8288 Private George Sheedy, (1907-14/12/1939). "the integrity of their bodies"

TWO SPECIAL FORCE MEN KILLED WHEN BOARDING TRAIN

(Per Press Association)

Tragedy To Troopers From Burnham

INVERCARGILL, This Day. 

Two men were killed and a third seriously injured when they attempted to board a special troop train at Edendale at nine last night. The Victims were:

Killed 

PRIVATE JAMES NELSON, of Nelson Street, Invercargill. 

PRIVATE GEORGE SHEEDY, of Otautau. 

Injured 

PRIVATE WILLIAM YOUNG, of Roxburgh; condition serious. 

When the train, which was a special from Burnham, was bringing troops on final leave stopped at Edendale a number of men left the carriages to farewell Captain M. C. Rice who was leaving the train there. They evidently did not attempt to return to their carriages until the train had started to move. 

Three of them slipped when attempting to board the train and were dragged under it, Nelson and Sheedy being killed outright. Young was caught between the carriage and the platform and extricated with difficulty, a number of troops easing the pressure of the carriage on the injured man. 

The bodies of Nelson and Sheedy Were brought to Invercargill and Young was taken to hospital at Invercargill.  -Central Hawkes Bay Press, 15/12/1939.

LAST TRIBUTES

By Telegraph — Press Association.

funeral of soldiers

VTCTIMS OF ACCIDENT

Invercargill, Last Night. 

Lance-Corporal James Thomas Nelson and Private George Sheedy, who were killed in a troop train accident at. Edendale on Thursday night, were buried at Invercargill and Otautau respectively to-day with military honours.  -Taranaki Daily News, 18/12/1939.

THE TROOP TRAIN TRAGEDY

INQUEST ON VICTIMS 

CORONER'S COMMISERATIONS

 [Per United Press Association.] INVERCARGILL, December 19. 

At the conclusion, of the inquest on James Thomas Nelson and George Joseph Sheedy, who lost their lives through falling from a moving troop train at Edendale on December 14, the coroner (Mr Abernethy) found that both died as the result of multiple injuries sustained in falling under the train, and expressed sympathy with the parents of the two men. 

“I think it proper, as coroner, to add my expressions of sympathy to those already expressed. . There is not much one can say at such a time, but the parents and relatives have the satisfaction of knowing that the deceased soldiers had offered the integrity of their bodies to the country, and were prevented from going overseas by tragedy. It can at least be said of them, as was said by a King of old: “It was good that it was in their hearts to serve their country.”  -Evening Star, 19/12/1939.

Otautau Cemetery.

James Thomas Kearns, (1902-4/12/1930). "struck and canted another tree"

DEATHS.

KEARNS — At Riverton, on December 4, 1930 (the result of an accident), James Thomas Kearns, second son of Mr James and the late Mrs Kearns, late of Scotts Gap; aged 28 years. R.I.P. Funeral notice later.  -Southland Times, 5/12/1930.

James Thomas Kearns.

A strong young life was suddenly taken on Thursday, 4th December, 1930, when James Thomas Kearns died at the Riverton Hospital as the result of an accident at Kilkelly's Sawmill, Motumote, when a tree fell upon the unfortunate yictim while he was working in the bush at his occupation. Only 28 years of age, deceased was a native of the Scotts Gap district, being a son of James and the late Catherine Kearns. He lived all his life in this locality and was a wellknown figure and enjoyed a wide circle of friends, whose sympathy is extended to his sorrowing relatives. The funeral took place from the Catholic Church on Sunday, to the new cemetery, Father Doneghan officiating.  -Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle, 9/12/1930.

That James Thomas Kearns died at Riverton on December 4 from shock and internal haemorrhage from the bladder, injuries accidentally sustained by the deceased in the course of his employment when a tree which was being felled struck and canted another tree which in turn hit the deceased, was the verdict returned by the Coroner (Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M.) at the adjourned inquest yesterday morning into the recent Motumote fatality. Sergeant Abel conducted the case for the police, Mr Eustace Russell appeared for the insurance company concerned, and Mr S. Morrell Macalister on behalf of relatives of the deceased. Evidence was taken of James Stapleton and Terence Hogan, fellow workmen, who testified that the deceased was a good and careful bushman and that he met his death through a pure accident.  -Southland Times, 17/12/1930.

Otautau Cemetery.

