bghh Posted 27 January , 2008 Share Posted 27 January , 2008 my wife and her family from NZ are coming over to see the grave of Great Uncle Noel Hamilton, of the 2nd Bn, Wellington regiment N.Z.E.F. he died on march 27th 1918, and is buried at Euston Road Cemetery. Does anyone have any idea where he may have died, and where his Bn. were fighting. I would be most grateful for any information. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZackNZ Posted 28 January , 2008 Share Posted 28 January , 2008 Some information for you: Nominal Roll: Surname HAMILTON Given Name Noel Category Nominal Roll Vol. 3 Regimental Number 39527 Rank Private Next of Kin Title Mrs C A Next of Kin Surname HAMILTON Next of Kin Relationship Mother Next of Kin Address Ruataniwha via Waipawa Roll Roll 52 Page Page 9 Occupation Clerk CWGC http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_detail...casualty=524810 Auckland Cenotaph site: http://muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/c...OriginalID=6214 His file is at Archives which will give some clue as to where he was at the time. If you are not in a hurry I will take a quick look for you. Zack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alliekiwi Posted 28 January , 2008 Share Posted 28 January , 2008 Hi, there. Welcome to the board. From the Commonwealth War Graves Commision page about the cemetery: Colincamps and "Euston", a road junction a little east of the village, were within the Allied lines before the Somme offensive of July 1916. The cemetery was started as a front line burial ground during and after the unsuccessful attack on Serre on 1 July, but after the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in March 1917 it was scarcely used. It was briefly in German hands towards the end of March 1918, when it marked the limit of the German advance, but the line was held and pushed forward by the New Zealand Division allowing the cemetery to be used again for burials in April and May 1918. The cemetery is particularly associated with three dates and engagements; the attack on Serre on 1 July 1916; the capture of Beaumont-Hamel on 13 November 1916; and the German attack on the 3rd New Zealand (Rifle) Brigade trenches before Colincamps on 5 April 1918. The whole of Plot I, except five graves in the last row, represents the original cemetery of 501 graves. After the Armistice, more than 750 graves were brought in from small cemeteries in the neighbouring communes and the battlefields. Your great uncle has an interesting date of death in that he died near the end of March 1918 when the area he is buried in was falling into German hands. I think there are two possibilities: he died in the fighting when the Germans were making their advance on the area, or he died elsewhere and his body was one of those moved to the cemetary after the war. As he's in Plot III, not Plot I, this second suggestion seems the more likely. One way to find out may be to get hold of his war service record to check - it should say on it where he was originally buried. Another is that some kind person might have the war diaries for his Batt for that time period to find out where they were fighting at the time. Sadly, I don't have it, nor the official history of the Wellington Regiment... I don't think. Will check. Edit nope, sorry - I have the Wellington Mounted Rifles, but not the Wellington infantry. Allie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alliekiwi Posted 28 January , 2008 Share Posted 28 January , 2008 In case you don't have it, here's his name on the Waipawa memorial. (The memorial is a large clock with panels like this one on the sides.) He's also mentioned on the cairn-style memorial at Ruataniwha, which you can see online here. Allie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Dave Posted 28 January , 2008 Share Posted 28 January , 2008 Just glancing through the Div History, the NZ Div was engaged in moving forward to counter the German penetration during the St Michael ofensive. The 2nd Wellingtons arrived in Hedauville from Ameins on the 25th, then were rushed forward to plug a gap between the Australians and NZs on the 26th. On the 27th they advanced, 2nd Wellingtons on the right flank towards Hebuterne. 