NZ Enlistment dates required

[ZackNZ]

Wayne

The following information is contained in 11 pages of photocopy on the file of Private William Black 10/280. While there are 5 documents of interest (A to E) there is not a great deal on the file. He was a Main Body man - 7th Wellington West Coast Company. The officers of this Company were Major William Herbert Cunningham and Captain James Aeneas Cameron. While his file doesn’t record what transport he left New Zealand the Official War Diary does – he left New Zealand on HMNZT No 3 – Maunganui – OC Colonel E W C Chaytor, Ship’s Adjutant Capt N W B B Thoms. There were 6 officers and 221 other ranks of the West Coast Company on this ship which carried the Headquarters Staff of the NZ Expeditionary Force. The bulk of the Wellington Infantry Battalion left New Zealand on the Arawa (No 10). William Black was in Gallipoli and was admitted to the hospital, Malta suffering from “septic hands” at the end of September 1915 and was dead of enteric fever at 3.20 am on 2nd October 1915 and buried the same day.

A Field Service Army Form B 2090A

Support of Death of a Soldier to be forwarded to the War Office with the least possible delay after receipt of notification of death on Army Form B 213 or Army Form A 36 or from other official documentary sources.

Name: BLACK WILLIAM

Regiment or Corps: Wellington Inf Bn

Squadron, Troop, Battery or Company: 7th WW C Coy

Regtl No: 10/280

Rank: Private

Died: Date October 2nd 1915

Place: Malta

Cause of Death (Specially state if killed in action or died from wounds received in action or from illness due to field operations or to fatigue, privation, or exposure while of military duty, or from injury while on military duty: Enteric fever

State whether he leaves a will or not

(A) in Pay Book (Army Book 64)

( in Small Book (if at Base)

© as a separate document

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

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

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

Signature of Officer in charge of

Section Adjutant General’s

Office at the Base

N Fitzherbert Major

Station and Date Alexandria October 8th 1915

B Casualty Form – Active Service Army Form B 103

Regiment or Corps Wellington Infantry Btn 7th WW C Coy

Regimental No 10/280

Rank Private

Name Black, William

Enlisted (a) 18.8.1914 Terms of Service (a) to end of war Service recons from (a) 18.8.1914

The table below is in the following order: Date; From who received; Records of promotions, reductions, transfers, causalities etc; Place; Date; Remarks Taken from Army Form B 213, Army Form A 36, or other official documents:

8/9/1915; H S ‘Nile’; Disembarked & admid Hospital; Malta; 8.9.15; Septic hands Roll A10188 cabled 23.8.1915

1/10/1915; Commander Malta; Dangerously ill ?; Malta; 30.9.15; Cable WB 1808 (A11970) cabled 4

2/10/1915; Cable WB 1829 Commander Malta; Died of enteric; Malta; 2.10.15; Cable Commander Malta WB H29 (A12273) Cabled 7/10/15

Signed at bottom by N Fitzherbert

C NZEF Military History Sheet (Form No 3)

Name: William Black

Name and address if next of kin Alexn BLACK Snr Marton

D NZEF ATTESTATION OF

Name William Black

Regiment or unit 7th Reinforcements

Name: William Black

Born: Marton

British subject - yes

Date of birth: 19 April 1891

Trade or calling: Farm labourer

Address last resided: Marton

Passed the Fourth Educational; Standard: Yes

Name and address of your present or last employer: A Black, Marton

Are you married? No

Do you belong to any military or naval force? If so what corps? A Coy 7th Reft

Attesting office H?G Harper Dated 18 August 1914 Place Raufhina?

Description of William Black on enlistment

Apparent Age: 23 years – month

Height: 5 feet 6 inches

Weight: 158 lb

Chest measurements: Min 35 inches max 38 inches

Complexion: Medium

Colour of eyes: Blue

Colour of hair: Brown

Religious profession: Presbyterian

Everything else recorded as normal i.e. teeth, heart, veins haemorrhoids

Remarks: “Fit.”

Medical officer J W Anderson?

E History Sheet

Sick

Died of sickness (Enteric) in Imtarfa? Hosp Malta, 3.20 am, 2.10.15 buried on 2.10.15 in the Pieta Cemetery, Malta Grave No 2 Row 16B

Pension

Advice the medals authorised to Mr A Black (Father) Marton

PLAGUE AND SCROLL

Soldier’s name: Black Wm Reg No 10/280

Roll No 501069

Scroll despatched (date) 27 May 1921

Plague despatched 9 Feb 1922

Recipient and address Mr Alex Black, Spring Creek, Marton

Reference source

Agency AABK

Series 18805

Accession W5520

Box / item 87

Record 0015199

Zack

[ZackNZ]

Wayne

The file on Bridle, Fred William 6/2395 is 16 pages long with five documents of interest (A – E).

Overview

Fred Bridle was born in Croyden, Surrey, England. He was 25 years 10 months at the time of enlistment on 1 May 1915. He was living with his Sister Miss Emily Bridle in Auckland, New Zealand and was a labourer employed by the Auckland City Council.

He left New Zealand on HMNZT No 25 - Tahiti. (O/C Troops D J Gibbs, Ship’s Master F P Evans. It was one of 3 ships carrying the 5th reinforcements (2,299 troops). The Tahiti left New Zealand on 13 June 1915 and arrived Suez 1 August 1915.)

He joined the Canterbury Infantry Battalion at the Dardanelles on 9 August 1915. He didn’t see much of the Gallipoli campaign because by the 27 August 1915 he was transported on the Hospital Ship Ascanius to Malta where he died of dysentery on 9 September 1915 at St Andrews Hospital. He was buried the same day in the Pieta Cemetery Malta Grave No 5 Row 9B.

A NZEF Form No 1

Name: Bridle Fred William

Regiment CIB 5th Refts

B Field Service Army Form B 2090A

Report of Death of a Soldier to be forwarded to the War Office with the least possible delay after receipt of notification of death on Army Form B 213 or Army Form A 36 or from other official documentary sources.

Regiment or Corps Canterbury Inf Bn Squadron Troop, Battery or Company 5th Reinforcements

Regtl No: 6/2395 Rank Private

Name: Bridle Fred William

Died: Date September 9th 1915

Place of death: Malta

Cause of Death* Dysentery

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

Etc

Station and date Alexandria October 10th 1915

C Casualty Form – Active Service Army form B 103

Regiment or Corp Canterbury Inf Bn (5th Reinf)

Regimental No 6/2395 Rank Pte Name Bridle Fred William

Enlisted (a) 1.5.15 Terms of Service (a) end of war service reckons from (A) 1.5.15

The following information is set out in a table as follows: Date; From Whom Received; Record of promotions etc; place; date; remarks taken from Army From B 213 Army Form A 26, or other official documents: (A blank indicates no data provided). The first date is when an event was recorded and the second date when it happened.

15/8/15; OC CIB; Joined Battalion; Dardanelles; 9/8/15; B213

31/8/15; HS Ascanius; Adm Hosp Ship; Dardanelles; 27/8/15; A7868 Dysentery

-; Malta; Adm to hospital; Malta; 31/8/15; A9652

12/9/15; C in C Malta; Died of disease Dysentery; Malta; 9/9/15; Cablegram WB 1454 from C in C Malta 12/9/15 A8294

Signed: N Fitzherbert Capt OC Records Section New Zealand

For AAG BHQ 3rd Echelon MEF

D NZEF Attestation form No 2

No: 6/2395

Name: Bridle F W

Unit: C Coy 5th R

Born Surrey England (Croyden)

British subject

Date of birth: 6/2/89

Trade / calling: Labourer

Name and address at which you resided 48 Third Avenue Kingsland Auckland (Sister Miss Emily Bridle also lived there)

Passed the Fourth Educational standard or its equivalent: yes

What is the name and address of present or last employer: Auckland City Council

Are you married “No”

Do you now belong to any military or naval force? No

Signed by Fred William Bridle at Trentham 2 May 1915 Attesting officer - can’t read name or name of witness J ? SSM

Description of Bridle F W on Enlistment

Apparent age: 25 years 10 months

Height: 5 feet 4 inches

Weight: 90 s 7 lb

Chest Measurements: Min 33 ½ Max 35 inches

Complexion: Fair

Colour of eyes: Brown

Colour of hair: Brown

Religious profession: Church of England

All normal

Remark Fit

Tracey R Inglis Lt Col Medical Officer

E NZEF MILITARY HISTORY SHEET Form No 3

No 6/2395 Name Bridle Fred Wm

Service record in the following order: Country; From; To; Days:

New Zealand; 1/5/15; 11/6/15; 42

HMNZT No 25; 12/6/15; -

Name and address of next of kin Sister Emily Bridle 48 Third Avenue Kingsland Auckland

Inoculated Typhoid 9/5/15

Inoculated typhoid 16/5/15

MO: W G M Law / Taw?

Unit: CIB Rank Pte

Surname: Bridle

Christian Name: Fred William No 6/2395

Occupation: labourer

Last Employer Auckland City Council

Religion: Anglican

Birthplace: Surrey

Date of birth: 6.2.89

Last NZ Address: 48 Third Avenue Kingsland Auckland

Next of kin and address: Emily Bridle (sister) 48 Third Avenue Kingsland Auckland married now Mrs W H Butler Huntley West Waikato Letter from Brother rec’d 16.11.21 asking for medals and plague and scroll to be sent to sister at above address

Service

Country of Troopship NZ Date from 1.5.15 Date to 13.6.15

Foreign 13.6.15 Date to dead

MEDAL ACTION COMPLETE 20 Sept 1923

Died of illness no evidence of will.

Legatee address Albert Victor Bridle ( 35 Lambeth Rd West Croydon Surrey Eng

Medals sent to Mrs W H Butler Huntley West Waikato

Died of disease dysentery Malta 9.9.15 St Andrews Hosp Buried 9.9.15 Pieta Cemetery Malta Grave No 5 Row 9B

Plaque and Scroll

Soldier’s name: Bridle Fred Wm Reg No 6/2395

Roll No 501389

Scroll despatched 28 May 1921

Plague 31 Jan 1922

Recipient and address Mrs W H Butler Huntley West Waikato (Request received from A V Bridle that plague to go to sister 17.11.21)

Reference source

Agency AABK

Series 18805

Accession W5520

Box / item 115

Record 0017940

Zack

[ZackNZ]

Wayne

The file on Boyle William 11/740 is 15 pages long with 7 documents of interest (A – G) plus a probate record. There is on file duplication of forms but with slightly different information recorded on each of them.

Overview

William Boyle was born in Sydney, New South Wales on 26 Dec 1876. He was at enlistment a 37-year-old farmer at Kirikau, Wanganui River. Prior to enlisting at Trentham on 25 Nov 1914 he had been a member of the Legion of Frontiersmen. He was 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighed 10st 4 lbs, was of dark complexion, brown eyes, dark brown hair and his religious profession was Roman Catholic.

His file doesn’t record which transport he left New Zealand on. He may have left on either the Verdala, or Willochra or Knight of the Garter – all of which left New Zealand on 14 December 1914. Perhaps one of the other pals can identify which one?

He obviously went from New Zealand to Egypt and then on to Gallipoli.

William Boyle was described in his file as ‘slightly wounded’ on July 31st 1915 in Gallipoli. On 20 July 1915 he was admitted to No 1 Australian Clearing Station, Anzac Cove, with a shrapnel wound to his wrist, a bullet wound to his right arm and if that wasn’t enough he was also suffering from pleurisy. He was transferred to a fleetsweeper and admitted to hospital in Malta ex Hospital Ship ‘Somali’ on 31 July 1915.

He died of pneumonia in Malta on 4 August 1915 – 5 days after making it out of Gallipoli. His death was probably a combination of his wounds and the pleurisy.

He had made a will before leaving New Zealand and left money to St Joseph’s Orphan School, Gosford, New South Wales (must be a story here!), the Taumarunui Hospital, the Roman Catholic Convent, Taumarunui, and his three brothers.

This man had a big heart!

A NZEF Form No 1

Name: Boyle William

Regiment: WGTN MTD RIFLES

NOTE written “Correct Regt no is 11/740 See London file Auth BR 38/4 dated 30.4.18

B Field Service Army Form B 2090A

Report of Death of a Soldier to be forwarded to the War Office with the least possible delay after receipt of notification of death on Army Form B 213 or Army Form A 36 or from other official documentary sources.

Regiment or Corps: Wellington MR Squadron Troop, Battery or Company 6th WMR Sqdr

Regtl No: 11/740 Rank Trooper

Name: Boyle William

Died Date: 4 August 1915

Place: Malta

Cause of Death:* Died of pneumonia

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

Etc

Station and date Alexandria 10/8/ 1915

C Casualty Form – Active Service Army form B 103

Regiment or Corp: Wellington MR 6th WCG Sqd

Regimental No: 11/859 crossed out and 11/740 written in

Rank: Trooper

Name: Boyle William

Enlisted (a) 25.11.14 Terms of Service (a) period of war service reckons from (A) 25.11.14

The following information is set out in a table as follows: Date; From Whom Received; Record of promotions etc; place; date; remarks taken from Army From B 213 Army Form A 26, or other official documents: (A blank indicates no data provided.) The first date is when an event was recorded and the second date when it happened.

