiuku at the Holy
Trinity Church in Waiuku in August 1925. They lived in Shakespeare Road, Waiuku on a 73-acre
farm. Percy and Lucy had one daughter Molly, who was born on 28 August 1926. Molly married
William Eric HAYES.
One of Percy’s grandsons remembers visiting the farm and commented that “Percy hardly ever used
the tractor in the shed, he always took the cream to the gate on the old draught horse Darky. He
was a real gentleman”.
Percy was a keen sportsman, his name is mentioned quite frequently in the Franklin Times regarding
a number of different sports including swimming, cricket, and tennis and he was elected Honorary
Veterinary Surgeon to the Waiuku Polo Club in 1932. He donated the trophies to the North Shore
Amateur Swimming and Lifesaving Club (Inc) for the Grand swimming carnival at the tepid baths in
March 1939.
He was appointed Captain to the Home Guard in December 1941 and was also Chairman of the
Provisional Committee of the Home Guard in Waiuku. He was also appointed Justice of the Peace in
1942 and acted as Coroner in the case of an accident at Glenbrook in 1942. Percy and Lucy retired
to 77 Kitchener Road, Waiuku. Percy died on 16 April 1973 and Lucy died on 15 September 1982 and
is buried with him.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery RSA Row S3 Plot 001.
Waiuku Memorial Board, Waiuku Memorial Hall.

Sources

Archives New Zealand, Military records
Ancestry.com.au
1/4 length portrait of Trooper P. V. Oakden, Auckland Mounted Rifles, wounded. Auckland Libraries Heritage
Collections AWNS-19151209-39-35
Group photo – Waiuku Museum
Auckland Museum On-Line Cenotaph Collection
Department of Internal Affairs: Historical Births, Deaths & Marriages.
Papers past: Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 182, 4 August 1925, Page 15; Franklin Times, Volume XXII, Issue 117, 5 October 1932,

Page 5; New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22978, 4 March 1938, Page 12; Franklin Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 112, 5 October 1945,
Page 2

Phone interview with grandson Brian Hayes
Waiuku and Districts Post Newspaper

Researched by Caron Hoverd

Athol William Merrill OHLSON DCM

Service Number: 23/246
Regiment: New Zealand Rifle Brigade
Last Known Rank: Captain
Died: 25 June 1981
Age: 88 years
Cemetery: Waiuku RSA Row S2 Plot 026.5

Pre-war
Athol William Merrill OHLSON was born on 27 March 1893 in Onehunga, Auckland to Frederick John
OHLSON and Janet Anne DARRACH. His father, a teacher, had been born in New Zealand and his
mother in Canada. He and his twin, Eric, were the eldest in the family and had two younger brothers
Frederick Burton and Alyn Beresford. They lived in Auckland at Kimberley Road, Epsom where he
attended Maungawhau School. Following his schooling he passed the Government Examinations for
the Teacher and Civil Service in 1909 and 1911 and became a law clerk employed by Wynyard,
Skilton and Nilson, Solicitors. Athol also served with the 3rd (Auckland) Regiment from 1911.

Enlistment and Training
Athol served in a voluntary capacity with the Samoan Advanced Party as a Corporal leaving
New Zealand on 9 August 1914 and returning in March 1915. While there in October 1914, he had
suffered from dengue fever. Following his discharge on 10 May 1915 he enlisted with the
New Zealand Expeditionary Force on 13 May 1915. He was described as 5 feet 8 inches (173cms)
and weighed 129 lbs (58kgs). His religion was Presbyterian, and his father was named next of kin.
There were no medical concerns although the dengue fever was noted. He underwent training at
Trentham becoming a Signaller in the New Zealand Rifle Brigade.

Service Abroad
Athol sailed for Suez on the SS Proton on 15 December 1915 arriving in Alexandria in February 1916
serving in the Egyptian and Western European Theatres of War. Whilst in Egypt Athol served with
his twin brother, Eric. When together one day they watched another soldier crossing the desert and
commented “he runs just like Bertie” – it was Burton, their brother who they did not know was
there!
Athol embarked for France in April 1916. While there he was admitted to hospital on 11 January
1917 for 5 days with a cyst of the lower jaw. In April Athol was attached to the signalling school and
during the Battle of Messines in June 1917 he earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM):

“Conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an engagement when telephone wires were
continually being cut by the enemy fire. By his untiring efforts and disregard of danger, the act such
an example to his men that communication was maintained continuously under the most difficult of
circumstances”.

