Upper Junction, on the outskirts of Dunedin, was once on the main highway heading north out of the city. At the Junction, you can continue north out of town or go downhill to the Lower Harbour/Port Chalmers area. There are a few houses, farmland around, and a stunning view of the city to the south.
And there is the site of the Upper Junction School. Very little remains of the school itself, which was burnt out in 1945. On what used to be the playground is a small garden containing plaques laid in the memory of the pupils of the school who went off the the Great War and did not return. There are seventeen plaques.
I visited recently, to find volunteers at work on the garden and a few changes. Instead of needing to climb steps cut out of a clay bank on the roadside, there is a small bridge over the gutter and a path to a flagpole and new plaque. The undergrowth has been cleared, making the old plaques more visible. I photographed the plaques then, over the next few days, sought the stories behind the names.
They were not heroes as heroes were recognised at the time. In fact, one or two were roguish. They were all just men who left their families and hoped to return and live their lives.
These are the stories of the boys of Upper Junction School.
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| ASSEMBLAGE OF RESIDENTS, FRIENDS, RELATIVES, AND CHILDREN AT THE UPPER JUNCTION SCHOOL FOR THE PLANTING OF MEMORIAL TREES FOR THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES DURING THE GREAT WAR. -Otago Witness, 14/10/1919. |
69046 Private William Alexander Aitchison, 21/8/1879-23/10/1918.
William Aitchison was working as a labourer and living in North-East Valley when he joined the army in October, 1917. He embarked for Europe on March 2nd, 1918 and was posted to 10 Company, 1st Battalion, of the Otago Infantry Regiment in September. The Otagos had just come out of the grueling street fighting of the liberation of Bapaume.
The Official History of the Otagos contains no description of action between relief from the Line on September 15th and their advance towards Le Quesnoy on November 4th, so it is a matter of guesswork as to how William died. The most likely cause behind the lines for a "death in action" would be a German artillery attack.
FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.
DEATHS.
AITCHISON. — On October 23, killed in action "Somewhere in France," William Alexander (35th Reinforcements), dearly beloved second son of Mary and the late Thomas Aitchison, No. 2 Douglas terrace, North-East Valley; aged 39 years. Deeply regretted.
We pictured his safe return,
And longed to clasp his hand;
But God has postponed the meeting
— T'will be in a better land. -Otago Daily Times, 9/11/1918.
FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.
AITCHISON. — In loving memory of Private William Alexander (Bill), who was killed in action "Somewhere in France," October 23, 1918, dearly beloved eldest surviving son of Mary and the late Tomas Aitchison.
A lonely grave in a far-off land,
A grave we may never see,
But while life and memory last ,
We will remember thee.
— Inserted by his loving mother, sisters, and brothers. -Otago Witness, 28/10/1919.
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| W Aitchison |
49503 Private Godfrey Harry Steel Barnett, 17/11/1895-27/3/1918.
Godfrey Barnett was drafted by ballot at the end of 1916. In September of 1917 he was hospitalised with tonsilitis.
Godfrey was with the Canterbury Regiment in March, 1918, when the force of the German Spring Offensive broke on the Allied armies. A four day train journey then motorised transport took them to their positions and they went onto the offensive in the Beaumont-Hamel area on the 26th. The trenches they took were old British ones and not much work was needed to make them ready for defence.
The day of Godfrey's death, March 27th, is described in the Official History of the Canterbury Regiment: "About 9 a.m. on March 27th the enemy began to shell the 2nd Brigade's line with field guns and light howitzers. The shelling was light at first, but it gradually increased in intensity, and extended to the battalion in support. By the end of the morning the shelling was heavy, and the enemy had added to its intensity by using light trench mortars and "pine-apple" grenades against the front line trenches. At noon the enemy attacked along the whole brigade front.
"The attack was heaviest in the centre, against the 12th and 13th Companies of the 1st Battalion and the 1st and 2nd Comoverland, and others up the communication trenches, but they overland, and others up the communication trenches, but they were beaten off by rifle and machine-gun fire; and although some parties succeeded in getting within bombing range, none reached our trenches, and the surviving attackers retreated to their original position. Several prisoners and three light machine-guns were captured.
"During this attack the brigade on the right of the New Zealand Division evacuated Hamel, and fell back till its forward posts were as far back as the 1st Canterbury Battalion's support line. In order to restore the line, the 1st Battalion had to take over another two hundred and fifty yards of trench to its right."
Private Godfrey H. S. Barnett (killed in action in France) was the third son of the late A. Morris Barnett (many years a teacher under the Otago Education Board) and Mrs L. Barnett, of Kakanui. He was born at Waitahuna Gully in 1895, and educated at the Upper Junction and Kakanui Public Schools. Upon leaving school he chose the open country life of a farmer, working among the farmers of the Kakanui district till about five years ago, when he took up a section along with his parents on the Bruce Settlement. Here he remained till he joined the Expeditionary Forces, leaving New Zealand with the Otago Infantry Battalion of the Twenty-fifth Reinforcements. He took a keen interest and was a ready helper in all local functions, being a member of various local committees. The late Private Godfrey Barnett is the second son of the family to serve his King and country. His brother, Sergeant M. J. Barnett, who left with the Fifth Reinforcements, was invalided home a, few months ago. -Otago Witness, 24/4/1918.
