8/1552 Private John Henry Wilfred McIlroy, (20/10/1894-13/6/1919). "had also suffered a great deal from his wounds"

A RETURNED SOLDIER'S DEATH

(BY TELEGRAPH. — PRESS ASSOCIATION.) DUNEDIN, This Day. 

John Henry Wilfred McIlroy, aged 22, a returned soldier, was found dead oh the steps leading to his home in Duncan street. He left with the 3rd Reinforcements when eighteen, and was wounded. He returned in December last, and was two weeks in hospital suffering from valvular disease of the heart and lung. He had since been an out-patient at the hospital, and yesterday complained of feeling unwell. The body was found last night at 7.30 o'clock. It is thought that McIlroy was overcome with weakness after climbing a large number of steps.  -Evening Post, 14/6/1919.

INQUEST.

An inquest was held this afternoon before Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M., concerning the death of John Henry Wilfred McIlroy, who was found dead last evening on the steps leading to his home at No. 7 Duncan street. Constable Kelly represented the police. Evidence was given to the effect that deceased had been wounded in France, and had suffered from a weak heart. He was an inmate of the Hospital for two weeks, and had been an outpatient since. He had been subject to slight fainting fits and giddiness. He had also suffered a great deal from his wounds, the effects of gas, and shell shock. Dr Eugene J.  O'Neill said that on examining the deceased he found evidence which pointed to a fracture of the base of the skull, he had ascertained that deceased was under treatment for organic disease of the heart and  and lungs. The cause of death was fracture of the base of the skull. From the history of his case, it was quite evident he had had a heart seizure when walking up the steps leading to his home, and the subsequent fall caused the fracture. The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.   -Evening Post, 14/6/1919.

The Official History of the Otago Regiment has this to say about January 2, 1917, the day that John suffered shell shock: "In accordance with the reorganisation of the 1st and 2nd Infantry Brigades, the 2nd Battalion of the Regiment, on New Year's Day, 1917, marched out of its reserve billets in the Rue Petillon and took over the Cordonnerie sector in relief of the 2nd Battalion of Wellington, Relief was completed about 12 noon, and one hour later the enemy bombarded the whole area with projectiles of various calibre, including lachrymatory gas shells. Casualties amounted to one killed and six wounded, and the front line and communication trenches suffered badly. There was a recurrence of this hostility at 9 o'clock on the following morning, when about 60 minenwerfer shells were hurled against a front of about 100 yards, adding considerably to the damage of the previous day. By 11 a.m. the situation had quietened, but at 6 p.m. the area was subjected to further violent shelling for a period of over 40 minutes, and additional casualties resulted. Prompt retaliation by our artillery now followed, and a heavy fire was put down over the enemy's front and support lines."

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

3/2670 Lance corporal George Thomas Alley McCleery, (22/11/1889-28/7/1919). "don't go so fast"

SUDDEN DEATH

DUNEDIN, July 28

A returned soldier, named George Thomas McCleery, a Main Body man, who returned to New Zealand three weeks ago, died suddenly this afternoon while walking from the Normanby tram terminus to Port Chalmers. Deceased had gone only about 200 yards from the car when he collapsed and died in a few seconds.  -Hokitika Guardian, 30/7/1919.

SOLDIER'S SUDDEN DEATH

THE INQUEST.

An inquest on the body of George Thomas McCleery, who died suddenly at Upper Junction on Monday afternoon, was held before Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M., sitting as coroner, at the morgue yesterday afternoon. Deceased was 31 years of age, and had returned to the Dominion only three weeks ago. Sergeant McKenzie represented the police. 

Hugh McCleery, father of deceased, said his son's name was George Thomas Alley McCleery. Before going to the war with the 6th Reinforcements the deceased had been a mill hand. He enlisted in Dunedin. The deceased returned by the Prinzessin about three weeks ago, and obtained his discharge. He was lancecorporal, and was away three years and 552 days. He seemed to be in good health when he returned. Witness had been told by deceased's wife that be had complained of a pain, in the left side, and had complained of the same thing in England. He married in England. He had written, saying he had been gassed, and had said he had been wounded in the right side. Witness was very much surprised to hear of his death. He never heard of heart trouble in the family. Deceased was born at Outram.