In October 1917 Athol was selected for a commission and attended the Officers’ Training School. In
July 1918 Athol was described by his commanding officer as “An intrepid and conscientious officer
who has proved himself both in the field and as an instructor”. Athol received several promotions
during the war and ended with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

He was reported wounded on 29 August 1918 in
France with a gunshot wound to the right buttock
and knee. Initially, he was admitted to Rouen
Hospital in France before being transferred to
Bathurst Hospital where he was admitted on
2 September 1918 and not discharged until
6 January 1919. He embarked at London on the
Port Melbourne on 25 January 1919 arriving in
New Zealand on 6 March 1919. His intended
address was given as Auckland.
Athol’s final discharge took place on 11 April 1919
after a total service of 4 years 229 days with 4 years
and 5 days being overseas. His address was given as
Kimberley St, Epsom, Auckland, the home of his
parents. Apart from the Distinguished Conduct
Medal, Athol received the 1914-1915 Star, the
British War Medal, the Victory Medal and an
Illuminated Certificate of Service.

Post-war
In 1920 Athol received the 12-year Territorial
Service Medal. In 1921, aged 28, he married Winifred Florence McCALLUM. They moved to 40
Kitchener Road, Waiuku where they lived for the remainder of their lives. Four sons were born to
them: Athol Ross, Eric, Graeme, Brian and one daughter, Janette.
Athol was always interested in sports being instrumental in the establishment of both tennis and
golf clubs in Waiuku. He also remained actively involved in the Returned Servicemen’s Club.
Athol continued as a member of the Territorial Force and during the Second World War he was
actively involved in the Home Guard retiring with the rank of Captain.
Athol worked as a solicitor until he suffered a coronary in the mid-1950s after which he retired but
continued to work for Mason Munro, Solicitors in a part time capacity.
Winifred died on 13 January 1971 and Athol died in Waiuku on 25 June 1981. He was cremated and
his ashes interred at the Waiuku Returned Servicemen’s Cemetery.

In Memoriam
Waiuku RSA Cemetery Row S2 Plot 026.5.
Epsom Presbyterian Church Roll of Honour.

Sources
Contributions from: Glenis Eason (Granddaughter); Della Saunders (Gt Granddaughter)
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum: Online Cenotaph
New Zealand School Records
New Zealand Army Medal Rolls 1919
New Zealand WW1 Nominal Rolls
New Zealand Marriage Index 1840-1937 (1074)
New Zealand Teacher and Civil Service Examinations and Licenses 1909/11 (NZ Gazette, No 6, 14)
Papers Past: Franklin Times, 24 August 1925 (golf); Franklin Times 2 March 1938 (tennis)

Researched by Ros McNaughten

John OLDFIELD

Service Number: 32050
Regiment: Auckland Regiment
Last Known Rank: Private
Died: 10 November 1920
Age: 27 Years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 25 Plot 015

Pre-war
John OLDFIELD, who was known as Jack, was born on 23 October 1893
to Edwin Brightmore OLDFIELD (1842-1929) and Emma CROOK (1859-
1950). Edwin was from Cheshire, England and had arrived on the
Matoaka in 1865 as one of the settlers of the Kohe Kohe Immigrants’
Scheme and Emma, from London, England, arrived on the Brodick Castle in 1876. After their
marriage in Auckland in 1879 they took up their allotment and moved to Waipipi to what became
known as Oldfield Road off Craig Road. Jack was the fifth son and eighth child of eleven children.
The school was down the hill but a walk of 3 miles there and back.
Jack had a pig farm venture with his brother Sam for a while and was boarding with brother Allan
and Mary OLDFIELD on their WhiriWhiri farm before he went to war.

Enlistment and Training
Jack attested at Trentham on 24 July 1916 and said he was a self-employed farmer. He was 22 years
old and single, was 5 feet 10 inches (178cms) and weighed 160 pounds (72kgs). Jack had blue eyes,
brown hair, and a fair complexion. He was Anglican and his mother was his next of kin at Waiuku
and later Lake Road, Takapuna where they had moved to.
Two of his brothers also served - Edwin (Ted) 500036 and
Oliver (Guy) 131081. Jack was posted as a Private of E Coy
19th Reinforcements.