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| Godfrey Barnett. |
8/1941 Private Adolphus Michael Brennan, 7/10/1894-23/3/1915.
Adolphus Brennan was a farm worker at Waitati when he was called up in 1915. He had had some experience as a Territorial soldier.
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| Photo courtesy of the South Canterbury Museum. |
DEATH OF A TROOPER
PRIVATE BRENNAN, OF OTAGO
By Telegraph. — Press Association. WELLINGTON, Tuesday. Private Adolphus Michael Brennan, of the Otago Infantry Company, fourth reinforcements, died in the Wellington Hospital on Monday from hemorrhage. He was admitted to the hospital on February 12. His next-of-kin is Mr James Brennan, North-east Valley, Dunedin. -Waikato Times, 23/3/1915.
Adolphus' cause of death as reported by the "Online Cenotaph" is given as heart failure instead of "hemorrhage."
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| Adolphus Brennan. |
11/859 Gunner John Brennan, 12/10/1893-11/10/1917.
John Brennan initially joined the Otago Mounted Regiment, before being transferred to the NZ Field Artillery. He died on a day which is referred to in the NZFA's Official History as "The Tragedy of October 12th." It was a tragedy for the New Zealand infantrymen involved, as they attacked a fortified German position which was further defended before the main trenches by a serious of small concrete forts or "pill-boxes," linked by lines of barbed wire.
The pill-boxes were small islands in a sea of mud, produced when the ancient swamps of Flanders, made into fertile farmland by generations of Belgians, were turned back into swamp by artillery shells and rain.
Artillery support in such terrain was as difficult, though less deadly, then infantry attack. The recoil of the guns drove them into the mud, if provision had not been made for a stable platform to absorb the shock. The shifting of the guns caused shells to miss targets - some "falling short" and landing on their own countrymen.
It was on the disastrous October 12th that John Brennan was killed in action. Whether through accident or enemy action I have not been able to find.
DEATH.
FOR KING AND COUNTRY.
BRENNAN. — On October 11th, killed in action in France, Gunner John Brennan (4th Reinforcements), son of Francis Brennan, Upper Junction, N.E.V., Dunedin; aged 24 years. R.I.P. -Evening Star 30/10/1918.
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| John Brennan's grave at Ieper (Ypres), Belgium. Photo from the Online Cenotaph. |
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| John Brennan. |
58832 L/cpl Richard Mortimer Brennan, 1/11/1896-8/10/1918.
Richard Brennan was working on his father's farm in the upper Junction area when he was drafted for the Army, and he had joined the 1st Battalion of the Otago Infantry Regiment in France in November, 1917.
He was slightly wounded in August of 1918 but it seems not to have been serious, as he was back with the Otagos after just over a month in hospital and rest camp.
On October 7th, the 1st Battalion of the Otago Infantry Regiment had completed its relief of the 2nd Canterburys at 9pm and were occupying trenches in preparation for the following morning's advance, which was part of a large attack over a wide front. On its sector, the 1st Otagos would be leading the attack. At 4.30am the first companies of the Otagos advanced behind an artillery barrage, taking losses from German shells. The German wire was uncut, which stalled them a little, but the enemy resistance was soon overcome. One hundred prisoners were captured by the 1st Otagos on the 12, plus a field gun and a number of machine guns. The Battalion lost 144 men, including Richard Brennan. He was recorded wounded on the 12th, then reported killed in action a few days later.
FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE
DEATHS
BRENNAN. — On October 8, killed in action, “Somewhere in France,” Lance-corporal Richard Mortimer, youngest son of Francis and Jane Brennan, Upper Junction; aged 21 years. R.I.P. -Otago Witness, 6/11/1918.
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| Marcoing British Cemetery, France. Photo from the Online Cenotaph. |
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| Richard Brennan. |
8/1707 Private William Brennan, 7/10/1894-29/6/1916.
Brennan contracted measles in Egypt, and was hospitalised for a couple of months. After less than a month on Gallipoli he was in hospital again, this time with gastro-enteritis - a common malady in an area swarming with flies. Gastro became dysentery and it was another couple of months before he was discharged to base.
Brennan embarked to France with the Battalion and was with them in the lines near Armentieres. On June 27 there was a lot of work to do for the Battalion - in the shifting and placing of cylinders of poison gas, to be kept in readiness for a favourable wind to blow it over to the enemy line. Then, in the words of the Official History of the Otago Regiment:
A deserter from a battalion of the 1st Infantry Brigade had gone over to the enemy from the Mushroom on the early morning of June 29th, and a subsequent bombardment of the area over which the cylinders were installed, to say nothing of even more destructive occurrences, seemed to confirm prevailing suspicions.