Dr Evans, in reply to the coroner, said he had not yet made a post-mortem. The Coroner said he would later adjourn the inquest. 

Charles Hume, n returned soldier, said he met deceased for the first time on Monday morning. The two had been to the Repatriation Board to get a job on the Westmoreland. Finding that they could not get a train to Port till evening, they arranged to go to Normanby by tram and walk over the hill. They left town at 1 o'clock. They had one drink at the hotel at Normanby. After the tramcar and going about 200 yards up the hill deceased said: "Don't go so fast. I've got a pain in my chest." He seemed to be short of breath, he said his heart had never troubled him. He also said he had not been gassed. They took matters very steadily, and took several rests. Deceased seemed to get better, if anything. Just after pausing the school near the Junction, deceased said: "Come into the side of the road. I feel bad." He fell down into the water channel. He groaned slightly, and his breath was labored for a few seconds, but he never spoke. A. man came along in a vehicle, and witness got his assistance, to prop deceased up against a bank. Deceased became quite still. Somebody on foot came along and felt deceased's pulse, and tried his head, and said: "You can do nothing. The man's dead." Witness had been to a house to see if he could get some spirits to revive deceased, but no one was in. Two men in an express waggon came along, and they brought the body down to Normanby, where the local constable took charge. Deceased was quite cheerful, and in good spirits on the way.

The inquest was adjourned till 3.15 this afternoon at the courthouse.

The Coroner, speaking to Mr Hume, said: "We wish to thank you for your attention to this man at the time, afterwards, and all the way through."  -Evening Star, 30/7/1919.

The funeral of Lance-corporal George Thomas McCleery, who died on Monday, took place to-day. The remains were interred at Anderson Bay Cemetery, Chaplain R. Fairmaid, assisted by Chaplains R. S. Watson and Hopper, conducted the service at the home and the graveside. Lancecorporal McCleery left with the 6th Reinforcements, and after serving three years and 352 days, returned to New Zealand three weeks ago.  -Evening Star, 31/7/1919.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

35039 Rifleman James Parker, (25/8/1883-2/10/1919). "loyal and faithful"

A very nasty accident befell a man named James Parker at Tuapeka Mouth on Saturday. He was working on the stack at Mr Geddes' farm during thrashing operations, and preparatory to sliding down off the stack, threw his fork to the ground. The fork, in falling, turned over and fell back on Parker as he reached the ground, the prongs entering his groin inflicting a severe wound. He was attende iby Dr Stenhouse who ordered his removal to Dunedin Hospital, and is now progressing as well as can be expected.  -Bruce Herald, 2/10/1919.

ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS

FATAL FARM ACCIDENT. 

James Parker, aged 35 years, single, who was admitted to the Dunedin Hospital on the 27th ult. suffering from a wound in the groin, died in hospital this morning. The injury was the result of an accident which happened to the deceased while he was working on a. haystack at Mr William Geddes’s farm at Tuapeka Mouth. He slipped and fell, and his fork, which he held in his hand, pierced his groin, inflicting a bad wound.   -Evening Star, 2/10/1919.

A FATAL FALL.

INQUEST ADJOURNED. 

James Parker, who was admitted to the Hospital on September 28, suffering from a wound in the groin, died in the institution yesterday morning. Deceased slipped off a haystack at the farm of Mr William Geddes, Tuapeka Mouth, and the fork he was holding pierced his groin. An inquest was held at the Hospital by Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M. (coroner), yesterday afternoon. 

Dr G. P. Fitzgerald (house surgeon) gave evidence to the effect that deceased had been admitted to the Hospital on September 28, and was immediately operated upon. It was found that the abdominal parts had been severely injured by being perforated by some such instrument as a fork — in fact, deceased had said that he had fallen on a fork. Deceased improved for a couple of days, but his condition became serious, and he had to be again operated upon. It was then found that peritonitis had set in, and he died in the Hospital that morning, the cause of death being heart failure following upon injury to the abdominal parts, and perforation of the bowels. 