Service Abroad Jack Oldfield, Archie Storey & Jack Speakman
As a Rifleman with the NZ Rifle Brigade, Jack embarked at July 1917
Wellington with the 19th Reinforcements, 1st Battalion, E
Company on HMNZT 68 Maunganui on 15 November
1916. They reached Plymouth on 29 January 1917 and
marched into Sling Camp and were attached to the
Reserve Battalion. They left for France on 1 March where
Jack was attached to the New Zealand Infantry and
General Base Depot at Etaples.
On 28 March Jack was admitted to No. 24 General
Hospital at Etaples with influenza, then transferred on 7
April to No. 5 Convalescent Depot at Cayeux. Two weeks
later he was transferred back to Base Depot. On 30 May
he marched out to Division and joined the 1st Battalion,
Auckland Regiment and by 2 June was in the field.

Gassed on 24 July and left in No-Man’s-Land for at least 12 hours, he was picked up as dead, but on
reaching hospital they realised he was alive – just. There was a recovery time then he was again in
the field.
On 4 October he was wounded in action during the attack at Gravenstafel Spur, a gunshot wound to
his right elbow. After admission to several different hospitals, he was at Etaples and then
transferred to a hospital ship. In England on 10 October Jack was in No. 2 General Hospital at
Walton on Thames then on 19 October he was admitted to Hornchurch. On 8 December 1917 Jack
was at Codford Camp. However, on 22 February, Jack was again in hospital and diagnosed with
haemoptysis.
In a medical report written on 1 April 1918 it was stated that Jack had a tubercle of lung (early). His
disability was: “Attributable to gassing and climatic exposure while on active service”. The opinion
of the Medical Board assessment on 3 April 1918 was “degree of disability, 100% and an operation
was not applicable” and the Board recommended he be discharged as permanently unfit. They also
recommended sanatorium treatment in New Zealand.
On 27 April 1918 Jack was transferred to Walton on Thames and 1 May 1918 he embarked at
Liverpool on No. 165 Ulimaroa arriving in New Zealand on 14 June. On 2 August 1918 Jack received
his final discharge, “as no longer fit for active service on account of illness contracted on active
service”. He had served 1 year 212 days overseas, and 163 days in New Zealand. He received the
British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Post-war
Jack attended the first AGM of the Waiuku RSA
on 31 March 1919.
He became engaged to May EASTBURY but they
never married. (She was later to marry Jack’s
brother Thomas). His health deteriorated and
his mother looked after him at first and May
helped her. It became necessary to have more
care and Jack was moved to Pukeora
Sanatorium (a tuberculosis hospital) in
Waipukurau, Hawkes Bay, where he passed
away on 10 November 1920.
He is buried beside his brother Allan.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery Row 25 Plot 015.
Waipipi School Roll of Honour.
Waiuku War Memorial Hall.
Auckland War Memorial Museum, WW1 Hall of
Memories.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Family Book: Pioneer Ancestors Emma and Edwin
Oldfield of Waipipi compiled by Kath Oldfield
Auckland museum cenotaph - Photo
N Z History

Researched by Penny Prescott

Oliver OLDFIELD

Service Number: 13/1081
Regiment: Auckland Mounted Rifles
Last Known Rank: Lance Corporal
Died: 28 November 1974
Age: 79 Years
Cemetery: Waiuku RSA Row S2 Plot 027.3

Pre-war
Oliver OLDFIELD (known as Guy) was born on 19 October 1895, the sixth son and ninth child of
eleven children of Edwin and Emma.
Oliver’s father, Edwin Brightmore OLDFIELD (1842-1929) was from Cheshire, England and came to
New Zealand on the Matoaka in 1865. His mother, Emma CROOK (1859-1950) from London,
England, arrived on the Brodick Castle in 1876.
They married in Auckland in 1879 then moved to the allotment Edwin had from the Kohekohe
Immigrants Scheme on what became Oldfield Road off Craig Road, Waipipi, near Waiuku.
Guy went to Waipipi school but later boarded with sister Nellie, now ROPER, in Takapuna and went
to Takapuna Primary School.