2nd Wellingtons ran into MG fire from La Signey farm and after clearing the MG positions, were forced to dig in 400 yards short of their objective, the Hebuterne Road. Ref, pg 350; The New Zelanders in France. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bghh Posted 28 January , 2008 Author Share Posted 28 January , 2008 Some information for you: Nominal Roll: Surname HAMILTON Given Name Noel Category Nominal Roll Vol. 3 Regimental Number 39527 Rank Private Next of Kin Title Mrs C A Next of Kin Surname HAMILTON Next of Kin Relationship Mother Next of Kin Address Ruataniwha via Waipawa Roll Roll 52 Page Page 9 Occupation Clerk CWGC http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_detail...casualty=524810 Auckland Cenotaph site: http://muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/c...OriginalID=6214 His file is at Archives which will give some clue as to where he was at the time. If you are not in a hurry I will take a quick look for you. Zack Thank you very much for this information, if you could have a look in the archive we would be most grateful. Regards BLUE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZackNZ Posted 29 January , 2008 Share Posted 29 January , 2008 OK will do - watch this space. Zack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZackNZ Posted 2 February , 2008 Share Posted 2 February , 2008 The file is 13 pages with six forms on interest. A great pity – but unfortunately there is no attestation form is on file which may have added a few other details. Overview Noel Hamilton was born in Hastings, North Island New Zealand on 25 September 1896. He was single and worked as a clerk for the New Zealand Government. He was living at 49 Majoribanks Street, Wellington at the time of enlistment. His parents Mr W B and Mrs C A Hamilton lived in Ruataniwha, Hawkes Bay and his mother was listed as Noel’s next of kin and sole legatee. Noel Hamilton enlisted on 21st October 1916 at Wellington and underwent his medical examination in Wellington on 24 October 1916. His medical examination describes him being 6 foot tall, weighing 151 lb and having a ruddy complexion, grey eyes, and dark hair. His religious profession was Presbyterian. W E Herbert Medical Officer, Bowen Street, Wellington assessed him as fit. Noel Hamilton’s service reckons from 25 October 1916. On enlistment he joined the 2nd Battalion Wellington Regiment, 17th Company as a private with the regimental number 39527. His five weeks initial training was at Trentham Camp and after this preliminary training and elementary musketry he was moved by rail to Featherston camp where he was to remain for eight weeks under going further infantry and musketry training after which he was to have returned to Trentham Camp by a route march of thirty miles over the Rimutaka Mountain road to Trentham camp for the final musketry course and equipment for service prior to embarkation. However, on 30 November 1916 Noel was admitted to the Featherston Camp Hospital suffering from influenza and measles where he remained until 22 December 1916. He was inoculated against typhoid at Featherston on 20 November 1916. On 11 January 1917 he was transferred to B Coy 21 Reinforcements and posted to the Featherston camp detail. He embarked from Wellington on 19 January 1917 and disembarked at Devonport on 27 March 1917 and marched into Sling Camp the next day where he remained until leaving for France on 26 May 1917. He marched into camp at Etaples on 28 May 1917 and joined 2nd Wellington Infantry Regiment on 18 June 1917. He stayed with his battalion until the 21 February 1918 when he received leave to the UK. He rejoined his battalion after leave on 11 March 1918 and was with his battalion when he died from wounds received in action on 27 March 1918 at the Somme. He was one of 69 other ranks from his battalion who died that day. He is buried in the Colin Camp Church yard cemetery 6 ½ N N W of Albert. His medals went to his mother. Details: 1 History Sheet (note: partly typed) Unit: 2nd Bn Wellington Infantry