This is the only occurrence of note on June 29 and it can be assumed that William Brennan died from the effects of German artillery or the effects of an enemy shell hitting a gas cylinder.
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| Cite Bonjean Cemetery, Armentieres. Online Cenotaph photo. |
OUR DEFENDERS
Private William Brennan, who was killed in action on June 29th, was born at Upper Junction, Dunedin, 21 years ago. On leaving school he joined the training ship Amokura, and after serving his time on that vessel he joined a ship trading on the Australian coast. He enlisted in Australia but was rejected owing to his youth. He came to New Zealand, and offered his services, which were accepted, and went through the Gallipoli campaign. -Colonist, 9/8/1916.
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| William Brennan |
9/1806 Trooper Joseph Daniel Collins, 22/2/1884-14/11/1917.
Joseph Collins was a labourer, living in Mechanic St, North-East Valley, when he joined the Army in October, 1915. He was not an ideal soldier, as shown by his service record. He was arrested in Featherston in November, 1915 after breaking out of camp.
MAGISTRATE'S COURT
The sitting of the Magistrate's Court to-day was presided over by Mr. D. A. Cooper, S.M.
For drunkenness, Albert Doggarb and Joseph Daniel Collins were each fined 10s, in default 48 hours' imprisonment. The last-named is to be handed over to the military authorities; George William Jackson was fined 40s, in default seven days in gaol, and John O'Neil was fined 20s, with the option of' three days' imprisonment. Four first offenders were also dealt with. -Evening Post, 10/1/1916.
At the end of January, 1917, he was in trouble again, at Port Said, Egypt, for "drunkenness whilst on active service." A few months later, it was "when ordered to leave the canteen, did not go." For those offences he was given seven and 14 days Field Punishment No.2, respectively.
In March, 1917, Joseph Collins was admitted to hospital in Cairo suffering from gonorrhea. He was there for a couple of months. He then spent some time (2/5/17-26/6/17) in a "detention compound."
Despite his less than stellar military career, Joseph Collins was a good enough soldier to die at the Battle of Ayun Kara, in modern-day Israel.
Retreating Ottoman troops decided to make a stand along some sandy ridges to prevent their lines of communication being cut - 1500 infantry, supported by artillery and machine guns. The 9th Squadron of the Wellington Mounted Rifles was part of the force given the job to remove them.
"Preceded by artillery fire, both regiments advanced rapidly, and at 1.30 the 9th W.M.R. Squadron commenced to attack its first objective — a series of entrenchments on the top of a hill from which the garrison directed heavy machine-gun and rifle fire at the advancing troops. Supported by a 6th Squadron troop, under Lieutenant Baigent, the 9th Squadron pressed the attack with great determination, and on reaching charging distance it rushed and captured the position at the point of the bayonet. The garrison fled in confusion, leaving behind twenty dead, a Lewis and a machine gun. Lieutenant W. R. Foley thereupon turned the captured gun to cover the 9th Squadron, the latter having continued to advance against its second objective, Captain Herrick's 2nd Squadron taking over the captured position. The second objective quickly fell before a vigorous bayonet charge, two other machine guns being captured, the squadron resuming the attack towards its third objective. Meanwhile the A.M.R. were pressing forward on the left, their advance being assisted by the fire of the Machine-gun Squadron, which also traversed the enemy position, towards which both regiments were closing.
"The W.M.R.'s objective lay along the main ridge in approximate line with the A.M.R.'s (Auckland Mounted Rifles) objective, the latter consisting of a line of posts which extended along the projecting ridge referred to on the left. These posts were not entrenched, but cover was afforded by the crest of the ridge, from which machine guns were able to maintain a deadly fire on front and flank. One of these on a red knoll — midway between the objectives of the A.M.R. and W.M.R. — was particularly destructive during the day, its elevation and central position enabling it to enfilade the New Zealand line on either side. On approaching its objective, the 9th Squadron came under the full force of this fire, and it thereupon took up a line on a ridge facing its objective, where it engaged the enemy and awaited a favourable opportunity to charge." -Official History of the Wellington Mounted Rifles.
Joseph Collins died of a gunshot wound at Ayun Kara, one of 11 men lost that day. The Ottoman forces retreated and Allied armies entered Jerusalem shortly after.
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| Ramleh War Cemetery. Commonwealth War Graves Commission photo. |
FOR KING AND COUNTRY.
DEATHS.
COLLINS. — On November 14th, 1917, died from wounds received while in action, Joseph Daniel (10th Reinforcements, J Company Wellington Mounted Rifles), youngest son of the late Timothy and Johanna Collins of Broadacres, N.E. Valley. R.I.P.
He nobly answered duty's call and gave up all for honor's sake. -Evening Star, 21/11/1917.