Enlistment and Training
Guy was 19 and a farmer working for F. ADAMS at Maungatautari,
near Taupiri when he attested on 16 February 1915 at Trentham.
He was single, 5 feet 11 inches (180cms), weighed 176 pounds
(80kgs) and had grey eyes, fair hair, and a fair complexion. He was
an Anglican, and his father was his next of kin. Guy belonged to the
4th Waikato Mounted Rifles.
Two of his brothers also served: Edwin (Ted) 500036 and John (Jack)
32050.

Service Abroad
Guy left Wellington on 3 June 1915 for Suez on the HMNZT25 Tahiti as a Trooper with the Auckland
Mounted Rifles in the 5th Reinforcements. On 3 October at Mudros he was posted to a unit to go to
the Dardanelles returning to Alexandria on Hororata on 27 December. From Zeitoun he left for the
Canal on 23 January 1916. During the next few months Guy was slightly wounded, had influenza and
adenitis. On 12 June 1917 he was transferred to the Machine Gun Squad and made Lance Corporal
and then on 28 August he was unwell, and a hernia was diagnosed. It was in the field at Gaza that
his hernia worsened, and Guy ended up being operated on in September 1918. He then had 3½
weeks in hospital and a month’s recuperation and was reported to be on Police Duties. Due to
declining health and a large loss of weight he was discharged as he was described as “no longer
being fit for war service”. Guy returned home leaving Suez on 26 December 1918 on 210 Wiltshire
and arrived on 31 January in Wellington. His final discharge was 1 March 1919.
He had served 141 days in New Zealand, 3 years, 233 days overseas, a total of 4 years and 15 days.
Guy received the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Post-war
It was at Waihui, near Dargaville, that Guy took a veteran’s farm and went sheep farming. According
to family, Guy was a great stockman and was admired for this skill. He raised good beef cattle and at
one time raced and bred racehorses.
Although he was engaged for a
time, he never married.
On 28 November 1940, aged 45,
Guy attested for service in the
Second World War and stated a
preference for the Machine Gun
Corps. He attended camp and
then Home Service for seven
months.
Guy had a sense of humour. His
mother, when away, would write
letters to him every week. On one
occasion several weeks went by
without a reply, so she included a self- addressed envelope and a blank piece of paper with the next
letter. A few days later she had her reply, on her paper in her envelope: ‘Still above ground, Love,
Guy”.
Guy retired to South Auckland living in Takanini, Weymouth and finally at Station Road, Papatoetoe.
He passed away on 28 November 1974 in a private hospital in Remuera, Auckland.

In Memoriam
Waiuku Cemetery R S A Row S2 Plot 027.3.
Waipipi School Roll of Honour.
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Waipipi Section, WaiukuWar Memorial Hall.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph online
Family Book: Pioneer Ancestors Emma and Edwin Oldfield of
Waipipi compiled by Kath Oldfield.
Ancestry
Portrait photo: Auckland Weekly News 21 Sept 1916

Researched by Penny Prescott

Albert Clarence PETERSON

Service Number: 51769
Regiment: Auckland Regiment
Last Known Rank: Private
Died: 12 August 1974
Age: 80 years*
Cemetery: Waipipi Plot 156

*Age at death differs from plaque.

Pre-war
Albert Clarence (usually known as Clarrie or Clarry) PETERSON was born on 29 June 1894 at Awhitu,
the second of three children of Albert Leonard Peterson (1858-1927) and Helen (known as Ellen) Maria
EVANS (1869-1966). Albert and Ellen were married on 6 June 1890 in New Zealand and were both
buried in Awhitu.
Albert was from Gothenburg, Sweden and came to New Zealand in about 1889. In 1919 he was a
boatman on the Manukau Harbour. Ellen’s father, Hugh, was appointed as a boatman on the
Manukau Harbour in October 1855. Ellen’s maternal grandparents were the first white settlers in
Grahams Beach or Kauri Point as it was known then. They had gone to Adelaide in 1840, moved to
Bendigo in 1852 and then to New Zealand in 1854.
Prior to enlistment Clarrie was employed as a farmer, working for his father. His address was Taitimu,
PO Onehunga and he was serving in the 3rd Auckland Mounted Rifle Territorials.

Enlistment and Training
Clarrie enlisted on 8 March 1917 and named his father, Albert PETERSON, Taitimu, PO Onehunga as
his next of kin.
He was a Roman Catholic, single 5 feet 6 inches tall (167cms), 130 lbs (59kgs), with a medium
complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair.
He was posted to the 27th reinforcements, A company.