Regiment (17) Rank: Private Surname: Hamilton Christian Name: Noel No 39527 Occupation: Clerk Last employer: NZ Government Religion: Presbyterian Born: Hastings Date of birth: 25 September 1896 Last NZ address: 49 Majoribanks Street Wellington Next of kin: Mrs C A Hamilton (mother) Ruataniwha, Hawkes Bay Note written: “Will received from London and despatched to QMGH” “Mrs C A Hamilton (mother) to be sole legatee.” Service New Zealand from 25 October 1916 to 19 Jan 1917 Foreign from 19 Jan 1917 Died of wounds March 27th 1918, in the field, France. Buried Colin Camp Church yard cemetery 6 ½ N N W of Albert. “57 W S E K 25 C 10/65” Report by Rev D C Herron attached 2nd Battalion. Statement of service Data shown in order as: Regiment or Corps, Promotions, reductions, casualties &c, Rank, Date; Authority for entry B Coy 22nd; posted etc; Pte; 25/10/16; RO 671 Featherstone detail; Transferred to; Pte; 11/1/17; RO 422 Trentham detail; Transferred to; blank,, blank, blank B Coy 21; transferred to; Pte; 11/1/17; RO 737 2nd WIR; marched in to Sling; Pte; 28/3/17 N R Sling 28.3.17 2nd WIR; proceeded overseas; Pte; 26. 5.17; N R Sling 26.5.17 2nd WIR (17); joined Bn from Base; Pte; 18.6.17; PII0 28 Rouen 10.7.17 (WIR = Wellington Infantry Regiment RO = Regiment Order – the number represents the form type used to record the data) N R = Nominal Roll) PLAQUE AND SCROLL Soldier’s name: Hamilton Noel Reg No 39527 Roll No - illegible Scroll despatched –date illegible Plaque: 10 Jan 1922 Recipient and address: Mr W B Hamilton Ruataniwha Waipawa 2 Casualty Form – Active Service Army Form B103 Regiment or Corps 2nd Battalion Wellington Regiment 17th Company Rank: Private Surname: Hamilton Christian Name: Noel Enlisted 24.10.16 Terms of service: Duration of war Service reckons from 25.10.16 Embarked Wellington 19.1.17 Source: Embarkation Roll Disembarked Devonport 27.3.17 Source: Disembarkation Roll Data shown in order as From whom received; record of promotions, reductions, transfers, casualties &c during active service, as reported on Army Form B213, Army Form A36 or on other official documents; Place of casualty; date of casualty; remarks: O/C Auckland and Wellington Regiment; marched into Wgtn Regt; Sling; 28.3.17; P2O 84 Hqrs NZ Res Group; Left for France; Sling; 26.5.17; Nom Roll O/C NZI & GBD; marched into camp; Etaples; 28.5.17; B213 Y9573 O/C 2 Bn Wgt Reg; joined Battalion; France; 18.6.17; B213 O/C 2 Bn Wgt Reg; with unit; France; 18.2.18; Nom Roll 14/2 O/C 2 Bn Wgt Reg; Leave to UK; France; 21.2.18; B213 O/C 2 Bn Wgt Reg; Rejoined ex leave; France; 11.3.18; B213 O/C 2 Bn Wgt Reg; Died of wounds; France; 27.3.18; B213 3 New Zealand Expeditionary Forces Form EF 60 (note: form typed) Featherston Camp Date admitted Hospital November 30 1916 Time 8.15 No and rank: Pte Name (in full) Hamilton, Noel Unit: B Coy 22 Age: 20 Service: Blank Religion: Presbyterian Married or single: Single Disease: Influenza Hospital admitted: Featherston Hospital transferred: Blank Doctor: Capt Mullin Name and address to advise in case of necessity: Mrs C F Hamilton (mother) Ruataniwha Waipawa Date, time and how advised: Blank Sick-leave duration: Blank Destination and address: Blank Discharged: 22.12.16 4 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Medical History Surname: Hamilton Christian Name: Noel Examined on 24 October 1916 at Wellington Birthplace: Hastings New Zealand Apparent / Declared age: 20 Trade or occupation: Clerk Height: 6 ft Weight: 151 lb Chest measurement: minimum 30 inches; maximum expansion: 25 inches Vaccination marks – arms: present Enlisted 21st October 1916 at Wellington Joined on enlistment: 22 Corp - 25.10.16 B Coy 21 R O 737 - 11.1.17 Regimental No: 39527 Approved by W E Herbert Medical Officer Wellington Completion: Ruddy Colour of eyes: Grey Colour of hair: Dark Religious profession: Presbyterian 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? Blank Have you ever had any illnesses? No 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 Have you ever had a fit? No Remarks: fit Dated 24/10/16 Signed W E Herbert, Medical Officer, Address Bowen Street 5 FIELD SERVICE ARMY FORM