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| Memorial at Ayun Kara (since destroyed). Photo from the Online Cenotaph. |
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| Joseph Collins. |
8/656 Private Andrew Alexander Donald, 16/7/1893-23/10/1918.
Andrew Donald was working as a cheesemaker in Carterton when he enlisted, joining the Otago Infantry Regiment. He served at Gallipoli, spending some time in the hospital on the island of Mudros with diarrhoea - a very common complaint in that campaign. Following the retreat from Gallipoli and the Regiment's arrival in France, Andrew was in hospital again, for a couple of weeks with "acute dermatitis." A further spell in hospital was in February, 1918, with a venereal disease.
By September, 1918, the Otagos were advancing against an enemy which was becoming in turns more desperate and more dispirited. Andrew was sent yet again to hospital - he was one of the casualties on September 2nd of an overnight harassing fire with, according to the Official History, "blue cross" gas shells - which contained a fine powder as well as a poisonous gas. The fine powder was added as a "mask breaker" - intended to bypass the activated carbon of the gas mask filter and irritate the nasal and sinus membranes, leading to a soldier removing his mask and then breathing in the poisonous gas.
Andrew had a three week stay in hospital after this, rejoining the 1st Otagos in the field on October 14th - the day the Regiment was inspected by the Prince of Wales.
The rest period, during which the Otagos were held in reserve, ended on October 20th. They moved out to position themselves to advance on the 22nd. The advance began at 3.20am on the 23rd, preceded by a heavy artillery barrage. The 1st Otagos moved in behind the attacking formations, encountering a pocket of resistance overlooked by the first wave. The officer commanding the platoon which found them was wounded after the German soldiers put up their hands. They were not taken prisoner.
The Otagos continued their advance under cover of smoke, passing through a valley which the Germans had filled with poison gas. Arriving at positions held by the 42nd Division, they moved through to continue the advance, accompanied by a section of Field Artillery and one of Vickers machine guns.
"At zero hour, 8.40 a.m., our artillery barrage opened, and the leading companies advanced through the 42nd Division. Machine gun fire was encountered from Hirson Mill on the right front and from the railway embankment skirting the southern side of Vertigneul. Under the pressure of our infantry, the enemy retired from the Mill. The railway embankment was gained and 47 prisoners and several machine guns accounted for. The enemy resistance up to this stage had not been of a very determined order, and Vertigneul was reached and passed through in the course of the advance. The River Harpies was crossed under fire, and the road north of Vertigneul quickly reached. The advance was then temporarily checked by machine gun fire from the ridge east of the village. Also, the outskirts of Vertigneul apparently still sheltered a few enemy snipers, and two sections of infantry were detailed to clear the village. The opposition encountered to the east of Vertigneul was overcome by the accurate fire of Lewis guns and rifles, but when the crest was gained, the advance attracted further machine gun fire from the vicinity of the Crucifix and the hedges near the cross-roads. 2nd-Lieut. J. Wilson, M.M., leading forward a platoon of 8th Company, delivered an attack against the flank of this stronghold with such force and skill as to effect its immediate capture. The sunken roads in the vicinity were then cleared of the enemy, and the two leading Companies consolidated on their objective. The 10th and 14th Companies, following in rear, consolidated in PAGE 367the orchard on the eastern side of Vertigneul. Later, our positions were subjected to intermittent artillery fire. Gas shelling of the area of the Chapelle des Six Chemins was responsible for three casualties among the officers of 4th Company." -Official History of the Otago Infantry Regiment.
At this point the 1st Otagos paused and the 2nd Otagos moved through to continue the advance. At the end of a successful day many German prisoners had been taken and Otago losses were light - one officer and seven "other ranks."
FOR KING AND COUNTRY.
DEATHS.
DONALD. — On October 23rd, 1918 (killed in action somewhere in France), Private Andrew Alexander Donald (main body), beloved youngest son of David and Elizabeth Donald, 32 Normanby street, North-east Valley, aged 25.
He gave his life for us. -Evening Star, 3/12/1918.
Andrew Alexander Donald lies in the Cemetery at Romeries, France.
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| Andrew Donald. |
8/1497 Private Bruce Harvey, 18/9/1891-7/8/1915.
Bruce Harvey was born in Beaufort, South Africa and working on his father's farm in the Sawyers Bay area when he enlisted on December 21, 1914. For some reason, as noted on his medical record, he had had his left testicle removed some time previously.
In June 1915, on Gallipoli, he served 14 days' Field Punishment No 2 for "theft of stores." FP2 was to have handcuffs and leg fetters attached, making normal movements such as marching an uncomfortable experience.
In August, the last throw of the armies on the Peninsula was made. The offensive was kicked off by the Australians at Lone Pine as a diversion for the main effort. The Official History of the Otago Regiment describes the August Offensive, during which the height of Chunuk Bair was reached, as "memorable by reason of the desperate and sustained nature of the fighting no less than by the narrowness of the margin by which victory was missed."