Service Abroad
Clarrie embarked on HMNZT 87 Tahiti on 13 June 1917 and arrived
in Devonport, England on 16 August 1917. While on board ship, he
was hospitalised for 18 days with measles.
On arrival at Sling camp, Clarrie was found to have defective vision
in his left eye and that wearing glasses made no improvement.
The initial recommendation was that he be given duties at base,
but a Medical Board and ophthalmologist’s report ruled that he
should return home.
He embarked 1 February 1918 for New Zealand from Liverpool
on the HMNZT 147 Willochra and was discharged on 12 April
1918 as no longer physically fit for war service – defective
vision.
Clarrie had served a total of 1 year 18 days, with 278 days overseas.

The onboard journal of the 27th
Reinforcements

Post-war

On his return to New Zealand
Clarrie settled on a farm in Orua
Bay. By 1928, when the farm was
known as Taitimu, Ellen, Clarrie’s
mother was living with him after
her husband’s death. Clarrie
continued farming on this land
until 1957 when he moved to Big
Bay to farm.

He also worked on the barges in the The Petrel, owned by Tom Higham, who employed Clarrie and his
Manukau Harbour when extra brothers-in-law on many occasions.
labour was required.

According to the book Early Manukau, Clarrie was a follower of naturalist Bernard MacFadden of
America and avidly looked forward to getting his monthly magazine. He used to run for miles and do
press ups to keep fit and became a vegetarian.
In 1969 Clarrie retired to 36 George St, Waiuku, but by 1972 he was working as a gardener.
Clarrie is known to have run the Waiuku News in Kitchener Rd from the Waiuku Printing Works. This
building was undermined during the building of the Auckland Savings Bank and the building collapsed.
Clarrie also donated a trophy to Waiuku College which is still presented to the Sportsperson of the
Year.
Clarrie died on 12 August 1974 and was buried in the Waipipi cemetery next to his mother.
He died intestate and his two nieces and one nephew stated that he was a bachelor with no living
siblings or parents and that they were the only direct relatives, children of his brother.

In Memoriam
Waipipi Cemetery Plot 156.
Awhitu First World War Memorial.
Matakawau Roll of Honour – pictured at right.
Waiuku Roll of Honour, Waiuku War Memorial Hall.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Archives New Zealand, Probates
Early Manukau Secrets of Yesterday by George Higham, P45
New Zealand BDM -Birth and death date
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Ancestry
Papers Past: NZ Herald; 10 Feb1917, 27 Mar 1917

Researched by Barbara Raven

George Warner PREECE

Service Number: 70188
Regiment: Canterbury Regiment
Last known Rank: Private
Died: 26 September 1973
Age: 80 years
Cemetery: Waiuku RSA Row S3 Plot 004

Pre-war

George Warner PREECE was born on 18 March 1893 in Thames, Coromandel. His parents were
Richard and Elizabeth PREECE. His father came from Hertfordshire and his mother from Alderney,
Guernsey, in the Channel Islands. Richard became a miner at Waiotahi Creek in the Kauaeranga
Valley and the family became well known in the area.
The name “Warner” is from his maternal grandmother, Mary Ann Warner; two of George’s siblings
also carry that name. In all there were eleven children in the family, George being number nine. He
had five brothers and five sisters.

Enlistment and Training

At the time of enlistment George was already serving with the 6th Hauraki Regiment. His date of
attestation was 24 September 1917 at Te Aroha and his next of kin is listed as his mother Mrs
Elizabeth Preece, Waiotahi Creek, Thames. George was a labourer and his last employer was
Mr R. REID of Pollen Street, Thames. He was 26 years old when he volunteered for the 35th
Reinforcements, weighing 145 lbs (65kgs), 5 feet 8 inches (172cms) with a dark complexion, brown
eyes and dark hair. His religion was noted as Presbyterian.

Service Abroad

The date of George’s attestation was
24 September 1917 but his date of
commencement of active service was not
until 23 February 1918. It must have been
a great concern for George and his parents
now that he was off to war because
George’s younger brother, Philip Joseph
PREECE had been killed in action in France
on 13 July 1916 when he was only 21 years
old.
George embarked on the HMNZT 101 Tofua
at Wellington on 2 March 1918 with the
35th Reinforcements and the
27th Reinforcements Maori Contingent.
They arrived in England on 8 April 1918 via
stopovers in Suez, Marseilles and Le Havre.
He marched into Durrington camp on
5 June 1918 and left for Etaples, France on
13 September 1918.