B 2090A (Note: Form is mostly typed) 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 2nd Battalion Wellington Regiment NZ Expeditionary Force Squadron Troop, Battery or Company 17th Company Regtl No 39527 Rank Private Name Hamilton Christian Names: Noel Died Date 27th March 1918 Place In the field FRANCE Cause of Death* DIED FROM WOUNDS RECEIVED IN ACTION Nature and Date of Report AFW 213 – 3oth March 1918 By whom made O.C 2nd Battalion Wellington Regiment *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. State whether he leaves a will or not (a) in Pay Book (Army Book 64) - No Pay-book received to date ( in Small Book (if at Base) - not issued © as a separate document – no will received to date 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. Station and date ROUEN FRANCE 12th APRIL 1918 Signature of Officer in charge of Section Adjutant-General’s Office at the Base Geo B Mengas?? 2 LT FOR MAJOR New Zealand Section GHQ 2nd Echelon B EF 6 Untitled form Featherston 30.11.16 to 22.12.16 in hospital with influenza and measles Featherston: Inoculated 20.11.16 Reference source Agency AABK Series 18805 Accession W5539 Box / item 72 Record 0049699 Other related information not on the file but described in Cunningham, Treadwell and Hanna’s book 1 A heavy German attack is described in The Wellington Regiment NZEF 1914 – 1919 pages 248 following. The New Zealanders had to plug a serious gap in the line on the Somme between the New Zealand and the 4th Australian Divisions near Hebuterne. Troops were rushed to fill this gap and troops comprising the 3rd Battalion Riffle Brigade, 2nd Wellington and 2nd Otago were formed into a composite force under Lieut Col A E Stewart. The following extract (page 249 – 250) is relevant for your man: “At 1 am on the 27th, Col Stewart’s forces left Hedauville and marched through Mailly Maillet reaching Colin-camps at 4 am. Here 2nd Otago was thrown out as a screen to protect the advance of 2nd Wellington and the 3rd Battalion Rifle Brigade. The latter battalions rested a little in the shelter of the buildings, and then at daybreak moved forward, covering by advance and flank guards, with 2nd Wellington on the right and 3rd Battalion Rifle Brigade on the left, towards Hebuterne. 2nd Wellington advanced with Taranaki Company on the right, Ruahine Company on the left, Wellington-West Coast Company in support and Hawkes Bay Company in reserve. On the left the 3rd Rifles met with but little resistance. On the right, 2nd Wellington ran right into enemy machine-guns firing from near La Signy Farm. During the operation, Wellington-West Coast Company (Capt A G Melles, MC) attacked an enemy post, killing 14 and capturing 1 officer and 52 other ranks, Lieut J T Thomas doing great work, and showing a fine personal example. Enemy machine-guns forbade further progress, and 2nd Wellington was obliged to dig in 400 yards short of its objective, the Hebuterne Road. Touch, was however, established with the battalions on both flanks and the gap in the line filled. The enemy made numerous attacks against the New Zealand line during the day (27th) and, striking against its position about 7 o’clock in the evening, on a front of 1500 yards mid-way between the refinery and Hebuterne, 2nd Wellington was forced to give ground. Altogether 2nd Wellington that day had the following casualties; 4 officers, 69 other ranks.” 2 David Craig Herron Surname HERRON Given Name David Craig Category Nominal Roll Vol. 2 Regimental Number 37060 Rank Chapl-Capt Next of Kin Title Thomas Next of Kin Surname HERRON Next of Kin Relationship Father Next of Kin Address Pukerau Southland Roll Roll 43 Page Page 21 Occupation Clergyman “A chaplain who later had a distinguished career was David Craig Herron. He sailed from New Zealand with the 18th Reinforcements in October 1916 and was awarded the MC for his deeds of bravery whilst chaplain with 2nd battalion, Otago Regiment, in France in 1918. Later minister of St David’s Presbyterian Church, Khyber Pass, Auckland (1919-1930) and Knox Presbyterian Church, Dunedin, from 1930, in 1943 he was elected Moderator of the Presbyterian Assembly. In 