20/ 7/15; No 1 Aus Clear Stat; Admit shrapnel wound wrist; Anzac Cove; 20.7.15; Trans to Fleetsweeper 20.7.15 C2609

-: Cablegram WB777; Reported dangerously ill; Malta; 30.7.15; A2154

7/8/15; Cable WB824; Died of pneumonia; Malta; 4.8.15; Commandant Malta

Signed: N Fitzherbert

File date stamped 15 Nov 1915

D Medical History Form No 4

Surname: Boyle

Christian Name: William

Examined on 25 Nov 1914 at Trentham

Birthplace Town Sydney NSW

Declared age: 37 years

Trade or occupation: Farmer

Height: 5 ft 6 in

Weight: 10st 4 lb

Chest measurement: Min 33 in Max expansion 37½ in

Physical development good

Enlisted: 25th November 1914 at Trentham (NZ)

Joined on enlistment: WMR

Regimental number: 11/859 (WRONG)

Approved by W Simpson Medical Officer

E NZEF Personal Record of

Name: Boyle Tpr William

Registration No: 11/850 crossed out and 11/740 written in

Regiment Wellington Mtd Rifles

Ad Hosp in Malta ex HS Somali 31/7/15 BW R Arm. Pleurisy

GSW Wrist 20 – 30/7/15. Cabled 5/8/15

Dangerously ill 30/7/15. Cabled 5/8/15

DIED OF PNEUMONIA Dardanelles 4/8/15

F NZEF Attestation form No 2

No: 11/859 (WRONG)

Name: Boyle William

Regiment or Unit: WMR

Born: Sydney NSW

British subject: Yes

Date of birth: 26 Dec 1876

Trade or calling: Farmer

Name and address at which you resided: Kirikau Wanganui River

Passed the Fourth Educational standard or its equivalent: yes

Are you married: “No”

Do you now belong to any military or naval force? Yes Legion of Frontiersmen

Signed by William Boyle witness by David Gilbraith at Trentham on 25 Nov 1914.

Attesting Officer name and signature missing although Service record has J D K Strang, Lieut listed

(Surname STRANG

Given Name John Donald Kay

Category Nominal Roll Vol. 1

Regimental Number 9/781

Rank Lieutenant

Body or Draft Second

Unit or Regiment Otago Mounted Rifles

Marital Status S

Last NZ Address Glenside Masterton

Next of Kin Title J

Next of Kin Surname STRANG

Next of Kin Relationship Father

Next of Kin Address Glenside Masterton)

Description on William Boyle on enlistment

Apparent age: 37 years - months

Height: 5 feet 6 inches

Weight: 10st 4 lbs

Chest Measurements: Min 33 Max 37½ inches

Complexion: Dark

Colour of eyes: Brown

Colour of hair: Dark Brown

Religious profession: Roman Catholic

All assessed as normal

Remarks Fit

Signed 25 Nov 1914 W Simpson, Medical Officer

(Surname SIMPSON

Given Name William Henry

Category Nominal Roll Vol. 2 / Vol 4

Regimental Number 3/2119

Rank Captain

Next of Kin Title Mrs W H

Next of Kin Surname SIMPSON

Next of Kin Relationship Wife

Next of Kin Address C/- Mrs Grey Clyde Street Mornington Dunedin

Roll Roll 31 / Roll 86

Page Page 15 / 21

Occupation Med Practitioner

Comment Ex 12th Reinforcements to take up residence in England)

G NZEF MILITARY HISTORY SHEET Form No 3

No 11/859 (WRONG)

Name Boyle William

Service record

The following data in recorded in order: Country; From; To; Days:

New Zealand; 20/12/14; 14/12/14; 56

At sea; 14/12/14; 21/2/15; 50

Name and address of next of kin Brother Mr W G Boyle c/o Mr C Baker Loftus Northumberland Ave Petersham Sydney

Unit: WMR Rank Tpr

Surname Boyle

Christian Name William No 11/740

Occupation: Farmer

Birthplace Sydney

Religion: Roman Catholic

Date of birth: 26.12.1876

Next of kin and address: Mr W G Boyle c/o Mr C Baker Loftus Northumberland Ave Petersham Sydney

Service

Country of Troopship NZ Date from 21.10.14 Date to 14.12.14

Foreign 14/12/14 Date to 4.8.15

Died at Malta 4.5.15

Described as slightly wounded July 31st 1915

STAMP Medal action complete 19 Sept 1923

Legal next of kin, relationship and address Mr Eugene Boyle (EB) 3 Edward Lane Darlington Sydney

Medals to Mr Eugene Boyle

Buried Addolorata Cemetery

Plaque and Scroll

Soldier’s name: Boyle William Reg No 11/740

Roll No 501290

Scroll despatched 17 July 1922

Plague ticked

Recipient and address Mr E Boyle 3 Edward Lane Darlington Sydney 3/5/22

Reference Source

Agency AABK

Series 18805

Accession W5520

Box / item 107

Record 0017111

Haven't got the room to include the probate file details so will post separately.

Zack

[ZackNZ]

Wayne

The William Boyle probate file:

18093

In THE

SUPREME COURT OF NEW ZEALAND

WELLINGTON DISTRICT

In the matter of the Will of

William Boyle

Late of Kirikau

In the Provincial District of Auckland, Farmer, but at his death a Trooper (no 11/740) of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force operating at the Dardanelles, Deceased.

Probate

(Filed 14 Dec 1915)

Public Trust

No 27

PROBATE

In the

Supreme Court of New Zealand

Wellington District

Be it known to all men that on this 9th day of December in the year one thousand nine hundred and fifteen the last Will and Testament of William Boyle late of Kirikau in the Provincial District of Auckland, Farmer, but at his death a Trooper (No 11/740) of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force operating at the Dardanelles, deceased a copy of which is hereunto annexed hath been exhibited read and approved before the Honourable Frederick Revans Chapman, a judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand and administration of the real and personal estate effects and credits of the deceased hath been and is hereby granted to the PUBLIC TRUSTEE the Executor in the said Will and Testament named being first sworn faithfully to execute the said Will by paying the debts and legacies of the deceased as far as the property will extend and the law binds.

Given under the seal of the said Court at Wellington this 9th day of December 1915.

Signed G S Clark Deputy Registrar

18093

AFFIDAVIT OF THE PUBLIC TRUSTEE

J W Macdonald, Solicitor Public Trust Office Wellington

I FREDERICK FITCHETT, of the City of Wellington in the said Dominion, Solicitor, make oat and say as follows:

1 That I am duly appointed the Public Trustee of the said Dominion.

2 That the said deceased was a Trooper of the Wellington Mounted Rifles Unit of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force under the number of 11/740.

3 The Adjutant General of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces received an official telegram informing him that number 11/740, the said deceased, died of pneumonia at Malta on the 4th day of August 1915.

4 The Public Trustee has been informed and verily believes that the said deceased died on or about the 4th day of August 1915, as appears by the Certificate of Death under the hand of the Minister of Defence hereto annexed and marked “A.”

5 The Public Trustee has received correspondence from Sydney from John H Clayton and Son, Solicitors, who are acting on behalf of the mother of the said deceased, informing him of the death of the said deceased.

6 The Public Trustee has likewise received correspondence from the partners of the said deceased at Kirikau aforesaid informing him of the death of the said deceased, his regimental number, and where the will of the said deceased was to be found.

7 I verily believe the paper writing now produced bearing date the 6th day of December 1914 and marked “B” to be the last will and testament of the said deceased.

8 The Public Trustee is the executor named in such will.

9 That to the best of my knowledge and belief the estate of the said deceased to be administered is under the value of £1500.

10 That I will faithfully execute the said will by paying the debts and legacies of the said deceased so far as the property will extend and the law binds.

SWORN at Wellington aforesaid

This 3rd day of December

1915, before me

FRED FITCHETT

“A”

(EF Form No 33)

New Zealand Military Forces

Record No 11/740

Certified that it appears by an official telegram received at this office that No 11/740 Trooper

William Boyle

Of the Wellington Mounted Rifles New Zealand

Expeditionary Force, died of Pneumonia

At Malta

On the fourth day of August 1915

Signed J Allen Minister of Defence

Dated at Headquarters New Zealand Military Forces Wellington

This eight day of November 1915

“B”

The Will of William Boyle

“I William Boyle of Kirikau Farmer declare this to be my last will and testament.

I give and bequeath to the

St Joseph’s Orphan School, Gosford, New South Wales

the Sum of £150

I also give and bequeath to the Taumarunui Hospital

the sum of £50

I also give and bequeath £50 to the funds of

The Roman Catholic Convent Taumarunui

And after payment of all my just debts, I give and bequeath to be divided equally among

My three brothers Eugene Boyle, James Boyle and Charles Boyle.

And I appoint the Public Trustee my sol executor under my will.

This Will not to take effect for two years from my death.

As witness my hand this 6th day of December 1914

William Boyle

Signed by the Testator, as for his last will and testament, in the presence of us both present at the same time, who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto set our names as witnesses.

Alex Brooking, Kirikau, Engine Driver

Joseph McGerd? / McTird? Kirikau, Farmer

Reference source

Agency AAOM

Series 6029

Accession W3265

Box / item -

Record 18093/1915

Zack

[alliekiwi]

I went to the convent school in Taumarunui for a couple of years! Was too young at the time, though, to notice (or remember now) if there was any plaque or anything to this chap.

There does sound like there could be a story in the money left to the orphanage!

Allie

[ZackNZ]

Wayne

The file on Brislane, Michael Edward 7/53 is 15 pages long with seven documents of interest (A – G). There is repetition in file documents.

Overview

Michael Edward Brislane was born on 1st Aug 1894 in Bedfordshire, England and was 20 years of age when he enlisted at Nelson, New Zealand on 25th August 1914. He was a farm labourer who stated that prior to enlistment he had been a member of the “12th Infantry.“ On enlistment, 25th August 1914, at Nelson, New Zealand, aged 20 years he Joined Canterbury Mounted Rifles. He was 5 ft 4 in tall and weighed 104 lb. He had blue eyes, and brown hair. His stated religious profession was Church of England.

His file doesn’t include the details of the transport he left New Zealand on.

His death would have been an extremely painful one as he died from a gunshot wound to the spine and he lingered – how dreadful!!! This wound he would have received in the big attack on Chunuk Bair on 8 August 1915.

He died in Malta on 20 August 1915.

A NZEF Form No 1

Name: Brislane Michael Edward

Regiment: CMR

Group 12

B Casualty Form – Active Service Army form B 103

Regiment or Corp: Canterbury Mtd Rifles 10th

Regimental No: 7/533

Rank: Trooper

Name: Brislane Michael Edward

Enlisted: (a) 25.8.14 Terms of Service (a) period of war service reckons from (A) 25.8.14

The following information is set out in a table as follows: Date; From Whom Received; Record of promotions etc; place; date; remarks taken from Army From B 213 Army Form A 26, or other official documents: (A blank indicates no data provided and a ? indicates I can’t decipher the writing – sorry!) The first date is when an event was recorded and the second date when it happened.

8.8.15; CMR; Wounded; Bauchop Hill; ??Aug; B213

18.8.15; Malta; Dangerously ill; Malta; 15.8.15; Ex cable WB077 dated Fwldt Malta A 3911

-; Malta; Died of wounds GSW spine; Malta; 20.8.15; Cable WB110 from Car a 25/8/15

Signed N Fitzherbert Capt OC Records Section New Zealand

For AAG BHQ 3rd Echelon MEF

File date stamped 17 Nov 1915

C Field Service Army Form B 2090A

Report of Death of a Soldier to be forwarded to the War Office with the least possible delay after receipt fo notification of death on Army Form B 213 or Army Form A 36 or from other official documentary sources.

Regiment or Corps: Canterbury Mounted Rifles

Squadron Troop, Battery or Company: 10th

Regtl No: 7/533

Rank: Trooper

Name: BRISLANE Michael Edward

Died Date August 20th 1915

Place of death: Malta

Cause of Death* wounds received in action

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

Etc

Station and date Alexandria September 1st 1915

D Medical History Form No 4

Surname: Brislane

Christian Name: Michael Edward

Examined on 25 August at Nelson Country NZ

Birthplace: Bedfordshire England

Declared age: 20 years

Trade or occupation: Farm labourer

Height: 5 ft 4 in

Weight: 104 lb

Chest measurement: Min 34 in Max expansion 36 ½ in

Physical development good

Enlisted: 25th August 1914 at Nelson (New Zealand)

Joined on enlistment: Cant Mtd Rifles

Regimental number: 7/533

Approved by Sweeney A Gibbs Medical Officer

E NZEF Attestation form No 2

Michael Edward Brislane

Born Greymouth

British subject

DOB 1st Aug 1894

Name and address at which you resided c/o E Loveridge Dovedale

Passed the Fourth Educational standard or its equivalent no

What is the name and address of present or last employer E Loveridge Dovedale

Are you married “No”

Do you now belong to any military or naval force? 12th Infantry

Description on Arnold Ronald on enlistment

Signed by Brislane at Nelson 25th August 1914 Attesting officer R B Nyacmat(l)ion? Lieut

Description of Michael Edward Brislane on Enlistment

Apparent age: 20 years 1 months

Height: 5 feet 4 inches

Weight: 10st

Chest Measurements: Min 34 Max 36½ inches

Complexion: Medium

Colour of eyes: Blue

Colour of hair: Brown

Religious profession: Church of England

All normal

Sweeney A Gibbs Medical Officer

Date 24 Aug 1914

F NZEF MILITARY HISTORY SHEET Form No 3

No 7/533 Name Michael Edward Brislane

Service record recorded in order: Country; From; To; Days:

New Zealand; 25/8/14; 28

Foreign; 22/9/14; -

Name and address of next of kin Mrs Wilson Blackball Greymouth

Unit: CMR Rank Tpr

Surname: Brislane

Christian Name: Michael Edward No 7/533

Occupation: Farm labourer

Religion: Church of England

Birthplace: Greymouth

Date of birth: 1 Aug 1894

Last NZ Address: G E Loveridge Dovedale

Next of kin and address: Mrs Wilson (m) Blackball Greymouth crossed out and Mrs Green sister Blackball West Coast crossed out Mt Buckley PO Greymouth 21/2/24 written in

Service

Country of / Troopship NZ Date from 25.8.14 Date to 21.9.14 28 days

Foreign 22/9/14 Date to 20.8.14 Died of wounds

Wounds

The following date is recorded in order as: Cable Date; Where Soldier located; Message and remarks:

20/8/15; The Dardanelles; Gun shot wound spine

B103; - ; Died of wounds GSW spine Malta 20/8/15 Buried Pieta Cemetery

G Insert MEDAL ACTION COMPLETE

At death Trpr died of wounds

Legatee address William Brislane - Dovedale Post Office Nelson cross out and Baton Via Tapawera, Nelson written in.