William Patrick Watson, (1918-3/10/1938). "good wishes and kind remarks"

 Coming-of-age Party

Mr and Mrs Watson gave a very enjoyable coming-of-age party at their home, Hulme street, Otautau, for their eldest son, Mr William Patrick Watson. It was also the 19th birthday of their second son, Mr James Edward Joseph Watson. Among the guests were members of the boxing school, and the railway staff. Mr R. Pettit, Mr G. Fraser and Mr W. Campbell spoke, and Mr K. McKenzie proposed the toast. The guests of honour thanked their friends for the good wishes and kind remarks. Mr Watson also thanked the guests. The music was contributed by Miss Frances and Mrs Watson.  -Southland Times, 3/4/1937.

SURFACEMAN FOUND DEAD 

MISHAP ON RAILWAY LINE NEAR COLAC BAY 

William Frederick Watson, a railway surfaceman, of Colac Bay, was found dead at the side of the railway line about half a mile on the Wakapatu side of Colac Bay, last evening. Watson, who was a single man, was returning to Colac on his motor-jigger and, from the-marks in the gravel at the sides of the rails, it would appear that the jigger jumped the rails and travelled some distance before coming to rest against a bank. 

Watson was found lying with his face in about four inches of water in the water-table at the side of the line. Dr E. S. Fossey and Constable Webb, of Riverton, were communicated with by a workmate of Watson’s, James Corbin.

The body was removed to a Riverton morgue and an inquest will be held.  -Southland Times, 4/10/1938.

DEATH OF RAILWAY SURFACEMAN

EVIDENCE AT INQUEST 

The adjourned inquest into the death of William Patrick Watson, a railway surfaceman of Colac Bay, who was killed on October 3, was held at Riverton before Mr R. C. Abernethy, S.M., Coroner. The following verdict was returned: “That William Patrick Watson died at Colac Bay on October 3, 1938, as the result of misadventure, the cause of his death being either head injuries sustained or drowning resulting from his being thrown from his railway trolley. That while the accident may have been caused through excessive speed of the trolley in a gale of wind, it may have been due to shingle on the rails, but there is no evidence to show either cause. There is also no evidence that the accident was due to any fault in the permanent way or to any railway employee or other person.” 

Constable Webb, of Riverton, appeared for the police. Mr E. B. Patrick, of Riverton, appeared on behalf of the relations of Watson, and Mr H. K. Carswell, of Invercargill, appeared for the Railway Department. 

James William Corbin, of Colac Bay, railway surfaceman, said that about 5.50 p.m. on October 3 Watson had not returned to his hut and his trolley was not in the shed. As Watson should have been home by that time he advised another surfaceman, Broad, and they decided to go to look for him. The train from Riverton came in and he travelled in the engine cab and when about half a mile from the Colac station he saw the trolley and the body of Watson lying near the line. He was lying with his feet towards the line and his head was in the water table and his face seemed to be under water. The guard and the witness picked the body up and they took it to Colac Bay and advised the Riverton police. 

The witness said that both he and Watson had used this particular trolley for about four weeks before the accident. The following day the trolley was towed to Orepuki and loaded on a truck for Invercargill. Watson was a careful driver and the line was in perfect condition at the time of the accident. The trolley had turned a complete somersault and was facing the opposite way to which it had been travelling. According to departmental instructions the trolley was to be locked up each night. The trolley had travelled 21 to 22 yards after leaving the rails. A heavy wind of about 20 to 25 miles an hour was blowing in the direction Watson was travelling. He had never come off the line himself on that trolley. 

Horace John Jackson, guard on the train, gave corroborative evidence about finding the body. In his opinion, from the position of the body, he would say it had been flung there. George Arnold Martin, who was acting ganger that day, stated that about 4.30 p.m. Watson left Orepuki, where he had been working that day. As far as he knew the trolley and engine were in good order. He had worked with Watson for about 12 months and always found him of a cheerful disposition. It would be about nine or nine and a-half miles from Orepuki to the scene of the accident. 

Alexander Bailey, inspector of permanent ways, Invercargill, said that on October 4 he visited the scene of the accident and took measurements. The trolley was 66 feet from where it left the track. Judging the distance the trolley travelled and its turning over, he would say it had been going at least 30 miles an hour. The track was in good condition and there was no expansion of the rails at the joint immediately preceding the scene of the accident. From inquiries he had made, Watson was very popular both with his fellow employees and the residents of the district. The trolley was inspected by the District Engineer at Invercargill and found to be in good order. The permanent way was in good order and no adjustments had been made since the accident. There were eight of these trolleys in the district and they were looked upon as good safe machines. The stretch of line at the scene of accident was straight for at least half a mile.  -Southland Times, 4/11/1938.