Mr Moore (vice-principal of the Training College) identified the body as that of James Parker, who was 35 years of age, and a single man. Deceased was a native of Ireland, and he (witness) had known him well. He had been a member of the Expeditionary Force, and had returned to New Zealand in March. He was considerably weakened as a result of the campaign, but whether the accident was due to that weakness he (witness) could not say. Witness was trustee for deceased, and had his private affairs in hand. Deceased had no friends in New Zealand, but ho had a married sister somewhere in the North of Ireland. 

The inquest was then adjourned to Balclutha, where it will be continued on the 14th inst. The evidence of Dr Stenhouse and those who witnessed the accident will then be taken.  -Otago Daily Times, 3/10/1919.

MR JAMES PARKER.

Quite a gloom was east over the Tuapeka Mouth district by the death of the late James Parker, who was well known and highly respected throughout the whole community. The late Mr Parker (more familiarly known as Jimmy) was a native of County Fermanak, Ireland. He was thirty-five years of age, of a bright and cheery disposition, a genial nature and the acme of moral integrity. The many glowing tributes to deceased's memory both of a public and private nature bear ample evidence of the esteem in which the late gentleman was held. His death was due to an accident that occurred on Mr W. Geddes's mill when working at Clydevale. It appears that deceased (who was in a somewhat weakened state of health due to military service) when descending from the stack slipped, and, being tangled in loose straw was unable to rid himself of his fork, with the result when he reached the ground the fork (handle downwards) points entered his groin. After the accident, which took place on Saturday, September 27th, deceased was removed to Dunedin Hospital where he was operated on, and for a time hopes were entertained for his recovery, but his friends were doomed to disappointment for, in spite of the best medical attention he passed away on Thursday. October 2nd. The deceased had been in New Zealand for a period of something like fifteen years and worked in various capacities, principally agricultural pursuits. To those whom his services were rendered he was loyal and faithful, always fulfilling that obligation which his conscientiousness directed. He enlisted and served with the Expeditionary Forces in France for a period of 2 1/2 years. Consequent upon his service his funeral was a military one, his remains being interred in the Andersons Bay Cemetery. The Anglican clergyman officiated at the graveside. The pallbearers were Messrs J. A. Moore, A. McCorkindale, T. Mc. Drain and J. E. Keenan. After the firing party had fired the three rounds over the grave the the bugler sounded the Last Post. The Clutha Valley footballers at their match on Saturday, 4th inst, at Tuapeka Mouth, wore black bands as a mark of respect to deceased's memory, and at a social in the Coronation Hall in the evening Mr B. Skinner, sen., referred to his death and asked the assemblage to stand in silence. Tuapeka Mouth was practically his home since his coming to this country, and he leaves behind him here many friends who regret his loss. In Ireland his only relations living is ono sister and one brother.  -Tuapeka Times, 15/10/1919.

James' "weakened state of health" would be due to the gunshot wounds he sustained to his right leg, hand and jaw on August 26, 1818. He was well enough to embark for home the following February, but complained of tinnitus in his left ear.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

24/490 Sapper William Keil, (5/10/1889-24/2/1920). "great shock to his relatives"

William Keil was born at Denniston and was working for the Blackball Coal Company when he joined the Army in 1915. He was hospitalised with measles in Alexandria, Egypt, shortly after arriving there. Recovering, he was attached to the Tunnelling Company. Like many soldiers, he caught Spanish flu in 1918. He returned to New Zealand in early 1919.

He died at 8.45pm on February 24, 1920. I have found no cause of death.

News was received yesterday by Mrs. J. McMinn, of Arney Street that her brother, Sapper William Keil, died in Dunedin hospital. The deceased who served four and a-half years on active service had only returned a few months ago on the "Hororata." He was a great football enthusiast prior to enlisting and his death came as a great shock to his relatives and many friends. His mother predeceased him by eighteen months.  -Greymouth Evening Star, 26/2/1920.

DEATHS

KEIL. — On February 24th, at Dunedin Hospital, No. 24/490 Private William. Keil, late of Blackball: aged 30 years. Deeply mourned. Interred this day with military honors. — Hope and Kinaston, undertakers.  -Evening Star, 26/2/1920.