Legal next of in, relationship and address Mrs E Wilson (mother) Mount Buckley PO Greymouth

Cert posted to mother c/o Mrs Green 20.4.23

Plaque and Scroll

Soldier’s name: Brislane, Michael Edward Reg No 7/533

Roll No 501409

Scroll despatched 20 April 1923

Plague 20 April 1923

Recipient and address Mrs E Wilson (m) c/o Mrs Green Blackball Greymouth

Reference source

Agency AABK

Series 18805

Accession W5520

Box / item 117

Record 0018118

Zack

[ZackNZ]

Wayne

The file on John Martin Brown 2/142A is 22 pages long with 7 documents of interest (A – G).

Overview

John Brown was born in Balcultha, South Island New Zealand, on 30th April 1884, and joined the Wellington Infantry Battalion when he was 29 years 7 months old. He was single and lived in Palmerston North prior to enlisting on 20th Dec 1914 at Trentham.

On enlistment he was 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighed 160 lbs. He is described as having a fair complexion – grey blue eyes and fair hair. His religious profession is described as Anglican. He also had a number of tattoos that the medical officers did their best to describe and taxed me to transcribe!

He worked as a Telegraph linesman.

He left New Zealand in HMNZT No 17 – Maunganui as a member of the 3rd Reinforcements of 1,1719 troops; O/C Troops: Capt W S Cooper, Ship’s master L Worrall. This transport along with Tahiti (No 18) and Aparima (No 19) arrived in Suez on 26 March 1915.

He was shipped to Malta by the Hospital Ship ‘Valdonia’ on 20 August 1915; and died of enteric there on 28 August 1915.

A Casualty Form – Active Service Army form B 103

Regiment or Corp Wellington Infantry Battalion (11th Tara Coy)

Regimental No 2/1424/A

Rank Pte

Name Brown John Martin

Enlisted (a) 20.12.14 Terms of Service (a) period of war service reckons from (A) 21.12.14

The following information is set out in a table as follows: Date; From Whom Received; Record of promotions etc; place; date; remarks taken from Army From B 213 Army Form A 26, or other official documents: (A blank indicates no data provided). The first date is when an event was recorded and the second date when it happened.

-; NZFA; Adm to Hospital; - ; 14.6.15; -

11.7.15; O/C WIB; Joined Battalion; Anzac Cove; 9.7.15; B213 11.7.15

20.8.15; HS Valdonia?; Disembarked & Adm Hospital; Malta; 20.8.15; Enteric Roll A5758

31.8.15; Cable WB 1217 Commandant Malta; Dangerously ill; Malta; - Enteric cable (A6268) received 5.9.15

1.9.15; Commandant Malta; Died of enteric; Malta; 29.8.15; Cable (A6261) received and cabled 5.9.15

-; Cable WB 1617 Commandant Malta; Reports died at; Malta; 28.8.15; Amended cable WB 1617

Signed: N Fitzherbert

File date stamped 25 Nov 1915

B Letter to Mrs J Brown (Maybe written because of the wrong death / burial date?)

Mrs J Brown

Scandia Street

Palmerston North

Dear Madam

Re 10/1424 J M Brown

I have to inform you that the above named soldier was interred in the Pieta Cemetery, Malta.

You will I am sure be pleased to receive therefore additional particulars concerning his burial.

Yours faithfully

Can’t read signature

Chief Clark

For Major

Director of ?

C NZEF Attestation form No 2

No: 10/1424

Name: Brown John Martin

Regiment or Unit: B Coy 3rd R

Born: Balcultha

British subject

Date of Birth: 30th April 1884

Trade or calling Telegraph linesman

Name and address at which you last resided 6 Campbell Street Palmerston North

Passed the Fourth Educational standard or its equivalent yes

Name and address if your present or last employer Tele Dept Palmerston North

Are you married “No”

Do you now belong to any military or naval force? No

Signed and witnessed by John Martin Brown at Trentham on 20 Dec 1914.

Attesting Officer name and signature can’t read

Description on John Martin Brown on enlistment

Apparent age: 29 years 7 months

Height: 5 feet 11 inches

Weight: 160 lbs

Chest Measurements: Min 34 Max 38 inches

Complexion: Fair

Colour of eyes: Grey Blue

Colour of hair: Fair

Religious profession: Anglican

All assessed as normal except condition of teeth described as “efficient with upper plate.”

Free from varicocele? on left side

Distinctive marks, and marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease

Tatts (very hard to read as medical officer tried to sketch / describe the tattoos)

Ships and full sail clasped hands and right upper arm

Clasped hands and union jack and NZ ensign with ships ??? hands across the sea, clasped hands, girls head.

right forearm eagle, ships in full sail union jack around waist – ship in full sail

left fore arm motto sailors grave on chest

Perhaps one of the pals with knowledge of tattoos could explain more clearly what these are?

Remarks Fit

Signed Dec 11 1914 C W Peach Medical Officer

D Form (not defined and very hard to read)

Hospital from 11.6.15 to 18.6.15 Disease ???

Malta 20.8.15 Enteric

E NZEF Medical History Form No 4

Surname: Brown

Christian Name: John Martin

Examined on 11th December at - not stated

Birthplace: Balcultha

Declared age: 29 years 7 months

Trade or occupation: telegraph linesman

Height: 5 ft 11 in

Weight: 160 lbs

Chest measurement: Min 34 in Max expansion 38 in

Marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease

Tattoo ship in full sail over clasped hands right upper arm Clasped hands union jack NZ ensign with ships between motto hands across the sea clasped hands and ? head, clasped hands and ship and performing piebald horse right forearm. Design and motto sailor’s grave on chest.

Enlisted on 20th Dec 1914 at Trentham

The order for the following table is Corps; Regimental No; Date:

Joined on enlistment B Coy 3rd R; 10/1421; 20/12/14

Field Artillery; 2/1424A; 3/4/15

Approved by C W Peach Medical Officer

F Form Not identified

Trentham 20.12.14

HMNZT No 17

Inoculated typhoid 31 Jan 1915

Vaccinated 13.3.15

Signature of medical office W McAra(sp?)

NZEF Military History Sheet (Form No 3)

No 2/1424A (10/1424 crossed out)

Name: Brown John Martin

Service record in order: Country or troopship; Date from; Date to; Days

New Zealand; 22.12.14; 12.2.15; 52

Transport No 17; 13.2.15; 26.3.15 Dis Suez; 42

Egypt; 27.3.15; -

Name and address of next of kin: Jessie Brown (mother) Scandia St Palmerston North

Statement of Service of No 2/1424A Name Brown John Martin in order: Regiment or Corps; Promotions, Reductions, Causalities &C; Rank, Dates:

NOTE: There two of these forms.

Wgtn Reg; - ; Pte; 22.12.14

Field Artillery; Transferred to; - ; 3.4.15

NZFA; Admitted hospital sick; Pte; 14.6.15

-; Dischd Hospital sick; Pte; 18.6.15

Wgton Inf Batt; Rej Batt Dardanelles; Pte; 9.7.15

Wgton Inf Batt; Adm hospital Malta; 20.8.15

Wgton Inf Batt; Died Enteric; Pte; 29.8.15

Effects of wounds Died Enteric 29.8.15

G History Sheet

Unit: WIB

Rank: Pte

Surname: Brown

Christian Name: John Martin

No: 10/1424A 10 crossed out and replaced with 2

Occupation: Telegraph linesman

Last employer: Tele Deprt Palm North

Religion Roman Catholic

Born Balcultha

Date of Birth: 30 April 1884

Last NZ Address 6 Campbell St Palmerston North

Next of Kin: Jessie Brown (mother) Scandia St Palmerston North

Service in order Country or troopship; Date from; Date to:

New Zealand; 22.12.14; 14.2.15

Foreign; 14.2.15; 26.10.15

Died of enteric

Medal action completed 21 Sept 1923

Legatee and address Mrs J Brown (m) now deceased)

Nominated next of kin, relationship and address Samuel John Brown ( Mangomahu Fordell

Died of enteric Malta Aug 28th 1915 (Note date of death)

Buried Pieta Cemetery Malta

Plaque and scroll

Soldier’s name: Brown John Martin

No: 2/1424A

Roll No 501533

Scroll despatched: 28 May 1921 Plaque 26 Jan 1922

Recipient and address Mr S J Brown 79 Sedgebrook No 3 Line Wanganui

Source reference

Agency AABK

Series 18805

Accession W5530

Box / item 6

Record 0019085

Zack

[ZackNZ]

Wayne

The file on Private Horace BUNN, 12/1572 is 20 pages long with 6 documents of interest (1 – 6). There is on file duplication of forms and as usual the file is difficult to read.

Overview

Horace Bunn was born in Peekham, London, England, on 20 March 1880. He enlisted on 14 December 1914 (presumably in Auckland but the file doesn’t state). He was 33 years 8 months old. He was a canvasser by trade (i.e. someone who makes canvas) and lived prior to enlistment at 25 Hargraves St College Hill Auckland. He was single, 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighed 10 st 11 lbs, was of medium complexion, brown eyes, brown hair and his religious profession was Church of England. His next of kin was a brother - Sidney Joseph Bunn, 6 Orts Rd, Reading, England.

His file doesn’t record which transport he left New Zealand on but he was in the 3rd reinforcements. These troops left New Zealand in 3 transports on 14 February 1915. The 3rds arrived Suez on 26 March 1915. As from 15 May 1915 Horace was attached to a ‘Hold party ex Lutzow’ and I wonder if this attachment had anything to do with his trade? The ‘Lutzow’ was one of the transports that carried the troops from Alexandria to Gallipoli in April 1915. The ‘Lutzow’ carried the Auckland Battalion and some of the Canterbury Battalion from Alexandria to Lemnos, and on to Gallipoli. The ‘Lutzow’ had been requisitioned and according to troops travelling on her she was not very comfortable – maybe Horace’s job was to help tidy it up for transportation of troops, which is why he was attached to the ‘Hold Party’? Horace embarked on the HMT Itonus on 2 June 1915 to rejoin his Auckland Infantry Battalion unit in Gallipoli on 12 June 1915. By 8 September 1915 he was suffering from entero colitis and was transported to Mudros for treatment. Clearly, however, his condition worsened and he was sent to Malta for better treatment. However, on the way from Mudros, Lemnos to hospital in Malta on the Hospital Ship ‘Salta’ he died of dysentery on Sep 25 1915.

His file at first glance seems to present conflicting information with respect to where he was buried i.e. it states “Buried at sea. HS Salta 25th Sept.” But it also states “Particulars regarding the description of grave states that this man died of dysentery on the HS Salta at sea on 25.9.15 and was buried by the Rev E G Wells the same day in the Pieta Cemetery Malta. Grave no 3 row 15 B.”

1 NZEF Form No 1

Bunn Horace

Regiment AIB

Registration Number 12/1572

2 FIELD SERVICE ARMY FORM B 2090A

Report of Death of a Soldier to be forwarded to the War Office with the least possible delay after receipt fo notification of death on Army Form B 213 or Army Form A 36 or from other official documentary sources.

Regiment or Corps Auckland Battalion Squadron Troop, Battery or Company 15th Coy

Regtl No: 12/1572

Rank: Private

Name: Bunn Horace

Died: Date 25 September 1915

Place of death: Hospital ship ‘Salta’

Cause of Death* Dysentery

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

Station and date Alexandria 1/10/ 1915 N Fitzherbert Major

3 NZEF Attestation form No 2

No: 12/1572

Name: Bunn Horace

Regiment or Unit: AIB

Born: Peekham London England

British subject

Date of birth: 20/3/80

Trade or calling: Canvasser

Name and address at which you resided: 25 Hargraves St College Hill Auckland

Passed the Fourth Educational standard or its equivalent: yes

Name and address of present or last employer: Mr Brooks

Are you married “No”

Next of kin: Brother Reading England

Do you now belong to any military or naval force? No

Signed by Horace Bunn witness by ? at ? on ?. Information not recorded

Attesting Officer name and signature missing although Service record has J D K Strang Lieut listed

Description on Bunn Horace on enlistment

Apparent age: 33 years 8 months

Height: 5 feet 6 inches

Weight: 10 st 11 lbs

Chest Measurements: Min 35 Max 37½ inches

Complexion: Medium

Colour of eyes: Brown

Colour of hair: Brown

Religious profession: Church of England

All assessed as normal

Signed 24 12 1914 Kenneth MacKenzie Medical Officer

Statement of service

The following data is recorded in order of: Regiment or Corps; Promotions Reductions Casualties etc; Rank; Date.