Otautau Cemetery.

Samuel Barningham, (1853-30/9/1911). "common road metal"

Dunedin people are surrounded by the products of Samuel Barningham's Victoria Foundry, which was situated opposite the original hospital in Great King st.  The foundry made the "zealandia" kitchen stove and also cast the iron columns which sold by the thousand. Those columns can be found supporting the verandah of the Mayfair Theatre entrance.  Walk up High Street, Manor Place, or other streets in that area and they can be found supporting the balconies of houses there.  Samuel Barningham, however, also had a talent for more delicate constructions.

PERSONAL.

Mr Samuel Barningham, who died on Wednesday and was buried in the Southern Cemetery this afternoon, was one of the most modest of men — not given to talking at any time, never wishing to push himself into prominence — and probably there are very few, even amongst those with whom he did business, who know that he was an accomplished mechanic with the inventive faculty. From his boyhood days in Ballarat he delighted to think out mechanical and mathematical problems. He made, amongst many other things, two microscopes, grinding the lenses himself; of a large assortment of clocks, his own product, the most remarkable is one that works by electricity; and he also constructed a seismograph. To the public he was known as head of a prosperous range-making firm, established here many years ago. He was a patternmaker by trade. Like many other thoughtful and original men, he was very kind and charitable, one who thought no ill of his neighbor, and was ever ready to help a needy one without advertising his bounty. Those few who had the privilege of knowing Samuel Barningham will always think of him with sincere respect and affection.  -Evening Star, 1/9/1911.

THE LATE MR S. BARNINGHAM

By the death last Wednesday of Mr Samuel Barningham Dunedin has lost a notable, if unobtrusive, citizen. Mr Barningham during his long residence in the city never sought to push himself to the front in municipal or other public matters. That, perhaps, was a pity, as men of largely practical character such as was his are too often conspicuous by their absence from the conduct of such affairs. But Mr Barningham was eminently and actively practical in his own good way. It is not too much to say that as senior partner in the well-known Victoria Foundry Company he was held in genuinely loving regard by every one in the employment of the firm. To them he was at all times more a brother than a "boss." Indeed, his natural bent was entirely in the way of a pleasantly good-humoured outlook upon the doings of the hour or day. In keeping with this attitude, his active aim always lay in the direction of doing "the fair thing" by those working with or for him. This outflow of ever-genial and kindly qualities of mind endeared him not alone to his fellow workers but to all who came in contact with him in whatever relation. In short, to know "Sam" Barningham was to love and esteem him. Death has snatched him untimely away, and he will be mourned by both friend and employee as it is the hap of few to be mourned by those left behind. Sprung from a good old Yorkshire family, Mr Barmingham came to Australia as a child. In Victoria he learnt the pattern-making trade, and about 35 years, ago came to Dunedin, where, with one or two partners who survive him, he laid the foundations of the business now known as the Victoria Foundry Company (Limited). The limited liability principle was adopted some four years since, and this arrangement added to the prosperity of the concern.

Mr Barningham was not only a master craftsman in his own line; he was in his leisure hours a master hand at the most delicate, mechanical and optical work imaginable. Microscope of perfect construction, and fitted with lenses of his own grinding and polishing, microtomes, micrometer rulers, and many other delicate machines only to be appreciated fully by workers in science, were among his products. The present writer remembers one beautiful clock movement of his make so finely calculated as to be actuated by an electric battery consisting solely of a piece of common road metal in a jar of water. As those mechanical and optical creations have already been described in these pages it need only be remarked here that the fine qualities of head and hand which went to their making are very rare in any population. Mr Barningham was, in fact, a fine example of the master workman at his best. Naturally temperate, in every regard, he was a man who really enjoyed life by never being idle. And, because he was free from the lust of gold, he enjoyed life in far larger degree than does the man whose chief aim is to acquire material riches. Twice married, Mr Barningham leaves a widow to mourn her loss, but there are no children of either marriage.  -Otago Daily Times, 2/9/1911.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

21440 Sapper William Robert James Mitchell, (31/3/1893-23/9/1926). "old trouble came back"

OBITUARY.