The many friends of Private William Keil, formerly of Blackball, will regret to hear of his death which took place at Dunedin Hospital on February 24th. Deceased, who was only 30 years of age, was greatly esteemed by all who knew him, and his early demise will cause great regret.  -Greymouth Evening Star, 1/3/1920.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

15313 Rifleman William Francis Pulford, (24/10/1879-3/10/1920). "the poison cloud"

William Pulford was not a good soldier.  His personal record shows a number of offences recorded against him, mostly "absent from billet," and a "conduct prejudicial." This is reflected on the "certificate of character" section of his discharge certificate, with his conduct assessed as "fair" and the note "This soldier's record does not warrant a Good character. His offences however have been a military nature not prejudicial to his character in civil life."

William was wounded in the jaw in a minor action shortly after the Battle of Messines. 

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

CHRISTCHURCH. Mr S. E. McCarthy, S.M., presided over yesterday’s sitting of the Magistrate’s Court. 

William Francis Pulford pleaded guilty to charges of having been found drunk and with refusing to quit licensed premises (the Wellington Hotel) when ordered to do so. Sub-Inspector Mullaney said that accused was in a weak state, and on his way to a hospital. He asked that no penalty be inflicted. Accused was convicted and discharged, and a prohibition order was issued against him, to be operative for twelve months.   -Lyttelton Times, 17/9/1919.

The death took place last week at the Woodside Jaw Hospital, Dunedin, of Rifleman William Francis Pulford, who went away with the Fifteenth Reinforcements and was wounded in France. His wound was a particularly severe one, and he suffered much before the end came. Deceased was given a full military funeral. He was a son of Mrs. Pulford, of Newton, Auckland.   -Auckland Star, 11/10/1920.

William's Army record simply says that he "died from sickness." It may have been complications from his severe jaw wound, he may have been a victim of the Spanish flu epidemic.

A military funeral was accorded the remains of 15313, Rifleman W. F. Pulford, yesterday. Deceased went away with the Fifteenth Reinforcements, and was also a South African veteran. He was a patient at the Woodside Jaw Hospital, and died in the Dunedin Hospital on Sunday. The funeral was largely attended by patients from the Montecillo, and Dunedin Hospitals, and members of the vocational staff. Lieutenant Gustafson represented the Defence Department. A firing party was provided by the Woodside patients, and a Bugler-corporal of the High School Cadets sounded the "Last Post." The service was conducted by the Rev. V. G. Bryan King.  -Otago Daily Times, 7/10/1920.

PULFORD. — In loving memory of our dear son, Corporal William Francis Pulford, died at Dudier Hospital, on October 3 of wounds received at the Somme, 1916.

The battle storm for him is past. The murder zone, the poison cloud;

Far from his home he rests at last. The soldiers grave his funeral shroud. 

No sculptured stone may mark the spot, It may he in the shade; 

Imagination's all we've got. Of where our soldier son is laid. 

Clasp him again the one we love. Rest evermore in heaven above. 

Inserted by his mother and brothers.  -Auckland Star, 3/10/1924.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

39362 Private George Henry Tyler (27/7/1882-12/10/1920). "the loan of his shotgun"

TYLER v. TYLER AND COLLINS. 

George Henry Tyler married Marion Priscilla Tyler in October, 1916. After three little Tylers had happened along to brighten up the home, George Henry went off to the war with the 22nd Reinforcements. In consequence of certain "carryings-on" between his euphoniously-named wifie and one Timothy "George" Collins. Henry George got Lawyer Calvert to bring along the present proceedings for divorce, giving Timothy "George" the honor of being named as co-respondent. 

In the course of a recital of his woes, the petitioner said that, after living at Christchurch, Auckland and other places, he and Marion Priscilla eventually went to live in Jackson-street, Dunedin. When he went away he made the usual provision by way of allotments and separation allowances, the total amount that poured into wifie's domestic exchequer being £3 6s a week. While he was away he received an official communication to the effect that the allotment had been transferred to the Patriotic people, as they were looking after his children. He got back last January and went down to Harbour-terrace, where his wife was living, to get the children. She said: "I suppose you have heard how things are? What are you going to do?" He replied. 

"GOING FOR A DIVORCE; I am entitled to one." 