Three days later he joined the 2nd (South Canterbury) Company, 2nd Battalion, Canterbury Infantry
Regiment.
George was admitted to Aubengue Hospital in France on 26 Feb 1919 suffering from influenza.
He embarked for New Zealand on 9 June 1919 from Southampton aboard HMNZT Marama and
arrived back in New Zealand on 18 July 1919 when he was granted 28 days sick leave.
At the time of his discharge on 23 September 1919 he had served a total of 1 year 138 days overseas
and 203 days in New Zealand. He received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his
service.
Post-war
After the war, George went back to Waiotahi Creek where
he worked as a grocer.
He married Dulcima Louisa CARRUTHERS on
13 October 1920. They had three children, Richard Joseph
(died in infancy) Maurice Thomas and Philip George.
The family stayed in Waiotahi Creek for some years where
George was working as a butcher.
Later they moved to Waipu where they were farming with
their son Maurice who was working as a farmhand. George
and Maurice enjoyed pig hunting on the farm and had a
few exciting adventures.
In retirement, George and Dulcima (known as Dulcie) were
living with their other son Phillip George and his wife
Doreen Iris who were farming on Wharf Road, Pollock on
the Awhitu Peninsula. They had their own 2-bedroom
cottage which they took great pride in. The grandchildren
knew George as “Cas” and spent a lot of time with them.
Dulcie had a beautiful garden and George loved fishing.
George died on 26 September 1973 aged 80 years and
Dulcima died on 16 April 1988 aged 90 years. She is buried
in Waikumete Cemetery.

In Memoriam
Waiuku RSA cemetery Row S3 Plot 004.
Thames War Memorial.

Sources
Archives New Zealand, Military records
Auckland Museum Online Cenotaph
Interview with Paddy Johnson. (Granddaughter)
New Zealand BDM
Flotilla
Ancestry.com.au
Paperspast

Researched by Caron Hoverd

William George PURSEY MID

Service Number: 17/164
Regiment: N Z Veterinary Corps
Last known Rank: Sergeant Major
Died: 28 December 1944
Age: 67 years
Cemetery: Waiuku Row 32 Plot 029

Pre-war

William George PURSEY was born on 9 January 1877 at Markenfield
Road, Guildford, Surrey, the second of eight children of Alfred
Pursey (1848-1906) and Drusilla BURL (1848-1941). Alfred and Drusilla were married at Guildford on
4 October 1873.
William was living at home in 1891. In 1896 he joined the Hussar Regiment (Service Number: 3572)
and in 1901 he was living at Folkestone, Kent working as a coachman.
On 2 March 1901 William married Jessie BEAL at Eltham, Kent. Jessie was the seventh of nine
children of John Thorpe Beal (1841-1928) and Eliza SHRUBHOLE. She was born at Cheriton, Kent on
18 October 1876.
Jessie and William had four children: three daughters and a son. It appears that soon after the death
of their son in 1909, Jessie and William went their separate ways.
In 1911 William was working as a labourer in a gasworks in Folkestone. He and his daughters were
boarding with John Henry HARRISON and his family.
William came to New Zealand on his own prior to the outbreak of WW1 and was working at Lavona
Farm, Mangere as a groom before he was called up.

Enlistment and Training
William enlisted on
17 October 1914 and named
his next of kin as his mother,
Mrs Drusilla Pursey, 17
Markenfield Road, Guildford,
Surrey. He stated that he
was single, but had three
daughters aged 11, 7 and 4.
William was Anglican and
described as being 5 feet 7 ½
inches (171cms), weighing
166 lbs (75kgs) with brown
hair, brown eyes, and a dark
complexion. He had tattoo
marks on his left forearm. A
camp had been established at Palmerston North in August 1914 for horses to be sent to for training
before they were shipped to Egypt. William was posted to the 2nd Reinforcements, New Zealand
Veterinary Corps.

Service Abroad
William embarked from Wellington on
14 December 1914 on one of the three ships
sailing for Egypt (HMNZT 13,14,15). He arrived
on 3 February 1915 and as part of the Veterinary
Corps, he 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. The horses were found
to be of no use in Gallipoli. 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.