On the first day of the Offensive, Bruce Harvey died. Nobody saw him die, nobody saw his body, which was presumably left behind on the hills of Gallipoli and possibly buried at some time by Turkish soldiers. After the Evacuation, a Court of Enquiry was held in Egypt on January 20, 1916. The verdict of the Court was that Bruce Harvey had died on August 8th.
His name is inscribed on the Chunuk Bair Memorial on Gallipoli Peninsula.
"Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives…You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us, where they lie, side by side here in this country of ours…You, the mothers who sent their sons from faraway countries wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land, they have become our sons as well." - Kemal Attaturk (attributed).
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| Bruce Harvey. |
9/718 Trooper Carl William McAllen Lamont, 28/5/1891-8/2/1916.
Carl Lamont enlisted in the Otago Mounted Rifles in October, 1914. He had been working as a cooper for Speight's Brewery in Dunedin and had also been a Trooper in the Otago Hussars. I have not been able to find whether Carl Lamont went to Gallipoli.
Carl Lamont died in the "Civil Fever Hospital" in Abbassia, Egypt and is buried in the Cairo Memorial Cemetery. It is possible that his place of death is responsible for the confusing wording of his death notice in the local paper.
FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE
LAMONT. — On February 8, at Abbassia Hospital, Egypt, of cidil fever, Trooper Carl William McAllen Lamont (2nd Reinforcements, 5th Otago Mounted), third son of Thos. Lamont, of Pine Hill; aged 23 years.
He did his duty. -Otago Witness, 16/2/1916.
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| Carl Lamont. |
8/689 Sergeant Alexander Paisley, 8/3/1892-8/5/1915.
VALEDICTORY.
The residents of the Upper Junction gathered at the schoolhouse on the evening of the 25th inst. to bid farewell to Sergeant Alexander Paisley. Mr Tom Lewis, on behalf of the residents, presented Sergeant Paisley with a pair of binoculars. The recipient is the second son of Mr John Paisley. A pleasant evening was spent, and Sergeant Paisley left with everyone's good wishes for his safe return. -Otago Daily Times, 28/8/1914.
Alexander Paisley was reported missing in the newspapers of June, 1915. His military record contains the brief words: "Believed killed Cape Helles." Here is what the Otago Regiment's Official History has to say about that time: "On the 28th, in the determination to make all possible headway before fresh enemy reinforcements arrived, a further general advance was commenced on Krithia, beyond which was the dominating feature known as Achi Baba.
"The utmost limits of the advance fell short of Krithia, and owing to the inadequacies of artillery support, the limitations of supply, and the inability of the exhausted and depleted forces to withstand successive determined counter attacks, much of the ground gained had actually to be given up. A momentary lull followed, interrupted by heavy fighting, which broke out on the night of May 1st and continued until midday on the 2nd.
FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.
IN MEMORIAM.
PAISLEY. — In loving memory of Sergeant Alexander Paisley (Otago Battalion), killed in action at Gallipoli on May 3, 1915.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. -Otago Daily Times, 3/5/1916.
MEN WHO HAVE FALLEN.
PERSONAL PARAGRAPHS
SERGEANT A. PAISLEY. Sergeant Alexander Paisley, Otago Infantry Battalion, who has been reported missing, left with the Main Expeditionary Force. He is the fourth son of Mr. John Paisley, Upper Junction, Dunedin. He was a member of the 4th Otago, Regiment, and at the time of his enlistment was in the employment of Mr. J. Scott, Drumoak, Wyndham. His brother, Albert, was in the Samoan force, and another brother, Andrew Kerr, is with the reinforcements at Trentham. -New Zealand Herald, 28/6/1915.
In Memoriam
PAISLEY. — In loving memory of Sergeant Alexander Paisley (Alex.), who made the supreme sacrifice at Quinn's Post, Gallipoli, on May 3, 1915. -Otago Witness, 9/5/1917.
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| Alexander Paisley. |
8/2693 L/cpl Andrew Keir Paisley, 13/6/1895-12/10/1917.
GOING TO THE FRONT.
On April 13 the residents of Upper Junction met in the schoolhouse to bid farewell to Mr Andrew Paisley, who has been accepted for service in the Expeditionary Forces. Mr Lewis presented Mr Paisley with a set of military brushes and a safety razor and outfit: Mr Paisley thanked the residents for their presents and good wishes. The evening was filled in with music and song, after which supper was handed round. -Otago Daily Times, 23/4/1915.
Andrew Paisley was wounded in 1916, but it seems not to have been serious as he was not long in hospital. Andrew was in 10 Company, 1st Battalion of the Otago Infantry Regiment when it attacked German positions in the Battle of Passchendaele. It is possible that he was one of the men of 10 Company who were killed by their own artillery fire while still 100 yards behind the tape laid to show the start line. It is possible that he was one of the casualties from German fortifications, surrounded by intact barbed wire, that poured bullets into the advancing Otago men. It is possible that Andrew was one of the 28 men left unwounded, with all officers killed or wounded, out of the 10th Company who were able to dig in at a place called Wolf Copse.