Elizabeth McMillan said that in May of last year she was employed as housemaid at the Club Hotel, Gore. Collins and Marion Priscilla, both of whom she recognised by the photos produced in court, came and took a bedroom for a week, staying there from Monday to Friday as Mr. and Mrs. Collins. On the Friday night Collins was arrested as a military deserter. Marion Priscilla was much upset at this, and, later on, confessed to witness that she was not married to Collins. She further stated that her husband had been killed at the war and that he used to ill-treat her before he went away. 

Decree nisi; petitioner to have interim custody of the two boys, and respondent interim custody of the girl.  -NZ Truth, 31/5/1919.

ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS.

("Per Press Association.")

TAIHAPE, October 11. Thomas Michael Downey, aged seven, fell from a motor-lorry driven by his father this morning. The wheel passed over his head, killing him instantly.

DUNEDIN, This Day. George Henry Tyler, aged 43, was found dead this morning under conditions which suggested suicide. A double-barrelled gun, which had been recently discharged, was found beside the body and half the head was blown away.  -Ashburton Guardian, 12/10/1920.

INQUEST

An inquest was held yesterday afternoon, before Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M. (Coroner), concerning the death of George Henry Tyler, who was found dead in Stuart street in the morning. 

Evidence was given by Francis Gordon. He stated that he was an intimate friend of deceased, and had known him for about sis years. Deceased was the proprietor of Sweeting's supper rooms, in Stuart street. He had seen him every day for the past fortnight. On Monday he asked for the loan of his shotgun to go shooting, and he then appeared to be in good health and spirits. He had been worried, and had been drinking heavily for some months. He had never hinted at suicide.

Dr Evans said he was summoned to the shop at about 9 o'clock in the morning. He found deceased in the pantry. The left side of his head had been blown away, and his left eye was missing. There had been a fair amount of bleeding. On the floor was a double-barrelled shotgun pointing towards deceased, one barrel of which had been discharged. A discoloration of the left check showed that it had been fired at close range. The cause of death was shock following a compound fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain substance. Death had probably been instantaneous.

Ada Blee, an employee of the deceased, said he lived on the premises alone. She went to work at about 7 o'clock yesterday morning, and opened the shop. Deceased was upstairs when she opened the shop, and was in the best of spirits. She was sent out at about 8 o'clock and returned to the shop about 10 minutes later. There was a strange quietness about the place on her return. She went into the pantry, and found deceased's body there. He had been depressed and worried, but had not been drinking. Once, about a week ago. he had threatened to commit suicide. 

Constables Hamilton and Harvey also gave evidence.

A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence: — "That deceased died from injuries caused by gunshot self-inflicted while in a despondent state of mind."  -Evening Star, 13/10/1920.

MILITARY FUNERAL. 

Friends of the late George Henry Tyler (and family) are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave our premises, 36 St. Andrew street, on TUSDAY, the 14th inst., at 2 p.m., for the Anderson's Bay Cemetery. 

HOPE AND KINASTON, Undertakers, 36 St. Andrew street.  -Evening Star, 13/10/1920.

SUICIDE DUE TO DEPRESSION.

DEATH OF MR G. H. TYLER,

A determined case of suicide occurred at Sweeting's fish-shop, Stuart street, yesterday morning, when the proprietor, George Henry Tyler, a middle-aged man and a returned soldier, blew the left side of his skull off. Tyler divorced his wife some two years ago, and this had preyed upon his mind, while the worry of finding money to keep up the payments for three children who are in the custody of the Government added to his depression. 

Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M., district coroner, an inquest at the City Morgue yesterday afternoon on the body. Sergeant Murray conducted the proceedings for the police. 

Francis Gordon, blacksmith, living at St. Clair, stated that he had been on intimate terms with deceased for six years. Tyler was proprietor of Sweeting's fish-shop, Stuart street, and lived on the premises. He asked witness on Monday for the loan of a shot gun to go to Waitati, and witness lent him a double-barrelled breech-loading gun. Tyler had been in bad health for some time, but seemed all right on Monday morning, when he asked for the loan of the gun. Deceased divorced his wife about eighteen months ago, and never seemed to got over the proceedings. He was always worrying about his wife and children, and had been drinking heavily for some months. He had never hinted at suicide to witness, nor was his depression so marked as to make witness suspect that he contemplated it. 