The men would have been involved in cleaning out the horses’ living quarters and making sure the
food was suitable. In Europe wetness and mud caused problems as well as the cold conditions.
Mange was an ongoing problem.
William was promoted to Lance Corporal in May 1915 and then to Sergeant Major in March 1916.
He left from Port Said on 13 April for France and was attached to the 2nd Veterinary Hospital at Havre
and later to the 4th Veterinary Hospital at Calais. In December 1918 William was given three weeks
leave in the United Kingdom. William was mentioned in dispatches by General Sir Douglas Haig:
For distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty during the period September 25, 1917,
to February 25, 1918.
He also received a certificate for “meritorious and efficient service” from the Commanding Officer
New Zealand Expeditionary Force dated 25 December 1918. William returned to New Zealand on
the Horarata and was discharged from service on 14 April 1919 after spending 4 years and 94 days
overseas.

Post-war
On 24 September 1919 William was working at livery stables in Waiuku. On 14 July 1921 William’s
younger sister, Nellie Mary arrived in New Zealand to live. She married William Herbert HOLMES in
1922 at Waiuku. In 1928 William Pursey was a labourer living at 53 Panmure Road, Otahuhu but
shortly after he moved back to Waiuku and worked for W H Holmes on Honey Road.
William continued with his love of horses as seen by newspaper articles stating his involvement with
horse breeding and showing.
William died on 28 December 1944 and was buried in the Waiuku Cemetery.

In Memoriam

Waiuku Cemetery Row 32 Plot 029.

Sources
Auckland Museum Cenotaph
Archives New Zealand, Military Records
New Zealand Electoral Rolls
Ancestry
New Zealand History – Veterinary Corps
Papers Past: Horse show, Auckland Star 26 Feb 1921 and 24 Feb 1940, Estate sale Franklin Times 7 Feb 1945

Researched by Barbara Raven

Alfred William RENALL

Service Number: 52279
Regiment: Auckland Regiment
Last Known Rank: Private
Died: 2 June 1977
Age: 88 years
Cemetery: Kohe Kohe Nth Row 4 Plot 006

Pre-war
Alfred William RENALL was born on 31 July 1888, the eighth child in a family of twelve, of Joseph
Alfred Renall (1853-1921) and his wife Eliza Mary SAYERS (1851-1953). Alf had five brothers and six
sisters. He spent his early life on his father’s farm at Te Whiti, in the Wairarapa, and related stories
of the river flooding beside the house and the adventures this caused during his boyhood.
His formative years were spent at the family home of “Solway” in Masterton. His father had been
elected Mayor in 1904, and Alf’s grandfather, also Alfred William, had also held the chains of office
in 1880-1881. Joseph officially resigned from the Mayoralty in 1907 after he had moved the family
north in 1906 to a large holding at Kohe Kohe, out of Waiuku, known as “Pehiakura”, bought from
Alexander MUIR. Alf had been working on the farm.
Alf’s brother Richard Percy-13/2242, had enlisted in 1915. He was awarded the Military Medal for
acts of gallantry in the field at Ayun Kara and was killed by a sniper near Amman in March 1918.

Enlistment and Training
Alf’s attestation papers were signed in Auckland on 15 March
1917, his name having been drawn in a Military Ballot earlier
in the year. He was 30 years old, and had volunteered for the
29th Reinforcements, he was a self-employed farmer,
Anglican, and gave his next of kin as his father Mr J.A. Renall
of Waiuku. He expressed a preference to enlist for the
artillery.

Service Abroad
Alf embarked on HMNZT 89 Waitemata on 14 July 1917 with
the 28th Reinforcements, then transhipped on HMT Norman
on 28 August. Disembarking at Plymouth, England on 24
September, he marched into Sling Camp the same day. By the
end of the month, he had been sent to hospital in Codford, but
then contracted measles on 13 November. He continued to
stay there until 24 November. Alf left for France on 14
February 1918, marching into camp at Etaples on 16 February.
Alf was in the field from 19 February until 3 July. He had
joined the 1st Battalion Auckland Infantry Regiment on 11
March but was admitted to hospital on 9 April with a middle
ear infection, then transferred to the General Hospital, being
discharged to Base Depot, France on 22 March. He re-joined
the Battalion on 1 June 1918 in the field.