AIB; Attached Hold party ex Lutzow; Pte; 15/5/15

AIB; Embarked for Dardnls to rejoin unit; Pte; 2/6/15

AIB; Rejoined unit; Pte; 12/6/15

Died of Dysentery Hosp ship ‘Salta’ 29/5/15

Next of kin: Brother Sidney Joseph Bunn 6 Orts Rd Reading England

4 Casualty Form – Active Service Army form B 103

Regiment or Corp Auckland Inf Batt (15th Coy)

Regimental No 12/1572 Rank Private Name Bunn Horace

Enlisted (a) 14.12.14 Terms of Service (a) period of war service reckons from (A) 14.12.14

The following information is set out in a table as follows: Date; From Whom Received; Record of promotions etc; place; date; remarks taken from Army From B 213 Army Form A 26, or other official documents: The first date is when an event was recorded and the second date when it happened.

15/5/15; NZ Adv Base; Attached to strength of base; Mustapha; 15.5.15; Hold party ex Lutzow AFB 213

2/6/15; NZ Adv Base; Embarked on H M T Itonus; Alexandria; 2.6.15; To rejoin unit Dardanelles Roll

15/6/15; AIB; Rejoined unit; Dardanelles; 12.6.15; From base AFB213

-; 1st Aust CC St; Admit Hosp & Transfd to; Mudros; 8.9.15; Entero Colitis AFA36 C3397

25/9/15; C in C Malta; Died of dysentery; At sea; 25/9/15; On H S Salta WB 1678 A 11341

Signed N Fitzherbert

Medal action complete 21 Sept 1923 to Sidney Jos Bunn 6 Orts Rd Reading England

Buried Pieta Cemetery Malta

5 History Sheet

Records he died of dysentery at sea on Sep 25 1915 on HS Salta and was buried Pieta Cemetery Malta

It states “Buried at sea. HS Salta 25th Sept. Particulars regarding the description of grave states that this man died of dysentery on the HS Salta at sea on 25.9.15 and was buried by the Rev E G Wells the same day in the Pieta Cemetery Malta. Grave no 3 row 15 B”

6 Plaque and Scroll

Soldier’s name: Bunn Horace Reg No 12/1572

Roll No 501647

Scroll despatched 31 Aug 1921 1922

Plague 3 Feb 1922

Recipient and address Mr S J Bunn 6 Orts Rd Reading England

Reference source

Agency AABK

Series 18805

Accession W5530

Box / item 17

Record 0020181

Zack

[ZackNZ]

Wayne

The file on Private John Stewart Cameron 13/567 is 14 pages long with 4 documents of interest (1 – 4). The file is difficult to read and notwithstanding its 14 page length information is scant which reflects the short life of this solder.

Overview

John Stewart Cameron was a Main Body man. He enlisted on 18 August 1914, presumably in Auckland although the file doesn’t clearly state where – “signed declaration and oath taken before (Major J N McCarroll) at S? Headquarters”. John Cameron was born in Perthshire, Scotland on the 14 Oct and the year can’t be read! Don’t you just hate that! His “apparent age” was 31 years 10 months. Hopefully one of the pal genealogists will find the year? He was described as 5 feet 10 ½ inches tall and weighed 164 lbs. The only ‘health issue’ raised was in connection with the condition of his teeth, which were described as “artificial.”

John Cameron was single and was a sawmill proprietor working for himself at Aria Te Kuiti New Zealand.

His complexion was dark with brown eyes and brown hair. His religious profession was Presbyterian. He stated that he had previous military experience in the “Scottish Horse I Y.” Perhaps one of the pals can also provide some further insight into this claim.

He left New Zealand on HMNZT No 12 – the ‘Waimana’ (OC Troops Lt Col Mackesy and Ship’s Master – Holmes.)

John Cameron received a gunshot wound to the lung on 17 August 1915 at Gallipoli and although he was transported off Gallipoli to hospital in Malta he died on 22 August 1915 and was buried in the Pieta Cemetery Malta.

His next of kin was his mother Mrs Jane Cameron 136Gilmore Place Edinburgh and his medals went to his father Hugh living at a different address by November 1921.

1 NZEF Form No 1

Personal record of Cameron John Stewart Registration no 13/567

Regiment AK MR

Group 3

2 Casualty Form – Active Service Army Form B 103

Regiment Auckland Mounted Rifles

Regimental Number 13/567

Rank Trooper

Name Cameron John Stewart

Enlisted 18.8.14 Terms of service period of war Service reckons from 18.8.14

Table in order: Date; From whom received; Record of promotions, reductions, transfers, casualties etc during active service, as reported on Army Form B 213; Army Form A36 or in other official documents. The authority to be quoted in each case; Place; Date; Remarks taken from Army Form B 213, Army Form A36 or other official documents:

15.8.14; AMR; Reported wounded; Dardanelles; 18/8/15; AFB213

21.8.15; C in C Malta GSW Lung Died of wounds; Malta; 17/8/15; Cablegram from Malta WB1015 A4413

Signed N Fitzherbert

File stamped 17 Nov 1915

3 Attestation of John S Cameron 3/834 Ambulance (note incorrect reg number)

Name: Albert Edward Beswick

Born: Perthshire Scotland

British subject: yes

Date of Birth: 14 Oct ?

Trade / calling: sawmill proprietor

Address at which you last resided: Aria Te Kuiti

Have you passed the Fourth Educational Standard or its equivalent: yes

Name and address of your present or last employer: myself

Married: No

Next of Kin: Mother Jane Cameron Gilmore Place Edinburgh

Do you now belong to any military or naval force? If so, to what corps? Scottish Horse I Y

Are you willing to be vaccinated or revaccinated and inoculated Yes

Are you willing to serve in the EF in or beyond the Dominion of NZ etc yes

Signed declaration and Oath taken before me at S? Head Quarters on 18 August 1914

Attesting office J N McCarroll Major

Description of John S Cameron on enlistment

Apparent age 31 years 10 months

Height 5 feet 10 ½ inches

Weight 164 lb

Chest min 35 inches Max 39 inches

Complexion dark

Colour of eyes brown

Colour of hair brown

Religious profession Presbyterian

Sight, hearing, colour vision, heart lungs, etc all ok,

Only issue what is the condition of the teeth? Artificial

Remark “fit.”

Signed and dated 18/8/14 Tracey R Sykes? Lt Col Medical Officer

4 NZEF Form No 3

MILITARY HISTORY SHEET

No 13/567 Cameron John S

Service

Table in order: Country; From; To; Years; Days: (NOTE “To” and “Years” are blank because there is no data recorded and a column with the “Initials of Officer making Entry” is omitted because it is illegible,)

New Zealand; 18/8/14; -; -; 56 days

HMNZT 12; -; -; -; 52 days

Egypt; Dec 4; -; -; -; -;

Next of kin: Mrs J Cameron 136 Gilmore Place Edinburgh Scotland

Medals to Mr Hugh Cameron (f) 136 Gilmore Place Edinburgh Scotland

Legal NOK address Mr Hugh Cameron (f) Fernside Street Fillans Perthshire Scotland 12.11.21

DOW 22.8.15 Gunshot wound lung 17.8.15 buried Pieta Cemetery Malta

NZ service 36 days Overseas 329? Days

Plaque and scroll

Soldier’s name Cameron John Stewart Reg No 13/567

Roll No 55543

Scroll despatched 15 Jul1921 Plaque ticked

Recipient and address Mr H Cameron Fernside St Fillans Perthshire Scotland

Written down left hand side Cert posted 24.7.22

Reference source

Agency AABK

Series 18805

Accession W5530

Box / item 350021984

Record

Zack

[alliekiwi]

Just to correct a typo for Zack (apologies, Zack).

Re: John Martin Brown 2/142A

It is Balclutha, not Balcultha.

Allie

[ZackNZ]

thanks Allie

[ZackNZ]

Wayne

The file on Cammock, William Rowland 10/1060 was 11 pages long with 5 files of interest labelled below 1 to 5.

Overview

William Rowland Cammock, a Main Body man, was born in Woodville, New Zealand on 1 May 1894. He was single and a schoolteacher working for the Hawkes Bay Education Board. He enlisted 14th August 1914 at Hastings, New Zealand and joined on enlistment the 9th Hawkes Bay Coy, Wellington Infantry. He was described on enlistment as being 20 years 4 months old, 5 ft 8 in tall and weighed 168 lb. His complexion was described as dark. He had blue eyes, dark brown hair and his stated Religious profession was Church of England.

Prior to enlistment he had served a year in the territorials.

While his file doesn’t record which transport he left New Zealand in the ‘New Zealand Expeditionary Force (Europe) 1914 War Diary’ has him listed in the 9th (Hawke’s Bay) Company (page xcii Col and it is highly likely that he was on HMNZT No 10 “Arawa,” along with the bulk of the Wellington Infantry Battalion. (O/C Troops Lieut Col G N Johnstone, RA, Ship’s Master H Clyden.)

He was appointed Lance Corporal on Gallipoli in May 1915. He would have been involved in the major Chunuk Bair action in August and not surprisingly he is described in the file as “missing” (8 Aug) before it is recorded that he was wounded (10 Aug 1915). His casualty form records that he received a gunshot wound to his buttock. He was taken to Mudros, Lemnos for treatment and then on to Malta (because it probably became very clear that his injury was more serious than the hospital facilities on Lemnos could provide him). His death at the Floriana Military Hospital is described as “GSW Pelvis”. Two transports are listed in his file as getting him off Gallipoli – the ‘Itonus’ and the ‘Gascon’. It’s not clear particularly as which ship got him to Malta although the file states and the odds are it would have been the Gascon as this ship tended to take the more serious injuries. So I’m not clear as to where the Itonus fits in although it could be likely that this is the transport that took him and other members of the Wellington Infantry Battalion to Gallipoli from Alexandria – although 2 companies of the Wellington’s were on board Achaia for this trip – file conflicts on the transport ship detail. Interesting too that his wound is initially described as “slightly wounded.”

He was buried Pieta Cemetery Malta on 16 August 1915.

1 NZEF Form No 1

Cammock, William Rowland

Regiment WIB

Group 6

2 Field Service Army Form B 2090A

Report of Death of a Soldier to be forwarded to the War Office with the least possible delay after receipt of notification of death on Army Form B 213 or Army Form A 36 or from other official documentary sources.

Regiment or Corps Wellington Infantry Battalion

Squadron Troop, Battery or Company 9th Hawkes Bay Coy

Regtl No 10/1060 Rank Lance Corporal

Name Cammock William Rowland

Died Date 16 August 1915

Place Military Hospital Floriana Malta

Cause of Death* wounds received in action

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

Station and date Alexandria 27/11/1915

3 NZEF MEDICAL HISTORY Form No 4

Surname: Cammock

Christian Name: William Rowland

Examined on 14 August 1914 at Hastings

Birthplace Town Woodville Country NZ

Declared age: 20 years 4 months

Trade or occupation: schoolteacher

Height: 5 ft 8 in

Weight: 168 lb

Chest measurement: Min 35 ½ in Max expansion 40 ½ in

Vaccination marks none

When inoculated 2nd Inoc Typh 10/11/14

Enlisted on 14th Day of August 1914 at Hastings

Joined on enlistment Wellington Infantry 10/1060 14 Aug 1914

Personal record

States “Died of GSW Buttock 16.8.15 at Floriana Mil Hosp Malta. Cable 26/11/15”

4 NZEF Attestation form No 2

Name: William Rowland Cammock

No 26/232 WRONG Reg number but it's what's on the file!)

Born: Woodville

British subject - yes

Date of birth: 1st May 1894

Name and address at which you resided: School House

Passed the Fourth Educational standard or its equivalent: yes

What is the name and address of present or last employer: HB Education Board

Are you married: “No”

Do you now belong to any military or naval force? Not yet. Transferred to B Coy.

Have you ever served in any military or naval force? If so to what corp.? Semon? Cadets 1 yr Territorial

Signed by Cammock and Russell Cook, Witness, at Hastings on 14 Aug 1914.

Attesting officer R B N (illegible) Lieut

Description on William Rowland Cammock on enlistment

Apparent age: 20 years 4 months

Trade or occupation: schoolteacher

Height: 5 feet 8 inches

Weight: 168 lb

Chest Measurements: Min 35 ½ Max 40½ inches

Complexion: Dark

Colour of eyes: Blue

Colour of hair: D Brown

Religious profession: Ch of England

Vaccination marks: none

Enlisted on 14th Day of August 1914 at Hastings

Joined on enlistment Wellington Infantry 10/1060 14 Aug 1914

All other descriptions re ears, eyes, heart etc described as “normal.”

Ernest Boxsy? Medical Officer

Date 24 Aug 1914

Plaque and Scroll

Soldier’s name: Cammock, Wm Rowland

Reg No 10/1060

Roll No 501867

Scroll despatched 31 May 1921

Plague 12 Jan 1922

Recipient and address Mr Chas Cammock Kiritaki Dannevirke (Father)

Written down left hand side cert posted 25.7.22

Wounds

16.8.15 Wnd buttock

1.9. (Note only date shown as is) Malta Disemb Malta Hosp Ship ‘Itonus’ Slightly wounded (Note: See reference to Gascon)

Died at Mil Hosp Malta 16/8/15 GSW Pelvis Buried Pieta Cemetery Malta

5 Casualty Form – Active Service Army form B 103

Regiment or Corp WIB

Regimental No 10/1060 Rank Lance Corporal Name Cammock William Rowland

Enlisted (a) 14.8.14 Terms of Service (a) period of war service reckons from (A) ?

The following information is set out in a table as follows: Date; From Whom Received; Record of promotions etc; place; date; remarks taken from Army From B 213 Army Form A 26, or other official documents: (A blank indicates no data provided). The first date is when an event was recorded and the second date when it happened.