My best guess, considering that many bodies could not be recovered after the disaster of 12 October, is that he died from the shells that fell short before he was able to leave the start line.
Andrew Paisley's body was recovered from the mud of Passchendaele and buried at the Poelcapelle Cemetery in Vlandern, Belgium.
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| Andrew Paisley. |
58920 Private Harold William Paisley, 9/5/1897-22/2/1919.
Harold Paisley joined the Army in May, 1917. He was in the Otago Infantry Regiemnt during the tumultuous days of October, 1918, when he was wounded, suffering a gunshot wound to the right thigh. He was discharged from hospital on January 15th, 1919.
He was back in hospital just over a month later, at Gavan, Scotland, with bronchial pneumonia, possibly caused by influenza. He died at Gavan and was buried in the Western Necropolis, Maryhill, Glasgow.
FOR KING AND COUNTRY.
DEATH.
PAISLEY. — On February 22nd, 1919, in a military hospital, Scotland (of influenza, during convalescence from wounds), 58920 Private Harold William Paisley (Otago Regiment, N.Z.E.F.), beloved son of John and Agnes Paisley, of North-east Valley, Dunedin; aged 21 years. Deeply mourned. -Evening Star, 4/3/1919.
Harold was the third son of John and Agnes Paisley to go to war and not return.
FOR KING AND COUNTRY.
IN MEMORIAM.
PAISLEY. — In sad and loving memory of Private Harold William Paisley, Otago Infantry Battalion, who died of pneumonic influenza in Scotland, February 23rd, 1919, during convalescence from wounds received in France; aged 21 years and 9 months. -Evening Star, 21/2/1920.
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| Harold Paisley. |
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| Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo. |
11345 Private Edward Sainsbury, 22/7/1888-4/1/1918.
A very pleasant gathering was held at the Upper Junction School to bid good-bye to Mr Edward Sainsbury, who is leaving for the front. Mr J. Paisley spoke of Mr Sainsbury's good qualities, and on behalf of the residents, presented him with a handsomely-engraved gold wristlet watch and also a very useful money belt. A number of songs and recitations were rendered by ladies and gentlemen, after which the ladies supplied abundance of refreshments. Dancing was indulged in till the early hours of the morning. -Otago Daily Times, 11/12/1915.
Edward Sainsbury was in the 10th Company of the 2nd Battalion when the Otago Regiment attacked German positions on October 1st, during the Battle of the Somme.
"The 2nd Battalion of the Regiment assembled in Goose Alley for the attack, and under cover of an artillery barrage extending over a line parallel thereto, moved forward at zero hour to the assault in four waves, each perfect in line and interval, and with rifles at the slope. Almost immediately, 4th Company on the right, together with portion of 8th Company, came under heavy machine gun fire from the direction of Gird Trench. The 10th and 14th Companies on the left were at this stage advancing across a depression which afforded comparative cover, and thus escaped the gruelling fire which confronted the right companies."
"The 10th and 14th Companies had fared badly in the matter of losses. The first real opposition encountered was from a trench south of the Circus, where the enemy was finally either shot down or ran away. Touch had now been lost with 8th Company owing to the gaps created in its ranks and the dense smoke of battle which obscured the outlook. Furthermore, the extent to which the enemy trenches had been smashed by our artillery fire made it a difficult matter to determine the actual objective. The Circus was naturally thought to be a well defined point, but from a defensive point of view it had ceased to exist, and the men of Otago, together with those of the Wellington Company who had come up in support, pushed on to the ridge about 300 yards ahead and established themselves on what was certainly a very strong position, this step being taken as the result of a decision arrived at by the officers on the spot after a careful reconnaissance. Orders were subsequently received, however, to bring the flank back to the Circus in order to conform to the general line; and at 10 p.m. Captain W. G. A. Bishop, M.C., succeeded in getting into touch with our right Companies and Wellington troops, and before daylight the whole position was consolidated and made secure by punctuating the front with strong-points and the aid of machine guns. The entire attack had been splendidly carried out under galling fire and consequent severe losses, its success being entirely due to the dash of the assaulting troops under conditions of a most exacting nature." -Official History of the Otago Infantry Regiment.
On that day, Private Edward Sainsbury suffered a bullet wound in his right shoulder which paralysed his arm. It was the end of his active Army service, and the beginning of a long and painful journey. While in hospital in England, he caught trench fever, a painful bacterial disease transmitted by body lice.
Personal
Mrs E. Sainsbury, of One-mile road, has been advised that her son, Pte. Edward Sainsbury, who has been seriously ill in the Walton-on-Thames hospital, London, is now out of danger, and is making satisfactory progress. -Lake Wakatip Mail, 20/3/1917.
