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McNeice NZ soldier


Desmond7

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Grateful for any more on this man from an NZ angle.

post-1582-1159813677.jpg

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On my database .. but family wondered if he was on any NZ memorial?

post-1582-1159813850.jpg

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McNIECE , John Alexander Pte. Otago Regiment, N.Z.E.F. 3rd Bn. KIA: 15th October 1917.Service No: 45107. Aged 30.Son of John and Esther McNiece, of Ballymatoskerty, Toome, Co. Antrim. Ireland. Comm. Tyne Cot Memorial.

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McNIECE , John Alexander Pte. Otago Regiment, N.Z.E.F. 3rd Bn. KIA: 15th October 1917.Service No: 45107. Aged 30.Son of John and Esther McNiece, of Ballymatoskerty, Toome, Co. Antrim. Ireland. Comm. Tyne Cot Memorial.

From the Nominal Rolls

Surname MCNIECE

Given Name John Alexander

Category Nominal Roll Vol. 3

Regimental Number 45107

Rank Sergeant

Next of Kin Title S

Next of Kin Surname MCNIECE

Next of Kin Relationship Brother

Next of Kin Address Pongakawa Bay of Plenty

Roll 62

Page 13

Occupation Constable

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He's probably on a memorial somewhere in Southland since that appears to be where he served with the Police force, and the Otago regiment included men from Southland within its boundaries.

However, I couldn't tell you where in Southland his name might appear, because 'Invercargill District Police' might not actually mean Invercargill itself. Although possibly the most likely place might be the Invercargill cenotaph. This is a list of some of the memorials down there: Southland Memorials.

Allie

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The Auckland Museum cenotaph database is no help - it has no other information at all.

Surname: McNeice

Forenames: John Alexander

Rank Last Held: Private

Serial No.: 45107

War: World War I (WWI), 1914-1918

Date of Death: 15 October 1917

Year of Death: 1917

Place of Death: France

Cause of Death: Died of wounds

Unit Last: Otago Infantry Regiment

Allie

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Thank you so much for your help Alie. The family also have various other items relating to him so I'll put them a little package together with details of action etc.

Cheers again.

Des

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Please don't worry - I'll have more than enough for the people!

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Hi,

You may not be aware, but his date of death 15th October 1917 may be significant. The Otago battalions were put into action on the 12th of October 1917 at Passchendaele. That day was to become the worst day in New Zealands Military History, the 2nd Brigade was virtualy wiped out with over 1000 killed and a further 2000 wounded. Mcneice may have been in this attack, if so, he was part of a real disaster.

Best regards Aaron.

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Hi Des

The Cap badge & dogs are the 25th Reinforcement cap with Maori warriors holding crossed "Taiaha", (carved spear type weapon) Maori motto "Kia Toa" (Be Brave), the collar dogs are Maori warriors facing each other.

The 25th Reinforcement embark from NZ on the Ship Tofua (2,187 men) OC troops, Capt. F Paterson, Ships Master D.Todd, Left N.Z. 26th April 1917,disembarktion Plymouth 19th July 1917.

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Thanks to all who have chipped i here. Top class troops.

Alie - Pmd ya back. Amazed.

But when you meet descendants it is always brilliant to receive a new picture and then be able to give more info back!

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