23.5.15; O/C WIB; Appointed Lance Corporal; Dardanelles; 12.5.15; -

-; -; Missing; Dardanelles; 8.8.15; -

-; -; -; Mudros; 10.8.15; GSW Buttock

16.8.15; HS Gascon (Note see reference to Itonus); Disembark & admitted hospital; Malta; 16.8.15; GSW Buttock

-; -; Died at Military Hospital; Floriana Malta; GSW pelvis

Signed N Fitzherbert Capt OC Records Section New Zealand

For AAG BHQ 3rd Echelon MEF

Reference source

Agency AABK

Series 18805

Accession W5530

Box / item 36

Record 0022087

Zack

[ZackNZ]

Wayne

Information on Trooper John Joseph Bryant (11/862) of the Wellington Mounted Rifles for you.

This is file is 16 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm.

In total there are 8 main documents (1 to 8) of interest with the usual inserts on the original file. The order of the document / information below is in the order of the files.

Overview

John Joseph Bryant was born in Dunedin, New Zealand on 3 Dec 1889. He was a farrier by occupation and worked for the New Zealand Railways. (A farrier would have been very useful to have in world war one given the use of horses, particularly in some campaigns.)

He was single and after a medical clearance on the 4 December 1914 he attested at Trentham, New Zealand on 18 December 1914. Prior to enlisting he was a member of the Hibernian Cadets in Dunedin for 9 months and his rank was Lieutenant. On enlistment he joined B Squadron Wellington Mounted Rifles 4th Reinforcements. His apparent age on enlistment was 25 years. He was 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed 12 st 6 lb. His complexion was fair and his colour of eyes blue, and colour of hair fair. His religious profession was Roman Catholic.

He left New Zealand on HMNZT 22 – ‘Knight Templar’ - OC Troops Major Beattie; Ship’s Master F Haworth. This ship was one of three that transported the 4th reinforcements (2,254 troops) from New Zealand on 17 April 1915 to Suez arriving on 25 May 1915. The other two 4th reinforcements transports were Willochra (no 21) and Waitoma (no 23). The 4ths arrived at Anzac Cove on 7 June 1915. John Bryant would have been involved in some significant action on Gallipoli. I haven’t had time to check out Wilkie’s Official War History of the Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment, 1914-1919 yet – again one of the pals might be able to assist.

On 13 November 1915 John Bryant was transported from Gallipoli to Mudros because he was sick and obviously his condition was such that on 28 November 1915 he was transported from Mudros to Malta on the Hospital Ship Gloucester where he was admitted to St Patrick’s Military Hospital where he died of enteric on 3 December 1915.

His file states that he is buried in Imtarfa Cemetery Malta.

Interesting to note that his file records he was inoculated against typhoid on 1 March 1915, 24 March 1915 and vaccinated on 22 April 1915. All to little avail it seems.

John Bryant’s file states that he was mentioned in despatches but there is no other reference date provided. I don’t know about you but I find the London Gazette on line a very difficult beasties to circumnavigate and I couldn’t find any reference to him – not to say there isn’t one though. Again perhaps one of the other pals can find him?

As the file is large I will make two enteries.

Cheers

Zack

[ZackNZ]

1 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)

NOTE: Two of these forms exist.

Unit: WMR

Rank: Trooper

Surname: Bryant

Christian Name: John Joseph

No: 11/862

Occupation: Farrier

Religion: Roman Catholic

Place of Birth: Dunedin

Date of Birth: 3 December 1889

Last New Zealand address: Railway Station, Greatford

Last employer: New Zealand Railways

Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): Mrs E A Bryant (mother) Kenmure Rd Mornington Dunedin (two other roads are crossed out i.e. Lower Kaikorai Wisbrick Rd and District Rd Mornington

Service

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

New Zealand; 14/12/14; 17.4.15

Foreign; 17.4.15; 3.12.15

Malta; Died Enteric; 3.12.15

Medal action

Surname: Bryant

Christian names: John

Rank shown on discharge certificate: At death Trooper

Country resident in: In case of death, country next of kin are resident in: NZ

Casualty or reason for discharge: Died of disease

Legatee and address:

Nominated next-of-kin, relationship and address

Legal next of kin, relationship and address: Mrs E A Bryant (mother) Kenmure Rd Mornington

On this form it shows that the following service medals were issued: 1914 – 25 Star, British War Medal,

Victory Medal and 4 blue Service Chevrons.

It is on this form that against the line ‘Mudros’ it is written that he was ‘Mentioned in Despatches’ “London Gazette.”

The form is stamped: “MEDAL ACTION COMPLETE 21 SEPT 1923”

Sick

Died of wounds/ sickness 712, 4.12.15 Died of Enteric Malta 3rd Dec 1915 Buried Imtarfa Cemetery Malta

Pension Advise medals auth to Mrs E A Bryant (M) Kenmure Rd Mornington Dunedin 9.9.21

2 ARMY FORM B 103 Casualty Form – Active Service

Regimental Number 11/862

Regiment or Corps NZ Well M R

Rank Trooper Surname Bryant John Joseph

Enlisted (a) 14.12.14 Terms of Service (a) end of war Service reckons from (a) 14.12.14

The data on this form is recorded in order: Date; From whom received; Record of promotions, reductions, transfers, causalities &c active service as reported on Army Form B 213, Army Form A33 and in other official documents; Place of casualty; Date of Casualty and Remarks Taken from Army Form B213, Army For A 35 or other official documents:

14.11.15; O/C WMR; Posted to unit; Mudros; 13.11.15; B213

28.11.15; St Patricks Mil Hos; Admit sick; Malta; 28.11.15; F260 ASW 3034 Ex H S Gloucester Castle

5.12.15; Commandant Malta; Died of enteritis; Malta; 3.12.15; Cable No 349 ml II

E 1512

Signed N Fitzherbert

DATE STAMPED “Defence Base 16 Feb 1916 Records Received.”

3 STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF No 11/862 NAME: Bryant John Joseph

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

B Squadron W M R 4th Rfts; Blank; Trooper; 14/12/14; C E Clifton Capt

(Surname CLIFTON

Given Name Charles Ernest

Category Nominal Roll Vol. 1

Regimental Number 11/944

Rank Captain

Body or Draft Fourth

Unit or Regiment Wellington Mounted Rifles

Marital Status M

Last NZ Address Main St Pahiatua

Next of Kin Title Mrs A I

Next of Kin Surname CLIFTON

Next of Kin Relationship Wife

Next of Kin Address Cliftondale Pahiatua)

4 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (Form No 3

Military History Sheet

No 11/862

Name John Joseph Bryant

Information in order: Statement (1 and 10 only – rest is blank) Country; From; To; Years; Days; Initials of Officer

making Entry:

1 Service record: New Zealand; 14/12/14; 16/4/15; blank; 124 days; illegible initial

1 Service record: Foreign Service; 17/4/15; blank; blank; blank; blank

10 Name and address of next of kin; (Mother) Mrs E A Bryant Lower Kaikorai Dunedin; blank; blank; blank; blank; blank

(Pity you can’t show tables in this format.)

Intended place of residence on discharge: New Zealand

5 PLAQUE AND SCROLL

Soldier’s name: Bryant John Jos Reg No 11/862

Roll No 501598

Scroll despatched (Date) 28 May 1921

Plaque 27 Jan 1922

Recipient and address: Mrs E A Bryant Kenmure. Mornington Dunedin

6 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)

NOTE: This form is very faded and difficult to read

ATTESTATION OF

No 11/862

Name Bryant John Joseph

Regiment or Unit: WIR

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

1 What is your name? John Joseph Bryant

2 Where were you born? Dunedin

3 Are you a British subject? Yes

4 What is the date of your birth? Dec 3 1889

5 What is your trade or calling? Farrier

6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? No

7 What was the address at which you last resided? Railway Station Greatford

8 Have you passed the Fourth Educational Standard or its equivalent? Yes

9 What is the name and address of your present or last employer?

10 Are you married? No

11 Have you ever been sentenced to imprisonment by the Civil power? If so, when and where? No

12 Do you now belong to any military or naval force? If so to what corps? No

13 Have you ever served in any military or naval force? If so state which and cause of discharge. Hibernian Cadets Dunedin 9 months rank Lieut

14 Have you truly stated the whole (if any) of your previous service? Yes

15 Have you been registered for compulsory military training under the Defence Act 1909? If so, where?

16 Have you ever been rejected as unfit for the military or naval forces of the Crown? If so, on what grounds? No

17 Are you willing to be vaccinated or revaccinated? Yes

18 Are you willing to serve in the Expeditionary Force in or beyond the Dominion of New Zealand under the following conditions, provided your services should so long be required: For the term of the present European war and for such further period as is necessary to bring the Expeditionary Force back to New Zealand and to disband it? Yes

NOTE – Your discharge will not be granted before your return to New Zealand unless permission for discharge elsewhere be obtained from the GOC the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

I Bryant John Joseph do solemnly declare that the above answers made by me to the above questions are true, and that I am willing to fulfil the engagement made.

Signature of Recruit John Joseph Bryant

Signature of Witness illegible

Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation

I, Bryant, John Joseph, do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to our Sovereign Lord the King, his Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully serve in the New Zealand Military Forces, according to my liability under the Defence Act, and that I will observe and obey all order of His Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, and of the Generals and Officers set over me, until I shall be lawfully discharged So help me, God.

Certificate of Magistrate or Attesting Officer

The above questions were read to the above recruit in my presence. I have taken care that he understands each question, and that his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to, and the said recruit has made and signed the declaration and taken the oath before me at Trentham , NZ on this 18 day of December 1914

Signature of Attesting Officer illegible

If any alteration is required on this page of the Attestation, the Attesting Officer should be requested to make it and initial the alteration.

Description of John Joseph Bryant on Enlistment

Apparent age: 25 years - months

Height: 5 feet 9 inches

Weight: 12 st 6 lb

Chest measurement Minimum 36 inches Maximum 41 inches

Complexion: Fair

Colour of eyes: Blue

Colour of hair: Fair

Religious profession: Roman Catholic

Medical Examination

Sight: right eye Normal

Sight: Left eye Normal

Hearing: Right ear Normal

Hearing: Left ear Normal

Colour vision good

Are his limbs well formed? Yes

Are the movements of all his joints full and perfect? Yes

Is his chest well formed? Yes

Is his heart normal? Yes

Are his lungs normal? Yes

What is the condition of his teeth? Good

Is he free from hernia? Yes

Is he free from varicocele? Yes

Is he free from varicose veins? Yes

Is he free from haemorrhoids? Yes

Is he free from inveterate or contagious skin disease? Yes

Is there a distinct mark of vaccination? Yes

Is he in good bodily and mental health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the efficient performance of his duties? Yes

Are there any slight defects, but not sufficient to cause rejection? No

Remarks

Fit

Certificate of Medical Examination

I have examined the above named, and find he does not present any of the causes of rejection specified in the Regulations for Army Medical Services.

I consider him fit for service in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

4 Dec 1914

SIGNED S Harman Medical Officer

File is still too big for two postings so I will make another tyhird and last posting on this man.

Zack

[ZackNZ]

Last entry on Bryant

7 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4)

MEDICAL HISTORY

This form is typed – details not shown are not recorded

Of

Surname: Bryant

Christian Name: John Joseph

Examined On 4th day of December , 1914

At Greatford

Birthplace Town Dunedin

Country NZ

Declared age: 25 years

Trade or occupation Farrier

Height: 5 ft 9 in

Weight 12 s 6 lb

Chest measurement Minimum, 36 in Maximum expansion 41 in

Physical development:

Small pox marks:

Vaccination marks Arm Right Left Number

When vaccinated

Marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease: NIL

Approved by S Harman Medical Officer

Examined for re-engagement

Enlisted on 14 day of December 1914, at Trentham (note different date recorded)

Joined on enlistment WMR Regimental No 11/862 Date: 14/12/14

8 Form with no title

While most of this form is blank the highlights are:

Station or Troopship: Trentham; Date Arrival at the Station or of Embarkation: 20/12/14; Inoculated against typhoid 1/3/15 (A W Izard) Inoculated against typhoid 24/3/15 (D Wilson) and Vaccinated 22/4/15 (D Wilson)

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

Source reference:

Agency: AABK

Series: 18805

Accession: W5530

Box / item: 13

Record: 0019705

Zack

[ZackNZ]

Wayne

I'm still reviewing Denniston's file but I came across the following newspaper artciles for you:

SERGEANT DENNISTON ILL

Mr G L Denniston has received a cable message from Dr Barnett that his youngest son, Sergeant Thomas H Denniston, is seriously ill of enteric at Imtarfa Military Hospital, Malta. The last news Mr Denniston had previously received of his son was that he, with other senior medical students, had been recalled by the Government, and it was supposed they were now en route for New Zealand.

Source: Otago Witness 21 July 1915.

CHRISTCHURCH, July 30

Whilst hearing applications in banco at the Supreme Court this morning his Honor Mr Justice Denniston received a telegram announcing the death of his nephew. Thomas Denniston, son of Mr G L Dennison, of Dunedin. Members of the bar noted that after reading the telegram his Honour was much affected, and complete silence supervened for a brief space. His Honor remained with bent head. This is the second nephew of Mr Justice Dennison who has died this month. Early in the month news came to hand that Lieutenant Guy Melland, son of Mr Edward Melland, formerly and for many years resident in Dunedin, had been killed in Flanders. Mr Melland’s wife was a daughter of the later Hon John Bathgate, of Dunedin, and Mrs Denniston is another daughter.