Edward arrived home - at least at Auckland - in a hospital ship on August 22nd, 1917.
Personal
Mrs E. Sainsbury of Queenstown has received advice that her son, Pte. Edward Sainsbury, who is returning from France wounded, was due to arrive at Port Chalmers on Saturday last, 25th August, by the N.Z. transport E.D. 110. Private Sainsbury was engaged in the big Somme battle and on October 1st received the wounds which laid him low. Since that time he had been in the Walton-on-Thames Hospital, suffering from the gun shot wounds in his shoulder and also from trench fever. According to the latest advice Private Sainsbury is one of nine cot cases which were due to arrive at Port Chalmers yesterday. -Lake Wakatip Mail, 28/8/1917.
MILITARY FUNERAL.
The Friends (and family) of the late Private Edward Sainsbury are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave the Dunedin Hospital at 2 p.m. TOMORROW (Sunday), 6th inst., for the Anderson Bay Cemetery.
A. S. ARCHER AND CO., Undertakers. -Evening Star, 5/1/1918.
ROLL OF HONOUR.
PRIVATE EDWARD SAINSBURY.
Very deep sympathy is felt in this district for Mr and Mrs Egbert senr., Queenstown, in the death of one of their soldier sons, Private Edward Sainsbury, which took place at the Dunedin Hospital on Saturday last. At the historic battle of the Somme Private Sainsbury received a bullet wound in the region of his right shou1der, which paralysed his arm completely. He was removed from the field to the 1st Canadian Hospital in France and subsequently taken across to the 1st London General Hospital. During the time he was in England he spent part of the time in the 3rd London General Hospital and also in one of the Convalescent Homes. While there he twice had trench fever and was attacked by fibrosis of the right lung. When he was considered any way fit to undertake the journey he was brought out to New Zealand in the hospital ship Marama as one of the cot cases, arriving at Port Chalmers on the 27th of August. Since that time he had been an inmate of the Dunedin Hospital. In that institution he received treatment at the hands of the most skilful physicians and surgeons, but without avail. His sufferings were intense during the latter part of his illness and, big powerful man that he had been, his poor body wasted away to nothing — as if with slow poisoning.
Private Sainsbury, whose age was 29 years and 4 months, was born at Skippers and educated at the Queenstown Main School. Prior to his enlistment with the 12th Reinforcements he was engaged in farming at Upper-Junction, Normanby, Dunedin. He was the fifth son of Mr and Mrs Sainsbury and one of three sons to serve his King and country — Private Walter Sainsbury having gone out with J.Coy., and Private Ernest with D. Coy., 27th Reinforcements.
All who knew the Late Edward Sainsbury testify to his sterling qualities as a friend and a citizen. He had a very clear vision of Duty, and in his death has given a precious life in the execution of that high-souled purpose. -Lake Wakatip Mail, 8/1/1918.
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| Andersons Bay Cemetery. DCC photo. |
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| Edward Sainsbury. |
26/638 Rifleman George Douglas Shaw, 14/2/1890-15/9/1916.
George Shaw joined the Army in October, 1915, and arrived at the Rifle Brigade's base at Suez, Egypt, and embarked for France with them shortly after. He was part of "D" Company, 4th Battalion of the NZ Rifle Brigade on September 15th in Mametz Wood, in preparation for an attack on the town of Flers in the Somme region of France.
For the previous three days, the heaviest artillery bombardment yet recorded had been pounding German positions and there were three further novelties for the attack - contrary to usual practice, the entire attacking force would be advancing at the same time, and there were odd new things called "tanks" that would be joining the offensive. Nobody knew what use the "tank" would be, but it would at least be able to flatten sections of barbed wire and, if immobilised, offer some useful cover. Also, the Royal Flying Corps had assigned two "contact planes" to their sector. These would, hopefully, make up in some way for the inability of advancing troops to inform headquarters of their progress - or lack of it. There was no way of communicating with the aircrews from the ground.
On the morning of the 15th, aerial reconnaisance was able to report that enemy trenches in the target area had been repaired after the previous day's shellfire, though not completely.
"At zero hour, 6.20 a.m., the intense barrage opened, and six minutes later began creeping forward by lifts of 50 yards per minute until it joined the stationary barrage on Switch Trench, the first objective. Simultaneously with the commencement of the barrage, 2nd Auckland and 2nd Otago swarmed over the parapet, moved swiftly forward to the line of shell-bursts, the regularity of which was beyond praise, and followed it forward step by step, until, at 6.40, it lifted from the section of Switch Trench which formed their goal. With a final rush the trench was carried, all resistance here as well as in Crest Trench, which they had taken in their stride, being overcome in a few minutes.
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| George Shaw. |
6/2326 Private John Frederick Williams, 21/11/1881-11/7/1916.
ROLL OF HONOR
PRIVATE J. F. WILLIAMS.
