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John Muirhead, 24th Reinforcements NZEF died 1917, Ypres


Ruth Michels

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I noted a posting where John ( Jack) Muirhead 42547 was mentioned. We know little of his history other than died in action at Ypres aged 31 and was buried Tyne Cemetery Belgium. He travelled on the 'Devon' from Wellington,NZ 5 April 1917.He had served in the 24th Reinforcement Otago Infantry Regiment D company.

Would appreciate any help

Ruth Michels

Hamilton

NZ

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Hi, Ruth. Welcome to the board. :)

You've obviously been looking at the Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph since you know the correct ship etc. However, just to be thorough, the page is here.

And information off the nominal roll:

Surname MUIRHEAD

Given Name John

Category Nominal Roll Vol. 3

Regimental Number 42547

Rank Private

Next of Kin Title J

Next of Kin Surname MUIRHEAD

Next of Kin Relationship Father

Next of Kin Address 7 Prince Albert Road Musselburgh Dunedin

Roll 59

Page 12

Occupation Railway Fireman

Jacks' service record is held at the New Zealand National Archives in Wellington. I understand you can look at it onsite free of charge. Alternatively, you can order a copy of the file at a cost of $25 and it will be posted to you. (This can take some weeks). You need to quote the following references:

post-13541-1232491251.jpg

Allie

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I noted a posting where John ( Jack) Muirhead 42547 was mentioned. We know little of his history other than died in action at Ypres aged 31 and was buried Tyne Cemetery Belgium. He travelled on the 'Devon' from Wellington,NZ 5 April 1917.He had served in the 24th Reinforcement Otago Infantry Regiment D company.

Would appreciate any help

Ruth Michels

Hamilton

NZ

Thanks I will try that link again soon to check details. The ship's name came from a certificate presented to John 'excusing him from further molestation from this time forth and forever more'. It was signed by Neptune R.I. and witnessed by ? Roberts ( Master) on MAy 20,1917. It quoted 'abroad the good ship 'Devon".

Many thanks for help.

Ruth Michels

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The New Zealand Archives has many of the casualty forms up online as an exhibition, of men who died at Passchendaele. Unfortunately, Jack's isn't one of them.

Jack died along with many others on the 'blackest day' in New Zealand's military history, in the attack on Bellevue Spur. Over 800 men in the NZEF died that day. My great uncle Alec, also in the Otago Infantry, was severely wounded on October 12th - he survived the war. Another great uncle (in the Rifle Brigade) died of wounds on October 13th, having been wounded on the 12th.

If you want to know details of what was happening that day, I'm sure someone can fill you in. Also, the library in Hamilton - or perhaps the one at Waikato University - may have a copy of the Official History of the Otago Infantry which would give you a good overview of what was going on.

Allie

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The New Zealand Archives has many of the casualty forms up online as an exhibition, of men who died at Passchendaele. Unfortunately, Jack's isn't one of them.

Jack died along with many others on the 'blackest day' in New Zealand's military history, in the attack on Bellevue Spur. Over 800 men in the NZEF died that day. My great uncle Alec, also in the Otago Infantry, was severely wounded on October 12th - he survived the war. Another great uncle (in the Rifle Brigade) died of wounds on October 13th, having been wounded on the 12th.

If you want to know details of what was happening that day, I'm sure someone can fill you in. Also, the library in Hamilton - or perhaps the one at Waikato University - may have a copy of the Official History of the Otago Infantry which would give you a good overview of what was going on.

Allie

Thanks Allie -That gives me some leads to research.

Ruth

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  • 4 weeks later...

Anzac Diary - A nonentity in Khaki by M. Ingram details his life in the NZEF. He was in the 23rd Reinforcements and left Wellington three days before the the 24th reinforcements on the 2/4/1917. The 24th left on the 05/04/1917. The rounded cape horn and briefly stopped in Cape Town. The story would be the same for your chap (probably) as for M. Ingram travel/training wise.

A good read.

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  • 3 months later...
I noted a posting where John ( Jack) Muirhead 42547 was mentioned. We know little of his history other than died in action at Ypres aged 31 and was buried Tyne Cemetery Belgium. He travelled on the 'Devon' from Wellington,NZ 5 April 1917.He had served in the 24th Reinforcement Otago Infantry Regiment D company.

Would appreciate any help

Ruth Michels

Hamilton

NZ

Image caption:

Private Jack Muirhead was a railway fireman who had captained the Ravensbourne senior rugby team before the war. He died with the 1st Battalion of the Otago's on 12 October. He is buried in the Tyne Cot cemetery.

have a pic but cant seem to attach....

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The New Zealand Archives has many of the casualty forms up online as an exhibition, of men who died at Passchendaele. Unfortunately, Jack's isn't one of them.

Jack died along with many others on the 'blackest day' in New Zealand's military history, in the attack on Bellevue Spur. Over 800 men in the NZEF died that day. My great uncle Alec, also in the Otago Infantry, was severely wounded on October 12th - he survived the war. Another great uncle (in the Rifle Brigade) died of wounds on October 13th, having been wounded on the 12th.

If you want to know details of what was happening that day, I'm sure someone can fill you in. Also, the library in Hamilton - or perhaps the one at Waikato University - may have a copy of the Official History of the Otago Infantry which would give you a good overview of what was going on.

Allie

dont suppose you can send me your info on your great uncle who died of wounds on October 13th, having been wounded on the 12th for a project im working on?

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