Henry Drain's death is a mystery to me, using my usual online sources. He was admitted to hospital after serving on Gallipoli with varicose veins but that would hardly be a serious condition. He was sent home in 1916 ("Permanent 'B' class" - unfit for combat) and discharged the same year, unfit for duty "due to illness contracted on active service."
Given the time it took Henry to die, tuberculosis is a likely candidate for his cause of death.
THE LATE TROOPER WILLIAM HENRY DRAIN.
The death of the late Trooper William Henry Drain, 7/951, which occurred at his mother's residence on January 1st, was not unexpected as he had been in poor health for a few months. Deceased was born and educated at Tuapeka Mouth and worked at Greenfield and surrounding districts, always being spoken of most highly as a conscientious and trustworthy. When war broke out he was among the first to enlist and left New Zealand with the 4th Reinforcements. He took part in the Gallipoli Campaign and later on was invalided back to New Zealand. After a time he recovered sufficiently to join the staff in the parcels department of the Dunedin Post Office. He was a very popular fellow, always winning the esteem and respect of all with whom he came in contact. This is the second son that Mrs Drain has lost within the past five weeks and she and her family have the deepest heartfelt sympathy of all the community. His funeral, which took place on Saturday morning, was attended by a very large and representative gathering. A number of returned comrades motored all the way from Dunedin. A number of very beautiful wreaths were presented. Mr Hooper conducted the service at the grave-side. A memorial service was held in the Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning Mr Anderson giving a very appropriate sermon. -Clutha Leader, 10/1/1919.
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| Tuapeka Mouth Cemetery. |
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