Definite information has been received from the Base Records Office by Mr F. T. Williams, of North-east Valley, that his eldest son, Private John Frederick Williams, was killed in action on the 14th July. Private Williams was born at Hyde, and educated at the North-east Valley School. After completing his education he became apprenticed to Mr I. J. Evans, plumber, but had not completed his term when he determined to enlist. He was much under the regulation age for acceptance in the Expeditionary Force, but in order to make sure of getting away he enlisted under the assumed name of J. Mackenzie, giving as next of kin Mrs Mary Mackenzie, 86 Botting street, Opoho. This he did in order that the military authorities would not discover his real age should they decide to search any Territorial records. Private Williams must have been one of the youngest New Zealanders on active service, as he celebrated his eighteenth birthday in Trentham Camp. He left the Dominion with "D" 7 - i.e., the Seventh Reinforcements of the Otago Battalion, and after spending some time training in Egypt, left with his regiment for active service on the western front. -Evening Star, 12/8/1916.
An interesting story - and the details in his attestation on enlistment are interesting. John claims he was born in Ireland, had last worked for the Westland Coal Co at Denniston and had served for two years in the Queenstown Volunteer Rifles. The attestation was made at Trentham Camp - probably far enough away from Denniston and Queenstown to pass.
It seems he arrived in time for the last of the Gallipoli Campaign and later embarked from Egypt to France. In France, in April 1916, he is sent to an isolation camp, suffering from scabies. A couple of weeks later he was back with the Canterburys in the region of Armentieres. It was trench warfare like that of Gallipoli, but there were a few things to learn.
"The enemy was also fully aware of the possibilities of raiding, and on July 3rd unsuccessfully raided the 1st Auckland Battalion. The 1st Canterbury Battalion's turn came on the 8th: it had come into the line on the 3rd, and in the interval the enemy had been busy "registering" our trenches — i.e., ascertaining, by observing the fire of single guns, the exact elevation and direction necessary to hit the target, and recording the information for further use. This "registration" had borne fruit in heavy bombardments of our positions, on the nights of the 4th/5th and 6th/7th, by artillery and trench-mortars (minen-werfer) of all calibres.
"At 9.15 p.m. on July 8th, the enemy opened a still heavier bombardment on all our positions, but concentrated particularly on the centre of the 1st Canterbury Battalion's front line trenches. On the right centre (known as No. 2 Locality, with the strong point called "the Mushroom" in advance of the front line) was part of the 1st Company, the remainder of which was in No. 1 Locality (on the right flank of the battalion) and in the support trenches of the two localities. Part of the 12th Company was in No. 3 Locality, in the left centre.
"In the light of subsequent experience, all the British front line trenches were at this time far too strongly garrisoned, and it was impossible for any shell to land in a trench without causing several casualties. The Mushroom had a garrison of one officer and forty other ranks, of which the bombardment which began at 9.15 p.m. killed the officer, his platoon sergeant, and five men, besides severely wounding several others.
"When the bombardment lifted off the Mushroom, about fifty of the enemy attacked the strong-point. The survivors of the garrison, under Sergeant S. G. Brister, repelled this attack, but were immediately attacked from both flanks by enemy bombing parties. Fighting desperately, the garrison on the right was driven back up the communication-trench leading back to No. 2 Locality. This party was commanded by Sergeant Brister, who, though wounded, refused to surrender, and established a block in the communication trench, which he held till our counter-attack had been delivered. On the left, the remainder of the garrison was forced to fall back across country.
"Meanwhile, the garrison of No. 2 Locality had suffered even more severely from the bombardment than the platoon in the Mushroom, and almost all had been either killed or wounded. In No. 3 Locality, things were not so desperate, but the officer commanding the garrison had been killed. Here, Lieutenant E. H. T. Kibblewhite, of the 1st Machine-Gun Company, took charge of the position, and organized a counter-attack which he led against the Mushroom. He met with no opposition; on reaching the strong-point he found that the enemy had removed his dead and wounded, and had abandoned the trenches. Apparently our dead had not been searched; no wounded had been taken prisoner, nor was there anything missing from the dugouts.
"Working parties were organized at once; and several men who had been buried alive were rescued. All the trenches occupied by the battalion had been badly damaged, and the next few days were spent in repairing the defences, the work being occasionally interfered with by enemy bombardments. The battalion had suffered very severely indeed from the enemy's artillery fire, which was responsible for the bulk of the month's casualties." -Official History of the Canterbury Regiment.
During that period, the Regiment lost 39 men killed and it can be assumed that John Williams was one of them.
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| John Williams. |
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Thank you, the Paisley Boys are my husband's family. Will be passing this research around the family.
ReplyDeleteIf you are related to any of the servicemen in this list please contact Otago Military Historical Society. We are currently working with volunteers to renovate the Upper Junction Memorial area. chairperson.omhs@gmail.com thanks Christine
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