WILLIAM R J MITCHELL 

There passed away at the Riverton Hospital a well known resident ot the Otautau District, in the person of Mr William R J Mitchell, youngest son of Mr William and the late Mrs Mitchell, Mosgiel. Deceased was of a bright, optimistic nature only 31 years of age, and had established himself as a worthy neighbour and honest worker in the hearts of all he came in contact with. Mr Mitchell saw lengthy war service, was gassed in France, later developing pleurisy in hospital. He eventually partially recovered and was invalided home to New Zealand after the armistice. After visiting his people and spending a short holiday, ‘Bill’ took up Section 7 of the Strathvale Settlement Otautau, when the Government threw open that land. He enjoyed fair health for two years, and worked hard on his holding, milking a fairly big herd and supplying to the Otautau Diary Factory. Later he caught a chill and his old trouble came back necessitating his selling his property to enter hospital for treatment. The funeral, which was largely attended, took place in the Otautau Cemetery on Sunday, Rev J B Bickerstaff officiating at the grave side. The Riverton Returned Soldiers’ Association members were pallbearers, while the ‘Last Post’ was sounded by one of their members. The sympathy of a large circle of friends goes out to the sorrowing father and relations of deceased in their bereavement.  -Western Star, 1/10/1926.

Otautau Cemetery.

5781 Private William Edwin Eason, (1915-9/12/1941). "struck by a torpedo"

William Eason was taken prisoner in Libya by axis forces and posted as "missing" that December. He was loaded with other prisoners on the SS Jantzen to make the journey to Italy. The Jantzen was not flying a flag to show it carried prisoners and was therefore a legitimate target for the submarine HMS Porpoise.

On 8 December a large draft of 2100 had left on the Jantzen, an 8000-ton cargo vessel, with rations sufficient for the 36-hour dash across to Italy. In the middle of the next afternoon, just off Cape Methoni, near Pilos on the south-west coast of the Greek Peloponnese, she was struck by a torpedo in one of the forward holds. Five hundred or more of the prisoners packed there were killed, and the hatchboards falling in with men lying on them killed others as they crashed below. As soon as they had recovered from the shock of the explosion, men rushed to the decks up ropes or still usable ladders. The rugged coastline of Greece could be seen a mile or two away with heavy seas breaking on it, lashed by a bitterly cold wind.

The Italian captain and crew had taken themselves off in two of the three lifeboats, the other having capsized in launching, and some of the men jumped overboard in an attempt to swim to the shore. Nine New Zealanders reached one of the boats, which eventually made a nearby uninhabited island where they spent the night, and they were taken over to the mainland next day. Fifteen got away on a raft they had managed to launch, but more than half of these died of exposure. Meanwhile a German naval engineer had taken control of the ship, explaining to those on board that the engines would still go and that there was a good chance of reaching safety. He ordered everybody aft in order to keep the weight off the damaged bow and organised rescue parties to bring up to the officers' quarters the injured from the lower decks. Although the wind and sea were still strong, the ship was brought in stern first and beached about 5 p.m. broadside on to an open piece of coast. In spite of the bitter cold many now swam the remaining fifty yards to the shore, and when darkness fell many others made their way to safety along ropes secured to the rocks. Next day dawned fine, and those still on board came off in the remaining lifeboat or on stretchers slung to the ropes. A check made later showed that a little over two-thirds of the British prisoners had survived, the remainder (including 44 New Zealanders) having perished either in the explosion or in the events which followed.  -"Prisoners of War" - NZ Official History.

News was slow to make its way from Africa and Europe to New Zealand, through official channels and the Red Cross. In February, 1942, William was reported as "prisoner, previously reported missing." In September of that year William's status changed to that of "missing, previously reported prisoner of war." In May, 1943, he was "missing believed drowned (previously reported missing)."

I have been unable to find printed confirmation of William's death. It must have been an agonising wait for his family.

Otautau Cemetery.

411233 Flight-Sergeant James Douglas Gould, (17/3/1921-11/7/1942). "fit and well"

Sergeant James Douglas Gould, who is reported to be fit and well after participating in the recent raids on Cologne and Essen, was born at Otautau 21 years ago, and attended the Otautau school and the Southland Technical College. After leaving school he was employed by his father, a contractor in Otautau, with whom he worked till the time of his enlistment in the early stages of the war. Sergeant Gould was mentioned in a Press Association message from London describing the exploit of one plane attached to the New Zealand Bomber Squadron in shooting down the first Nazi night fighter claimed by the squadron this year.  -Southland Times, 12/6/1942.

James Gould was reported "Missing on air operations" the following month. On the night of July 10th, 1942, James was part of the crew of a Wellington which took off for the island of Borkum in the North Sea. The plane was lost without any trace of it or its crew.

Otautau Cemetery.