1942 he had become vice Chancellor of Otago University and in 1945 Chancellor. Granted the degree of Doctor of Divinity by St Andrew’s University, Scotland, in 1948 he received a CBE in 1954. The Very Rev Dr Herron CBE, MC, died in 1955.” Source: Men of Faith and Courage – The Official History of New Zealand’s Army Chaplains by J Bryant Haigh (1983) Page 87. There is also a photo of him on page 86) Cheers Zack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alliekiwi Posted 2 February , 2008 Share Posted 2 February , 2008 I'm wondering if he lied about his age. A birthdate of September 1896 puts him at aged 21 and a half at his death. Yet the memorial in Ruataniwha lists him as being 19 when he died. You had to be 20 to serve overseas, and he enlisted a month after his supposed 20th birthday... bghh, does the family know for certain when his date of birth was? Allie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bghh Posted 2 February , 2008 Author Share Posted 2 February , 2008 Thank you Zac so much for this information, it is great to have this level of detail. We really appreciate your help. Regards BLUE The file is 13 pages with six forms on interest. A great pity – but unfortunately there is no attestation form is on file which may have added a few other details. Overview Noel Hamilton was born in Hastings, North Island New Zealand on 25 September 1896. He was single and worked as a clerk for the New Zealand Government. He was living at 49 Majoribanks Street, Wellington at the time of enlistment. His parents Mr W B and Mrs C A Hamilton lived in Ruataniwha, Hawkes Bay and his mother was listed as Noel's next of kin and sole legatee. Noel Hamilton enlisted on 21st October 1916 at Wellington and underwent his medical examination in Wellington on 24 October 1916. His medical examination describes him being 6 foot tall, weighing 151 lb and having a ruddy complexion, grey eyes, and dark hair. His religious profession was Presbyterian. W E Herbert Medical Officer, Bowen Street, Wellington assessed him as fit. Noel Hamilton's service reckons from 25 October 1916. On enlistment he joined the 2nd Battalion Wellington Regiment, 17th Company as a private with the regimental number 39527. His five weeks initial training was at Trentham Camp and after this preliminary training and elementary musketry he was moved by rail to Featherston camp where he was to remain for eight weeks under going further infantry and musketry training after which he was to have returned to Trentham Camp by a route march of thirty miles over the Rimutaka Mountain road to Trentham camp for the final musketry course and equipment for service prior to embarkation. However, on 30 November 1916 Noel was admitted to the Featherston Camp Hospital suffering from influenza and measles where he remained until 22 December 1916. He was inoculated against typhoid at Featherston on 20 November 1916. On 11 January 1917 he was transferred to B Coy 21 Reinforcements and posted to the Featherston camp detail. He embarked from Wellington on 19 January 1917 and disembarked at Devonport on 27 March 1917 and marched into Sling Camp the next day where he remained until leaving for France on 26 May 1917. He marched into camp at Etaples on 28 May 1917 and joined 2nd Wellington Infantry Regiment on 18 June 1917. He stayed with his battalion until the 21 February 1918 when he received leave to the UK. He rejoined his battalion after leave on 11 March 1918 and was with his battalion when he died from wounds received in action on 27 March 1918 at the Somme. He was one of 69 other ranks from his battalion who died that day. He is buried in the Colin Camp Church yard cemetery 6 ½ N N W of Albert. His medals went to his mother. Details: 1 History Sheet (note: partly typed) Unit: 2nd Bn Wellington Infantry Regiment (17) Rank: Private Surname: Hamilton Christian Name: Noel No 39527 Occupation: Clerk Last employer: NZ Government Religion: Presbyterian Born: Hastings Date of birth: 25 September 1896 Last NZ address: 49 Majoribanks Street Wellington Next of kin: Mrs C A Hamilton (mother) Ruataniwha, Hawkes Bay Note written: "Will received from