Source: Otago Witness 4 August 1915

SERGEANT T H DENNISON

We regret to report that Mr G L Denniston received advice on Friday by cable from Dr Barnett, at Malta, of the death, from enteric fever, of his youngest son, Thomas Hillier Denniston, sergeant in the New Zealand Medical Corps. Sergeant Dennison was educated in Dunedin, and upon leaving the Otago Boys’ High School entered the service of the New Zealand Insurance Company. This employment, however, he left in order to take up medical studies at the Otago University. He was a four-year student when the war broke out, and he was one of the many University students who unhesitatingly answered the call of their Empire. Enlisting with the Field Ambulance attached to the main body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, he proceeded with the force to Egypt, and thence on to the Dardanelles. It had been anticipated that in pursuance of the desire of the authorities to secure the return of the medical students to New Zealand, Sergeant Denniston would shortly have been on his way back to the dominion, but the receipt several; days ago of a cablegram from Dr Barnett stating that he had been admitted to a military hospital at Malta as an enteric patient indicated that this anticipation was not to be realised. Progress reports from Dr Barnett earlier in the week showed that Sergeant Dennison’s condition was serious. “Tom” Dennison, as he was generally known, was a very popular young fellow, of a most engaging disposition. He was a prominent member, first of the Pirates’ Football Club and subsequently of the University Club, being a particularly useful forward of the dashing type. He was also a capable exponent of boxing, a clever draughtsman, and a skilful amateur musician.

Sergeant Dennison’s letters from the front were always full of interest. In the last that was received from him from Gallipoli Peninsular he gave the following account of an armistice that was arranged on May 24 for the burial of the dead – “This was the most interesting day of my life, I consider. We all went up to the trenches, and were mingling with the Turks quite freely, and saw some German officers. Major O’Neil was talking to a Turkish medical officer, who considered this war was “hell.” The armistice started at 7.30 am and lasted till 4.30 pm. The incessant din in the valley where we are makes hearing difficult at ordinary times, and I cannot tell you how delightfully still everything was from 7.30 onwards – just like a holiday to Turks and colonials alike! The day crept on – a beautiful sunny day. 4.30 came, and the fun started. They were at it hammer and tongs again, machine guns and all. It seems strange that it could not be kept up indefinitely. The Turks are fine big men, swarthy and lithe for the most part, while the German officers are uniformed splendidly, wearing medals for the armistice day. I suppose we shall have another armistice soon, as the Turks’ dead is piling up again. The colonial aim is good.”

Source: Otago Witness 4 August 1915

Cheers

Zack

[ZackNZ]

Wayne

Information on Lance Sergeant Robert Craig (9/262) of the Otago Mounted Rifles for you.

This is file is 15 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm.

In total there are 9 main documents (1 to 9) of interest with the usual inserts on the original file. The order of the document / information below is in the order of the files.

Another larger file so I will post further details separately.

Overview

Robert Craig was born in Dipton, New Zealand on 16 November 1890. He was a farmer by occupation and worked on John Craig’s (father) farm at Caroline, Southland, New Zealand.

Robert was single and after receiving a medical clearance at Invercargill, New Zealand on the 13 August 1914 he attested at Invercargill and joined the Otago Mounted Rifles 7th Squadron on 15 day of August 1914.

His apparent age on enlistment was 23 years and 10 months. He was 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighed 166 lb. His physical development was described as “good.” His complexion was florid and his colour of brown, and the colour of hair dark. His religious profession was Presbyterian. His medical examination describes him as normal in all respects except his teeth are described as “misshapen but good.”

He left New Zealand as part of the Main Body (8,444 troops) on HMNZT 9 – ‘Hawke’s Bay - OC Troops Lt Col Bauchop. CMG; Ship’s Master J C Lidstone. This ship departed Wellington, New Zealand on 16 October 1914 and arrived in Alexandria on 3 December 1914.

On 6 June 1915 he received a temporary appointment to the rank of Lance Sergeant. On enlistment he had been made Acting Sergeant but was reduced to Corporal on 13 October 1914. His file doesn’t reveal why this reduction happened.

Once on Gallipoli (25 April 1915) he fought with the Otago Mounted Rifles and was admitted to the 16th Casualty Clearing Station suffering from enteritis on 15 August 1915. The same day he was transferred to Mudros for treatment but like so many others he was transferred again to Malta on the Hospital Ship Andania where he died from enteric on 22 August 1915. (As an aside the Andania was hit by a torpedo a few miles from Altacarry Light (County Antrim) in 1918.)

His file states that Robert Craig is buried Pieta Cemetery, Malta.

Interesting to note again as for other troops that his file records he was inoculated against typhoid in November 1915 and revaccinated on 12 January 1915. All to little avail it seems.

Zack

[ZackNZ]

Robert Craid 9/262 - 9 documents

1 ARMY FORM B 103

Casualty Form – Active Service

Regimental Number 9/262

Regiment or Corps

Data is in the following order below:

Date; From whom received; Record of promotions, reductions, transfers, causalities &c active service as reported on Army Form B 213, Army Form A33 and in other official documents; Place of casualty; Date of Casualty; Remarks Taken from Army Form B213, Army For A 35 or other official documents:

1.6.15; O/C OMR; Appointed to be L/Sergt; Anzac; 6.6.15; B213 temporary appointment

15.8.15; O/C 16th CCS; Adm 16th CCS; Anzac; 15.8.15; Enteritis

15.8.15; Transferred; Mudros; 15.8.15; A36, A4712

25.8.15; Commandant Malta; Died of enteric, Malta; 22.8.15; Ext cable WB1107 from Cdth Malta 25.8.15 A5155

Signed N FitzHerbert

2 FIELD SERVICE Army Form B2090A

Report of Death of a Soldier to be forwarded to the War Office with the least possible delay after receipt of notification of death on Army Form B 213 or Army Form A 36 or from other official documentary sources.

Regiment or Corps Otago Mounted Rifles Squadron Troop, Battery or Company 7th Squadron

Regtl No 9/262 Rank L/Sergt

Name Craig, Robert

Died Date 22nd August 1915

Place Malta

Cause of Death Enteric

Signature of Officer in charge of Section Adjutant-General’s Office at the Base illegible

Station and date Alexandria 1.10.15 N FitzHerbert Major

3 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORM NO 4)

MEDICAL HISTORY

Of

Surname: Craig

Christian Name: Robert

Examined On 13th day of August, 1914

At Invercargill

Birthplace Town Dipton

Country New Zealand

Declared age: 23 years 10 months

Trade or occupation Farmer

Height: 6 ft 1 in

Weight 166 lb

Chest measurement Minimum, 34 in Maximum expansion 38 in

Physical development: Good

Anti typhoid inoculation 1 & 11?.11.1914

Re- vaccinated on 12 day of Jan, 1915

Approved by Dr Wm Stewart Medical Officer Invercargill

Enlisted on 15 day of August 1914, at Invercargill and joined the Otago Mounted Rifles with Regimental No 9/262.

4 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)

ATTESTATION OF

No 9/262

Name Robert Craig

Regiment or Unit: 7th

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

1 What is your name? Robert Craig

2 Where were you born? Dipton

3 Are you a British subject? Yes

4 What is the date of your birth? 16 November 1890

5 What is your trade or calling? Farmer

6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? No

7 What was the address at which you last resided? Caroline Southland

8 Have you passed the Fourth Educational Standard or its equivalent? Yes

9 What is the name and address of your present or last employer? Not an employee

10 Are you married? No

11 Have you ever been sentenced to imprisonment by the Civil power? If so, when and where? No

12 Do you now belong to any military or naval force? If so to what corps? 7th (S) M R

13 Have you ever served in any military or naval force? If so state which and cause of discharge. No other

14 Have you truly stated the whole (if any) of your previous service? Yes

15 Have you been registered for compulsory military training under the Defence Act 1909? If so, where? Yes

16 Have you ever been rejected as unfit for the military or naval forces of the Crown? If so, on what grounds? No

17 Are you willing to be vaccinated or revaccinated? Yes

18 Are you willing to serve in the Expeditionary Force in or beyond the Dominion of New Zealand under the following conditions, provided your services should so long be required: For the term of the present European war and for such further period as is necessary to bring the Expeditionary Force back to New Zealand and to disband it? Yes

NOTE – Your discharge will not be granted before your return to New Zealand unless permission for discharge elsewhere be obtained from the GOC the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

I Robert Craig do solemnly declare that the above answers made by me to the above questions are true, and that I am willing to fulfil the engagement made.

Signature of Recruit Robert Craig

Signature of Witness D McCurdy Lieut (This man also came from Dipton Southland.)

Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation

I, Robert Craig, do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to our Sovereign Lord the King, his Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully serve in the New Zealand Military Forces, according to my liability under the Defence Act, and that I will observe and obey all order of His Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, and of the Generals and Officers set over me, until I shall be lawfully discharged So help me, God.

Certificate of Magistrate or Attesting Officer

The above questions were read to the above recruit in my presence. I have taken care that he understands each question, and that his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to, and the said recruit has made and signed the declaration and taken the oath before me at Invercargill, NZ on this 15th day of August 1914

Signature of Attesting Officer D McCurdy Lieut

Description of Craig Robert on Enlistment

Apparent age: 23 years 10 months

Height: 6 feet 1 inches

Weight: 166 lb

Chest measurement Minimum 34 inches, Maximum 38 inches

Complexion: Florid

Colour of eyes: Brown

Colour of hair: Dark

Religious profession: Presbyterian

Distinctive marks, and marks indicating congenital peculiarities or previous disease: None

Medical Examination

Sight: right eye 6/6

Sight: Left eye 6/6

Hearing: Right ear Normal

Hearing: Left ear Normal

Colour vision Normal

Are his limbs well formed? Yes

Are the movements of all his joints full and perfect? Yes

Is his chest well formed? Yes

Is his heart normal? Yes

Are his lungs normal? Yes

What is the condition of his teeth? Misshapen but good

Is he free from hernia? Yes

Is he free from varicocele? Moderate left

Is he free from varicose veins? Yes

Is he free from haemorrhoids? Yes

Is he free from inveterate or contagious skin disease? Yes

Is there a distinct mark of vaccination? Yes

Is he in good bodily and mental health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the efficient performance of his duties? Yes

Are there any slight defects, but not sufficient to cause rejection? No

Remarks – None stated

Certificate of Medical Examination

I have examined the above named, and find he does not present any of the causes of rejection specified in the Regulations for Army Medical Services.

I consider him fit for service in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

Aug 13 1914

SIGNED ? W Levant Medical Officer

5 Military History Sheet (Two of these)

No 9/262 Name Craig Robert

Information in order: Statement (1 and 10 only – rest is blank) Country; From; To; Years; Days; Initials of Officer

making Entry:

1 Service record: New Zealand; 15.8.14; 14.10.14; blank; 61 days; initial “A B”

1 Service record: At sea on Transport No 9; 15.10.14; 3.12.14 disembarked Alexandria; blank; 50 days; initial “A B”

1 Service record: Egypt; 4.12.14 – all other columns blank

10 Name and address of next of kin; (Father) John Craig Caroline

Intended place of residence on discharge: Caroline

6 STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF

No 9/262

NAME: Craig R

Data is in the following order below: Regiment of Corps; Promotions, Reductions, Casualties, &c; Rank; Date; Signature of Officer certifying Correctness of Entry:

Otago Mounted Rifles; Acting; Sergt; 15.8.14; H C Glendining Capt

Otago Mounted Rifles; Reduced to; Corpl; 13.10.14; H C Glendining Capt

7 TWO FORMS NOT TITLED

Surname: Craig

Christian Name: Robert

Rank on discharge L/Sergt

Highest rank held L/Sergt

Reg No 9/262

Legatee and address ? The Bush Caroline Southland

Decorations Medals for Gallantry – not shown other than 1 red service chevron.

FILE STAMPED “1 MAY 1920”

Service in NZ prior to entering camp ? days. New Zealand Service 39 Days Overseas 334 days total NZEF service 1 year 8 days

This second form was very hard to read as extremely faded.

8 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)

Unit:7th Sqd OMR

Rank: L/Sergeant

Surname: Craig

Christian Name:

Robert

No: 9/262

Occupation: farmer

Religion: Presbyterian

Place of Birth: Dipton

Date of Birth: 16.11.1890

Last New Zealand address: Caroline Southland

Last employer:

Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): Father John Craig Caroline

Public Trust advise all HS? Gratuity to the sole beneficiary under the will also medals to go to the same beneficiary who is the father Mr John Craig.

Medal action illegible

Service chevron records “4 Blue.”

Sick

Adm 16th CCS Anzac 15.8.15 Enteritis Trans to Mudros 15.8.15

Killed in action AFB IC3 Ent 30.7.17 Died on enteric, on Hosp S Andania Malta 22.8.15

Died of sickness 331 5/10/15 Died on enteric 22nd August 1915

File 30/3/17 Buried in Pieta Cemetery Malta

Pension Adv Medals adv ? to J Craig The Bush Caroline Otago 12/9/21

9 PLAQUE AND SCROLL (Handwritten “cert posted 27.9.22”)

Soldier’s name Craig Robert

Reg No 9/262

Roll No 502788

Scroll despatched (Date) 6 June 1921

Plaque 31 Jan 1922

Recipient and address: Mr John Craig “The Bush” Caroline Southland

Source reference

Agency: AABK

Series: 18805

Accession: W5530

Box / item: 111

Record: 0029575

Zack

[ZackNZ]

Wayne

Information on Private Albert Downes (16/508) of the 1st Maori Contingent for you.

This is file is 20 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm. The quality of the file is very faded in places.

In total there are 8 main documents (1 to 8) of interest with the usual inserts on the original file. The order of the document / information below is in the order of the files.

I will post the file separately as it exceeds the word limits.