Dr Evans, who was called in by the police, deposed that he found the body of deceased in the pantry at Sweeting's fishshop, sitting on a chair, with his head reclining, over the table. The body was quite warm. The left side of the skull had been blown away, and a considerable portion of the brain matter was missing. Death was due to a gun-shot wound, and must have been instantaneous. 

Ada Blee, a young woman in the employ of deceased, stated that she went to the shop as usual at about 7 o'clock that morning, and called deceased. He came downstairs and had a wash and breakfast. He then sent witness away on a message, and she was away about 10 minutes. On her return she noticed that the place was very quiet. On going into the pantry she saw deceased lying as described, and sent for the police. Mr Tyler had been depressed, but had not been drinking at all for some days, as he was in bed, suffering, she thought, from a relapse of influenza. She was sure he had not been out of bed for drink for at least a week. About a week ago deceased threatened to "nick his throat" with a razor. She did not know if he was in earnest, but as a precaution she took possession of the razor. He did not threaten to shoot himself, but said he was going out shooting on Saturday next, and asked witness to be one of the party. 

Constable W. J. Harvey said he had known deceased well for about two years. After the divorce proceedings he had some difficulties in money matters, and, failing to keep up the payments for his children, who were in the custody of the Government, and had been summoned. For the last three months he had not been in his proper senses through drink — always to some extent stupid or muddled. He did not seem to be depressed, but just muddled. One day last week — witness believed it was Friday— he saw deceased, wearing a heavy overcoat, though it was a lovely day, coming out of the Law Courts Hotel with a man. He looked very ill. 

Constable John Hamilton gave evidence as to going round to Sweeting's shop in consequence of a message received, and finding deceased as already described. Witness believed that deceased rested the gun on the table, pointed the muzzle towards his head, and pressed the trigger with his left hand. 

The Coroner recorded a verdict, that deceased committed suicide by shooting himself whilst in a despondent state through drink and worry.  -Otago Daily Times, 13/10/1920.

The Defence Department provided a gun carriage for the funeral of the late George Henry Tyler, ex-N.Z.E.F., yesterday, and was represented by Lieutenant Healey, but it was not possible to obtain the services of a bugler or firing party. This mark of respect was paid to him in recognition of his military services.  -Otago Daily Times, 15/10/1920.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

13100 Rifleman Lindsay Rankin, (8/10/1889-14/3/1920). "in hospital some time"

Lindsay Rankin arrived in Egypt in June, 1916 and left for France the next month.  In August he was hospitalised with tuberculosis. He was invalided out of the Army in October, 1916.

On June 1st the marriage of Mr Lindsay Rankin, son of the late Mr Thomas Rankin, of Wyndham, to Miss Willamina (Mina) Langmuir, second daughter of Mr Allen Langmuir, of Thornbury, late of Invercargill, took place at Dunedin. Mr and Mrs Rankin left for the north where they will spend the winter.  -Southland Times, 8/7/1918.

Lindsay Rankin received treatment for TB in various hospitals and it is noted on his record that six of his siblings had died of the disease.

MILITARY FUNERAL. 

The Friends of the late Private LINDSAY RANKIN (and Family) are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave the Dunedin Hospital (Cumberland street entrance) TO-MORROW (WEDNESDAY), the 17th inst., at 2.30 p.m., for the Anderson's Bay Cemetery. 

Hope & Kinaston, Undertakers, 36 St. Andrew street.  -Otago Daily Times, 16/3/1920.

A military funeral was accorded the remains of Private Lindsay Rankin yesterday afternoon. Private Rankin, it is understood, has been in hospital some time, and passed away in that institution. Deceased was a young man, having reached only his thirtieth year. The cortege was formed at the Hospital, and the place of interment was the Anderson's Bay Cemetery. The usual military honours were accorded, and the Rev. R. Fairmaid officiated at the grave. Lieutenant McCarthy represented the Defence Department, and the "Last Post" was sounded by Bugler Perry.  -Otago Daily Times, 18/3/1920.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.