London and despatched to QMGH" "Mrs C A Hamilton (mother) to be sole legatee." Service New Zealand from 25 October 1916 to 19 Jan 1917 Foreign from 19 Jan 1917 Died of wounds March 27th 1918, in the field, France. Buried Colin Camp Church yard cemetery 6 ½ N N W of Albert. "57 W S E K 25 C 10/65" Report by Rev D C Herron attached 2nd Battalion. Statement of service Data shown in order as: Regiment or Corps, Promotions, reductions, casualties &c, Rank, Date; Authority for entry B Coy 22nd; posted etc; Pte; 25/10/16; RO 671 Featherstone detail; Transferred to; Pte; 11/1/17; RO 422 Trentham detail; Transferred to; blank,, blank, blank B Coy 21; transferred to; Pte; 11/1/17; RO 737 2nd WIR; marched in to Sling; Pte; 28/3/17 N R Sling 28.3.17 2nd WIR; proceeded overseas; Pte; 26. 5.17; N R Sling 26.5.17 2nd WIR (17); joined Bn from Base; Pte; 18.6.17; PII0 28 Rouen 10.7.17 (WIR = Wellington Infantry Regiment RO = Regiment Order – the number represents the form type used to record the data) N R = Nominal Roll) PLAQUE AND SCROLL Soldier's name: Hamilton Noel Reg No 39527 Roll No - illegible Scroll despatched –date illegible Plaque: 10 Jan 1922 Recipient and address: Mr W B Hamilton Ruataniwha Waipawa 2 Casualty Form – Active Service Army Form B103 Regiment or Corps 2nd Battalion Wellington Regiment 17th Company Rank: Private Surname: Hamilton Christian Name: Noel Enlisted 24.10.16 Terms of service: Duration of war Service reckons from 25.10.16 Embarked Wellington 19.1.17 Source: Embarkation Roll Disembarked Devonport 27.3.17 Source: Disembarkation Roll Data shown in order as From whom received; record of promotions, reductions, transfers, casualties &c during active service, as reported on Army Form B213, Army Form A36 or on other official documents; Place of casualty; date of casualty; remarks: O/C Auckland and Wellington Regiment; marched into Wgtn Regt; Sling; 28.3.17; P2O 84 Hqrs NZ Res Group; Left for France; Sling; 26.5.17; Nom Roll O/C NZI & GBD; marched into camp; Etaples; 28.5.17; B213 Y9573 O/C 2 Bn Wgt Reg; joined Battalion; France; 18.6.17; B213 O/C 2 Bn Wgt Reg; with unit; France; 18.2.18; Nom Roll 14/2 O/C 2 Bn Wgt Reg; Leave to UK; France; 21.2.18; B213 O/C 2 Bn Wgt Reg; Rejoined ex leave; France; 11.3.18; B213 O/C 2 Bn Wgt Reg; Died of wounds; France; 27.3.18; B213 3 New Zealand Expeditionary Forces Form EF 60 (note: form typed) Featherston Camp Date admitted Hospital November 30 1916 Time 8.15 No and rank: Pte Name (in full) Hamilton, Noel Unit: B Coy 22 Age: 20 Service: Blank Religion: Presbyterian Married or single: Single Disease: Influenza Hospital admitted: Featherston Hospital transferred: Blank Doctor: Capt Mullin Name and address to advise in case of necessity: Mrs C F Hamilton (mother) Ruataniwha Waipawa Date, time and how advised: Blank Sick-leave duration: Blank Destination and address: Blank Discharged: 22.12.16 4 New Zealand Expeditionary Force Medical History Surname: Hamilton Christian Name: Noel Examined on 24 October 1916 at Wellington Birthplace: Hastings New Zealand Apparent / Declared age: 20 Trade or occupation: Clerk Height: 6 ft Weight: 151 lb Chest measurement: minimum 30 inches; maximum expansion: 25 inches Vaccination marks – arms: present Enlisted 21st October 1916 at Wellington Joined on enlistment: 22 Corp - 25.10.16 B Coy 21 R O 737 - 11.1.17 Regimental No: 39527 Approved by W E Herbert Medical Officer Wellington Completion: Ruddy Colour of eyes: Grey Colour of hair: Dark Religious profession: Presbyterian 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? Blank Have you ever had any illnesses? No 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 Have you ever had a fit? No Remarks: fit Dated 24/10/16 Signed W E Herbert, Medical Officer, Address Bowen Street 5 FIELD SERVICE ARMY FORM B 2090A (Note: Form is mostly typed) 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 2nd Battalion Wellington Regiment NZ Expeditionary Force Squadron Troop, Battery or Company 17th Company Regtl No 39527 Rank Private Name Hamilton Christian Names: Noel Died Date 27th March 1918 Place In the field FRANCE Cause of Death* DIED FROM WOUNDS RECEIVED IN ACTION Nature and Date of Report AFW 213 – 3oth March 1918 By whom made O.C 2nd Battalion Wellington Regiment *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. State whether he leaves a will or not (a) in Pay Book (Army Book 64) - No Pay-book received to date ( in Small Book (if at Base) - not issued © as a separate document – no will received to date 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. Station and date ROUEN FRANCE 12th APRIL 1918 Signature of Officer in charge of Section Adjutant-General's Office at the Base Geo B Mengas?? 