Overview

Albert Downes was born in Gisborne, New Zealand on 5 January 1887. He was a Station hand by occupation and worked for W G Armstrong a sheep farmer at Matawai, Gisborne.

He was single and his file records that he enlisted on 30 November 1914; underwent a medical clearance on the 2nd and 10th December 1914 and attested (took the oath) at Avondale Military Camp, Auckland, New Zealand on 10 December 1914. On enlistment he joined the 1st Maori Contingent. His apparent age on enlistment was 27 years and 11 months. He was 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed 11 st 11 lbs. His complexion was dark, his colour of eyes dark, and colour of hair dark. His religious profession was Church of England.

He left New Zealand on HMNZT 20 (‘Warrimoo’) OC Troops W T Pitt; Ship’s Master A M Edwin. This ship transported the 1st Maori Contingent (515 troops) from New Zealand on 14 February 1915 to Suez arriving on 26 March 1915. (The file actually records two dates when he left i.e. 10 and 14 Feb 1915 and arrived Egypt 25 March 1915.) The book Maoris in the Great War by James Cowan (1926) records the following: ‘The Warrimoo sailed from Auckland to Wellington where it arrived on Saturday 13 February 1915. The 1st Maori Contingent paraded in Newtown Park, Wellington New Zealand, for a final review and farewell; and early on the morning of February 14th, the Maori troopship, which was commanded by Captain Edwin, quietly moved out of her Wellington berth and steamed away for Suez via her only Australian port of call, Albany.’ (Cowan, pages, 15 & 16). Interesting to note that there was no warship escort for the Warrimoo (or the other troopships Maunganui, Tahiti, Aparima) on this voyage. After the Maori Contingent disembarked at Suez and entrained for Cairo they were only at Zeitoun Camp for a week before they left on board the transport ‘Runic’ for Malta to begin garrison duty at Ghain Tuffiah Camp (about 16 miles from Valetta.) This posting was not well received the Maoris Contingent as they were keen to join other New Zealanders at Gallipoli. They got their chance and they with Albert Downes left Malta via Alexandria, arrived Mudros on 1 July 1915 and after being transhipped at Mudros to the steamer 'Prince Abbas' they arrived at Anzac on 3rd July 1915.

The Maori Contingent on arrival at Anzac was attached to the New Zealand Mounted Brigade and was sent to No 1 Outpost, which became known as the “Maori Pa.” They were put to work enlarging the sap from the base of Walker’s ridge out to No 2 Outpost so that it would be wide enough to take mules. In early August 1915 the Maori Contingent including Albert Downes were involved in the battle of Sari Bair AKA Chunuk Bair. Albert Downes survived almost two months on Gallipoli but got ill towards the end of August and on 29 August 1915 he was admitted to the Hospital Ship ‘Ionian’ with dysentery and jaundice and transported back to Malta where he died of enteritis on 9 September 1915. The file states that Albert Downes was buried by Chaplain E E Smith and is buried in the Pieta Cemetery Grave No 6 Row 9B.

Cowan has some interesting information on Malta which I will also post separately.

Zack

[ZackNZ]

Downes, Albert 16/508

1 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)

NOTE: There are two of these history sheets on file

Unit: NZ Maori Cont 1st Maori

Rank: Private

Surname: Downes

Christian Name: Albert

No: 16/508

Occupation: Station hand

Religion: Church of England

Place of Birth: Gisborne

Date of Birth: 5.1.87

Last New Zealand address: Matawai Gisborne

Last employer: W G Armstrong Matawai Gisborne

Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): Henry Downes, Senior, (father) Hokianga, Kohukohu

Medal action STAMPED “MEDAL ACTION COMPLETE 2 OCT 1923”

Most details on this part of the form are blank. It records the following:

Legal next of kin, relationship and address: Henry Downes (F) Kohukohu Hokianga

Service

Data is recorded as follows in this section:

New Zealand from 30.11.14 to 14.2.15.

Foreign from 14.2.15

Wounds

No information recorded

Sick

Died of sickness (AFB 103 30/3/17) 17/9/15 Died of Enteric Malta 9th Sept 1915. Grave site: Pieta Cemetery Grave No 6 Row 9B Malta Chap E E Smith

Pension Medals auth for Mr H Downes Kohukohu Hokianga

2 PLAQUE AND SCROLL

Soldier’s name Downes Albert

Reg No 16/508

Roll No 503498

Scroll despatched (Date) 8 June 1921

Plaque 24 Feb 1922

Recipient and address: Mr H Downes, Kohukohu, Hokianga

Written down left hand side “Cert posted 31.8.22.”

3 ARMY FORM B 103

Casualty Form – Active Service

Regiment or Corps New Zealand Maori Contingent

Regimental Number 16/508

Rank Private Name Downes Albert

Enlisted (a) 30.11.14 Terms of Service (a) period of war Service reckons from (a) 30.11.14

The data on this form is recorded in order: Date; From whom received; Record of promotions, reductions, transfers, causalities &c active service as reported on Army Form B 213, Army Form A33 and in other official documents; Place of casualty; Date of Casualty; and Remarks Taken from Army Form B213, Army For A 35 or other official documents:

1.9.15; Hosp Carr “Ionian”; Adm on board; BLANK; 29.8.15; A36 A7645 Enteritis

12.9.15; C/O Malta; Died of enteric; Malta; 9.9.15; Cable C/O Malta WB1454 A8294

Entered on history sheet N Fitz Herbert CAPT OC Records Section New Zealand for AAG GHQ 3rd Echelon MEF

STAMPED: “FILE 17 Nov 1915 CAM”

4 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (Form No 3

Military History Sheet

No 16/508

Name Downes, Albert

Information in order: Statement (1 and 10 only – rest is blank) Country; From; To; Years; Days; Initials of Officer

making Entry:

1 Service record

New Zealand; 30.11.14; 9.2.15; BLANK; 72 days; Illegible initials

New Zealand; HMNZT 20; 10.2.15; 25.3.15; BLANK; 44 days; Illegible initials

Egypt; 26.3.15; 5.4.15; BLANK; 11 days; Illegible initials

10 Name and address of next of kin

Henry Downes, Sen, (Father) Kohukohu, Hokianga

Intended place of residence on discharge: New Zealand

STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF NO 16/508 Name: Downes Albert

Regiment of Corps NZ Maoris Contingent

Rank Private

Dates 30/11/14

Signature of Officer certifying correctness of entries M R Dill

5 MEDICAL HISTORY

Of

Surname: Downes

Christian Name: Albert

Examined On 10 day of Dec, 1914

At Avondale M C (Military Camp)

Birthplace Town Gisborne

Country New Zealand

Declared age: 27 years 11 months

Trade or occupation Station hand

Height: 5 ft 9 in

Weight 11 st 11 lb

Chest measurement Minimum, 33 in Maximum expansion 36 in

Other details on this form are blank.

Enlisted on 30 day of Nov 1914, at Avondale M C

Joined on enlistment New Zealand Maori Contingent

Regimental No 16/508

Date 30.11.14

6 FORM NO TITLE

NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

? RECORD of Downes Pte Albert Registration No 16/508

REGIMENT M Conting (Maori Contingent)

Adm Hos in Malta from HS “Ionian” 1/9/15. Dysentery, & Jaundice. Died Enteric 9/9/15

7 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)

Note this form is mostly typed.

ATTESTATION OF

No 16/508

Name Albert Downes

Regiment or Unit: NZ Maori Contig

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

1 What is your name? Albert Downes

2 Where were you born? Gisborne

3 Are you a British subject? Yes

4 What is the date of your birth? 5/1/1887

5 What is your trade or calling? Station hand

6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? No

7 What was the address at which you last resided? Matawai, Gisborne

8 Have you passed the Fourth Educational Standard or its equivalent? Yes

9 What is the name and address of your present or last employer? W G Armstrong Sheepfarmer Matawai Gisborne

10 Are you married? No

11 Have you ever been sentenced to imprisonment by the Civil power? If so, when and where? No

12 Do you now belong to any military or naval force? If so to what corps? No

13 Have you ever served in any military or naval force? If so state which and cause of discharge. No

14 Have you truly stated the whole (if any) of your previous service? Yes

15 Have you been registered for compulsory military training under the Defence Act 1909? If so, where? No

16 Have you ever been rejected as unfit for the military or naval forces of the Crown? If so, on what grounds? No

17 Are you willing to be vaccinated or revaccinated? Yes

18 Are you willing to serve in the Expeditionary Force in or beyond the Dominion of New Zealand under the following conditions, provided your services should so long be required: For the term of the present European war and for such further period as is necessary to bring the Expeditionary Force back to New Zealand and to disband it? Yes

I Albert Downes do solemnly declare that the above answers made by me to the above questions are true, and that I am willing to fulfil the engagement made.

Signature of Recruit: Albert Downes

Signature of Witness: L G Ashton Lieut

Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation

I, Albert Downes, do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to our Sovereign Lord the King, his Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully serve in the New Zealand Military Forces, according to my liability under the Defence Act, and that I will observe and obey all order of His Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, and of the Generals and Officers set over me, until I shall be lawfully discharged So help me, God.

Certificate of Magistrate or Attesting Officer

The above questions were read to the above recruit in my presence. I have taken care that he understands each question, and that his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to, and the said recruit has made and signed the declaration and taken the oath before me at Avondale Military Camp, NZ on this 10th day of December 1914.

Signature of Attesting Officer L G Ashton, Lieut

If any alteration is required on this page of the Attestation, the Attesting Officer should be requested to make it and initial the alteration.

Description of Albert Downes on Enlistment

Apparent age: 27 years 11 months

Height: 5 feet 9 inches

Weight: 11 st 10 lb

Chest measurement Minimum 33 inches Maximum 34 inches

Complexion: Dark

Colour of eyes: Dark

Colour of hair Dark

Religious profession: C of E

Medical Examination

Sight: right eye Normal

Sight: Left eye Normal

Hearing: Right ear Normal

Hearing: Left ear Normal

Colour vision Normal

Are his limbs well formed? Yes

Are the movements of all his joints full and perfect? Yes

Is his chest well formed? Yes

Is his heart normal? Yes

Are his lungs normal? Yes

What is the condition of his teeth? False upper plate

Is he free from hernia? Yes

Is he free from varicocele? Yes

Is he free from varicose veins? Yes

Is he free from haemorrhoids? Yes

Is he free from inveterate or contagious skin disease?

Is there a distinct mark of vaccination? 3 good marks

Is he in good bodily and mental health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the efficient performance of his duties? Yes

Are there any slight defects, but not sufficient to cause rejection? No

Remarks

Blank

Certificate of Medical Examination

I have examined the above named, and find he does not present any of the causes of rejection specified in the Regulations for Army Medical Services.

I consider him fit for service in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

Dec 2 1914

SIGNED Medical Officer illegible (looks like J W L)

8 FORM NO TITLE

Very faded and records the following details:

New Zealand: 30.11.14

Embarked on Active Service New Zealand: 14.2.15

Egypt up to 18/3/16: 28.3.15

9.9.15 Died of enteric

Service in NZ prior to entering camp ? days NZ Service 76 Days, Overseas 208 days, total NZEF service - year 284 days.

Source reference

Agency: AABK

Series: 18805

Accession: W5537

Box / item: 47

Record: 0035181

Zack

[ZackNZ]

Captain F Burton Mabin

Wayne

This may interest you:

“At Malta, a valuable officer of the Contingent, Captain F Burton Mabin (later Lieut Colonel), Paymaster, was seconded for duty in charge of a large convalescent camp, at the request of the Governor of the island. Field-Marshall Lord Methuen, who desired a colonial officer to take charge, as there were so many New Zealand and Australian troops constantly arriving. The New Zealand GOC General Godley, approved of this appointment, and for three years Lieut-Colonel Mabin carried out his duties as camp commandant – he was in charge of six camps at various times – and he was cordially thanked for his services by the Government and by the Colonial soldiers under his care. Malta at this time was an immensely important and busy place. There were at one time two hundred different units of the Empire and Allies in the camp under Lieut-Colonel Mabin’s command.”

Source: The Maoris in the Great War by James Cowan, Chapter 3, page 24

Surname MABIN

Given Name Frederick Burton

Category Nominal Roll Vol. 1

Regimental Number 16/544

Rank Captain

Body or Draft First Maori

Unit or Regiment Headquarters

Marital Status M

Last NZ Address Defence Depot Wellington

Next of Kin Title Mrs Beatrice Constance

Next of Kin Surname MABIN

Next of Kin Relationship Wife

Next of Kin Address C/- J Kelling Nile St East Nelson

Source: Nominal Roll

Zack

[ZackNZ]

Re Albert Downes

I also meant to add two other details for you on Albert Downes.

One that in the Nominal rolls of the Maori Contingents and Reinforcements 1914 - 1918 Albert is listed in B Company.

Officers in B Company:

Captain William Tutepuaki 16/499, (Civil Servant) NOK Mrs K R Pitt, care of W Rogers, Ohinemutu

Lieut James Paumea Ferris 16/50, (Sheep farmer) NOK C W Ferris jun Wainui Gisborne

Lieutenant Albert Edward Mills Jones 16/538, (Schoolmaster), NOK Mrs E Jones, 3 Kingsdale Road, Mosely Hill, Liverpool, England

William Houkamau Stainton 16/90 (Teacher) NOK W G Stainton, Gwavis, Tikokino

2nd Lieutenant Autini Pitara Kaipara 16/10 (interpreter) NOK Monica Kaipara, Waiotapu

Two that Albert’s younger brother Arthur Owen Downes (22 years) was killed in action on 27 August 1915 in the second assault on Hill 60.

Surname DOWNES

Given Name Arthur Owen

Category Nominal Roll Vol. 1

Regimental Number 13/680

Rank Trooper

Body or Draft Second

Unit or Regiment Auckland Mounted Rifles

Marital Status S

Last NZ Address Kawakawa

Next of Kin Title Henry

Next of Kin Surname DOWNES

Next of Kin Address Kohukohu Hokianga

Source: Nominal Rolls

What a horrible thing war is!

Zack

[ZackNZ]

Robert Craig 9/262

Wayne I tried to access Robert Craig's probate file which is listed and was advised that it is "missing." Apparently there is a whole box of Wellington probate files officially missing! So I got an apology but no file.

Sorry!

Zack

[ZackNZ]

Probate file of Jack Ford also known as John Ford 10/1485

Wayne

Below is the probate record for Jack/John Ford / Wade. Please note that there is no schedule annexed and marked “B” on this file. Disappointing!

17972

In the Supreme Court of New Zealand

Wellington District

IN THE MATTER of the Public Trust Office Act 1906; and its Amendments; and

IN THE MATTER of the Will of Jack Ford also known as John Ford, late of Wanganui, in the Provincial District of Wellington Labourer, but at his death a soldier in His Majesty’s New Zealand Expeditionary Force, deceased (hereinafter called “the said deceased.”)

WHEREAS it has been reported to the Public Trustee, and he has reasonable cause of belief that the said deceased died on or about the 3rd day of July, 1915: AND WHEREAS the Public Trustee, after due enquiries, believes that the document hereto annexed and marked “A”, and bearing date the 14th day of December, 1914, is the last Will and testament of the said deceased, and that such Will has been validly executed according to the laws governing the execution of wills: AND WHEREAS the Public Trustee is the executor in the said Will: AND WHEREAS, as now known, the real and personal estate of the said deceased is set forth in the schedule hereto annexed and marked “B”, and the gross value of the same does not exceed the sum of 400: AND WHEREAS probate of the said will has not been obtained: NOW, THIS IS TO NOTIFY all whom

It may concern that, in pursuance of section 18 of the Public Trust Office Amendment Act, 1913, the Public Trustee being so entitled DOTH HEREBY ELECT TO ADMINISTER the property of the said deceased, according to the provisions of such Will.

AS WITNESS the hand and corporate seal of the duly appointed the Public Trustee, this 2nd day of November 1915.

Signed - The public Trustee by his deputy T S Ronaldson Deputy Public Trustee

ANNEX “A”

THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me JACK FORD also known as JOHN FORD of Wanganui in the Provincial District of Wellington and Dominion of New Zealand, Labourer.

1 I REVOKE all prior wills and I APPOINT THE PUBLIC TRUSTEE of the Dominion of NZ to be executor of this my will.

2 I GIVE DEVISE AND BEQUEATH the whole of my estate both real and personal and whatsoever nature and wheresoever situate unto my sister MRS JAMES THOMAS 550 James Street North, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada absolutely.

AS WITNESS my hand this fourteenth day of December, one thousand nine hundred and fourteen.

SIGNED AND ACKNOWLEDGED by the said

JACK FORD also known as JOHN FORD

as and for his last will and testament

in the presence of us together

present at the same time who in his presence

at his request and in the presence of each other

have hereunto subscribed our names as witness.

Illegible name

Civil Servant

Wanganui

J L McGinley

Civil Servant

Wanganui

Reference source

Agency AAOM

Series 6029

Accession W3265

Box / item -

Record 17972/1915

Zack

[ZackNZ]

Wayne

Information on Sergeant Stuart Charles Everett (7/194) of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles for you.

This file is 13 pages of photocopy print out from microfilm.

In total there are 7 main documents (1 to 7) of interest with the usual inserts on the original file. The order of the document / information below is in the order of the files.

Overview

Stuart Charles Everett was born in Riwaka, New Zealand on 25th Sept 1893. He was a fruit grower by occupation and worked for his father Horatio E Everett, Umukuri. There seems to be a number of Everett’s in the fruit growing industry in the same area as the nominal roll records – another story I expect.

The file refers to the spelling of his first name as both ‘Stewart’ and ‘Stuart.’ He signed his name on forms as “Stuart C Everett.” Someone entering data on the History Sheet (EF Form No 3A) wrote, ““Graves” advise spelling of name is “Stewart.” (I wonder who the quoted authority “Graves” was?) Anyway probably safer to use the spelling “Stuart” in respect to how the man actually signed his name.

Stuart Everett was single and he attested at Nelson, New Zealand on 14 August 1914. Prior to enlisting he was a member of the 10th Nelson Mounted Rifles. On enlistment he joined Canterbury Mounted Rifles. His apparent age on enlistment was 21 years. He was 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 133 lb. His complexion was fair and his colour of eyes blue, and colour of hair fair. His religious profession was protestant.

Stuart Everett clearly had leadership qualities as he was given a Corporal rank on attesting and was promoted to sergeant on 10 September 1914.

He left New Zealand with the Main Body on HMNZT No 11 (Athenic) - OC Troops Col A H Russell; Ship’s Master J E Crossland. This ship was one of 10 that transported the Main Body (8,444 troops) from New Zealand, departing Wellington on 16 October 1914 arriving Suez on 3 December 1914. He was based at Zeitoun, Egypt prior to departing for Mudros and Gallipoli.

Stuart Everett landed at Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915 and lasted 87 days on Gallipoli before illness hit him. On 20 July 1915 he was admitted to the 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station suffering from gastro enteritis, transferred to a fleetsweeper and transported the same day from Gallipoli to Malta, where he died of enteric 11 days later on 31 July 1915.

I’m seeking out some newspaper references for you on this man as he was apparently a well-known rugby / tennis player and there are likely to be local newspaper references to his death.

1 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form No 1

Personal Record of Registration No 7/194

NAME Everett Stuart Charles

Regiment CANT MR

Group: 12

Number: BLANK

Previous Papers: BLANK

Subsequent papers BLANK

Note “Died of Enteric July 30th 1915

2 Military History Sheet

No 7/194

Name Everett Stuart Charles

This form is mostly blank. It records the following:

10 Name and address of next of kin Horatio Everett (father) Umukuri Motueka, NZ

Single

Intended place of residence on discharge: Motueka, NZ

3 FORM - NO TITLE

This form is badly faded and can’t read be mostly except at the bottom of the page the following is recorded:

New Zealand Service 40 Days. Overseas 312 days total NZEF service - year 352 days

4 NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ATTESTATION (FORM No 2)

ATTESTATION OF

No 7/194

Name Everett Stuart C

Regiment or Unit: 10th Regiment MR

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

1 What is your name? Stuart Charles Everett

2 Where were you born? Riwaka

3 Are you a British subject? Yes

4 What is the date of your birth? 25th Sept 1893

5 What is your trade or calling? Fruit grower

6 Are you an indentured apprentice? If so where and to whom? No

7 What was the address at which you last resided? Umukuri

8 Have you passed the Fourth Educational Standard or its equivalent? Yes

9 What is the name and address of your present or last employer? H E Everett Umukuri

10 Are you married? No

11 Have you ever been sentenced to imprisonment by the Civil power? If so, when and where? No

12 Do you now belong to any military or naval force? If so to what corps? 10th Nelson M R

13 Have you ever served in any military or naval force? If so state which and cause of discharge. No

14 Have you truly stated the whole (if any) of your previous service? Yes

15 Have you been registered for compulsory military training under the Defence Act 1909? If so, where? Yes

16 Have you ever been rejected as unfit for the military or naval forces of the Crown? If so, on what grounds? No

17 Are you willing to be vaccinated or revaccinated? Yes

18 Are you willing to serve in the Expeditionary Force in or beyond the Dominion of New Zealand under the following conditions, provided your services should so long be required: For the term of the present European war and for such further period as is necessary to bring the Expeditionary Force back to New Zealand and to disband it? Yes

NOTE – Your discharge will not be granted before your return to New Zealand unless permission for discharge elsewhere be obtained from the GOC the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

I Stuart C Everett do solemnly declare that the above answers made by me to the above questions are true, and that I am willing to fulfil the engagement made.

Signature of Recruit Stuart C Everett

Signature of Witness L L illegible?

Oath to be taken by recruit on attestation

I, Stuart C Everett, do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to our Sovereign Lord the King, his Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully serve in the New Zealand Military Forces, according to my liability under the Defence Act, and that I will observe and obey all order of His Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, and of the Generals and Officers set over me, until I shall be lawfully discharged So help me, God.

Certificate of Magistrate or Attesting Officer

The above questions were read to the above recruit in my presence. I have taken care that he understands each question, and that his answer to each question has been duly entered as replied to, and the said recruit has made and signed the declaration and taken the oath before me at Nelson, NZ on this 14 day of August 1914

Signature of Attesting Officer illegible Major

If any alteration is required on this page of the Attestation, the Attesting Officer should be requested to make it and initial the alteration.

Description of Stuart C Everett on Enlistment

Apparent age: 21 years - months

Height: 5 feet 6 inches

Weight: 133 lb

Chest measurement Minimum 33 inches Maximum 36 inches

Complexion: Fair

Colour of eyes: Blue

Colour of hair: Fair

Religious profession: Protestant

All other aspects of the medical examination like eyesight, hearing, heart etc is described as “normal.” Teeth were described as “good.”

Remarks

Certificate of Medical Examination

I have examined the above named, and find he does not present any of the causes of rejection specified in the Regulations for Army Medical Services.

I consider him fit for service in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

BLANK DATE 19 BLANK YEAR

SIGNED P? A Gibbs Medical Officer (Percy?)

5 Casualty Form – Active Service

NOTE: Written on an angle across top right of this word are the words: “A2/54 Cable from Malta WB777 dated 3/8/15 ”

Regiment Canterbury Mounted Rifles 10th

Regimental Number 7/194

Rank Sergt Name Everett Stuart Charles

Enlisted (a) 14.8.14 Terms of Service (a) Period of war Service reckons from (a) 14.8.14

Date of promotion to present rank 10.9.14

The data on this form is recorded in order: Date; From whom received; Record of promotions, reductions, transfers, causalities &c active service as reported on Army Form B 213, Army Form A33 and in other official documents; Place of casualty; Date of Casualty and Remarks Taken from Army Form B213, Army For A 35 or other official documents:

25/7/15; 1st Aust CCS; Admitd Gastro enteritis transf to fleetsweeper; Anzac; 20.7.15; A36 C2609

3.8.15; Malta; Died of enteric; Malta; 31.7.15; Ext Cable WB 777 from Cdt Malta 3/8/15 A2154

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

File Stamped “Entered on history sheet MW 20.3.17”

6 Military History Sheet

No 7/194

Name Everett Stuart Charles

Information in order: Statement (1 and 10 only – rest is blank) Country; From; To; Years; Days; Initials of Officer

making Entry:

1 Service record: New Zealand; 14/8/14; 14.10.14; -; 62 days

1 Service record: At sea T No 11; 15/10/14; Disembarked Alexandria 3/12/14; -; 50 days

1 Service record: Egypt; 4/12/14; all other columns blank

10 Name and address of next of kin: Father Horatio Everett Umukuri Motueka NZ - Notify A B Everett, Sheriff Auttran? (interesting reference this one!)

Single

Intended place of residence on discharge: Motueka NZ

STATEMENT OF THE SERVICE OF No 7/194

NAME: Everett Stuart Charles

NOTE: There are two of these.

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

One

Cant Mtd Rifles; - ; Attested; 14/8/14; D B B

Cant Mtd Rifles; - ; Corp; 14/8/14; D B B

Cant Mtd Rifles; - ; Promoted to; Sergt; 10.9.14; D B B

Two

CMR; Died of enteric; Sgt; 31/7/15; -

7 HISTORY SHEET (EF Form No 3A)

Unit: CMR

Rank: Sgt

Surname: Everett

Christian Name: Stuart Charles (Written “Graves” advise spelling of name is “Stewart”)

No: 7/194

Occupation: Fruit grower

Religion: Protestant

Place of Birth: Riwaka

Date of Birth: 25/9/1893

Last New Zealand address: Umukuri Motueka

Last employer: H Everett

Name, relationship of next of kin (if not resident in New Zealand, insert also name and address of nearest relative in New Zealand): Horatio Everett Motueka (Father)

Medal action

STAMPED “Medal action complete 4 Oct 1923”

All blank except for

Legatee and address: H Everett (F) Umukuri Nelson

Legal next of kin, relationship and address: H Everett (F) Umukuri Nelson

Service

NZ 14.8.16 to 16.10.14

Foreign 16.1014

Sick

The following section has information in order: No; Date; Where soldier located; Message and remarks:

AFB 103; 25.7.15; Anzac; Adm 1st C Clg Station 20/7/15 Gastro Enteritis

AFB 103; 25.7.15; Anzac; Trans to Fleetsweeper 20/7/15

The following is also recorded:

Died of sickness AFB Ent 20/3/17 Died of Enteric Fever at Malta July 31st 1915

31/7/15 of enteric in Egypt

Buried Pieta Cemetery

Intended address Motueka NZ

Medals Auth to Mr H Everett (F) Umukuri Nelson 15.9.21

PLAQUE AND SCROLL

Soldier’s name Everett, Charles Stuart

Reg No 7/194

Roll No 503905

Scroll despatched (Date) 13 Jun 1921

Plaque 10 Jan 1922

Recipient and address: Mr H Everett Umukuri Nelson

Written down left hand side of form: “Cert posted 13.9.22 GLB”

Reference source

Agency: AABK

Series: 18805

Accession: W5537

Box / item: 81

Record: 0038540

Zack