2 LT FOR MAJOR New Zealand Section GHQ 2nd Echelon B EF 6 Untitled form Featherston 30.11.16 to 22.12.16 in hospital with influenza and measles Featherston: Inoculated 20.11.16 Reference source Agency AABK Series 18805 Accession W5539 Box / item 72 Record 0049699 Other related information not on the file but described in Cunningham, Treadwell and Hanna's book 1 A heavy German attack is described in The Wellington Regiment NZEF 1914 – 1919 pages 248 following. The New Zealanders had to plug a serious gap in the line on the Somme between the New Zealand and the 4th Australian Divisions near Hebuterne. Troops were rushed to fill this gap and troops comprising the 3rd Battalion Riffle Brigade, 2nd Wellington and 2nd Otago were formed into a composite force under Lieut Col A E Stewart. The following extract (page 249 – 250) is relevant for your man: "At 1 am on the 27th, Col Stewart's forces left Hedauville and marched through Mailly Maillet reaching Colin-camps at 4 am. Here 2nd Otago was thrown out as a screen to protect the advance of 2nd Wellington and the 3rd Battalion Rifle Brigade. The latter battalions rested a little in the shelter of the buildings, and then at daybreak moved forward, covering by advance and flank guards, with 2nd Wellington on the right and 3rd Battalion Rifle Brigade on the left, towards Hebuterne. 2nd Wellington advanced with Taranaki Company on the right, Ruahine Company on the left, Wellington-West Coast Company in support and Hawkes Bay Company in reserve. On the left the 3rd Rifles met with but little resistance. On the right, 2nd Wellington ran right into enemy machine-guns firing from near La Signy Farm. During the operation, Wellington-West Coast Company (Capt A G Melles, MC) attacked an enemy post, killing 14 and capturing 1 officer and 52 other ranks, Lieut J T Thomas doing great work, and showing a fine personal example. Enemy machine-guns forbade further progress, and 2nd Wellington was obliged to dig in 400 yards short of its objective, the Hebuterne Road. Touch, was however, established with the battalions on both flanks and the gap in the line filled. The enemy made numerous attacks against the New Zealand line during the day (27th) and, striking against its position about 7 o'clock in the evening, on a front of 1500 yards mid-way between the refinery and Hebuterne, 2nd Wellington was forced to give ground. Altogether 2nd Wellington that day had the following casualties; 4 officers, 69 other ranks." 2 David Craig Herron Surname HERRON Given Name David Craig Category Nominal Roll Vol. 2 Regimental Number 37060 Rank Chapl-Capt Next of Kin Title Thomas Next of Kin Surname HERRON Next of Kin Relationship Father Next of Kin Address Pukerau Southland Roll Roll 43 Page Page 21 Occupation Clergyman "A chaplain who later had a distinguished career was David Craig Herron. He sailed from New Zealand with the 18th Reinforcements in October 1916 and was awarded the MC for his deeds of bravery whilst chaplain with 2nd battalion, Otago Regiment, in France in 1918. Later minister of St David's Presbyterian Church, Khyber Pass, Auckland (1919-1930) and Knox Presbyterian Church, Dunedin, from 1930, in 1943 he was elected Moderator of the Presbyterian Assembly. In 1942 he had become vice Chancellor of Otago University and in 1945 Chancellor. Granted the degree of Doctor of Divinity by St Andrew's University, Scotland, in 1948 he received a CBE in 1954. The Very Rev Dr Herron CBE, MC, died in 1955." Source: Men of Faith and Courage – The Official History of New Zealand's Army Chaplains by J Bryant Haigh (1983) Page 87. There is also a photo of him on page 86) Cheers Zack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bghh Posted 2 February , 2008 Author Share Posted 2 February , 2008 I actually can not be 100% sure, but I am trying to get this information, once I have it I will let you know, but we also thought that he was 19. x I'm wondering if he lied about his age. A birthdate of September 1896 puts him at aged 21 and a half at his death. Yet the memorial in Ruataniwha lists him as being 19 when he died. You had to be 20 to serve overseas, and he enlisted a month after his supposed 20th birthday... bghh, does the family know for certain when his date of birth was? Allie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bghh Posted 19 March , 2008 Author Share Posted 19 March , 2008 I actually can not be 100% sure, but I am trying to get this information, once I have it I will let you know, but we also thought that he was 19. x I'm wondering if he lied about his age. A birthdate of September 1896 puts him at aged 21 and a half at his death. Yet the memorial in Ruataniwha lists him as being 19 when he died. You had to be 20 to serve overseas, and he enlisted a month after his supposed 20th birthday... bghh, does the family know for certain when his date of birth was? Allie Allie. Sorry for the delay. The general consensus was that he lied about his age, and was 19 when he died. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZackNZ Posted 19 March , 2008 Share Posted 19 March , 2008 Sadly lying about age by increasing it was not an uncommon occurrence! (And in WW2 NZers dropped their ages to join up!) Zack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bghh Posted 20 March , 2008 Author Share Posted 20 March , 2008 Sadly lying about age by increasing it was not an uncommon occurrence! (And in WW2 NZers dropped their ages to join up!) Zack Bet they wouldn't have if they knew what awaited. bghh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted 14 April , 2018 Share Posted 14 April , 2018 On 2/3/2008 at 01:33, bghh said: I actually can not be 100% sure, but I am trying to get this information, once I have it I will let you know, but we also thought that he was 19. x I'm wondering if he lied about his age. A birthdate of September 1896 puts him at aged 21 and a half at his death. Yet the memorial in Ruataniwha lists him as being 19 when he died. You had to be 20 to serve overseas, and he enlisted a month after his supposed 20th birthday... bghh, does the family know for certain when his date of birth was? On 2/3/2008 at 01:33, bghh said: Looking at BDM Records (https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz) he was born 25 December 1898 - so lied about his age by two years and two months... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaxD Posted 14 April , 2018 Share Posted 14 April , 2018 (edited) From the description of the action given above by ZackNZ, the area in which this all took place can found. On the side by side maps at http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/side-by-side/#zoom=14&lat=50.1129&lon=2.6258&layers=101465215&right=BingHyb La Signy Farm (still there today) is in square K 27 bottom centre of the area shown. Colincamps also mentioned is on the left of the map, Hebuterne top centre. Their objective is described as the Hebuterne road which is probably the road that crosses along the top of the map into Hebuterne from the west (left). My reading of the day's action is that it all took place in the rough square of fields north of the Rue du Bois moving northwards and being halted as the book says, 400 yards south of the Hebuterne road. The area is easily locate on present day maps and Google Earth by centering a search on Colincamps France. Max PS I haven't (yet) been able to work out whether the unit diaries in the NZ archives which may give more detailed locations than the history are held on line? Edit - just noticed the date of this thread!! Oh well, someone may find it useful. Edited 14 April , 2018 by MaxD Addition Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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