39359 Private Hugh Augustus Tohill, 23/10/1892-25/7/1918. "the dangerous work of despatch running"

 Football.

ALEXANDRA TOURNAMENT.  (excerpt)

A tournament was held at Alexandra on Saturday, teams from all parts of Central Otago competing —six in the senior and the same number in the junior. Early in the afternoon sadness was cast over the gathering in the receipt of news that an Alexandra young man, Hugh Tohill, had been killed in action. In consequence, three brothers, members of the Alexandra seven, withdrew from the contest, and their places were taken by substitutes.  -Cromwell Argus, 5/8/1918.

BOROUGH COUNCIL

Business.— 

The Mayor referred to the death of one of the old and early settlers of this district — Mr John Terry —who had resided in Alexandra and district for a large number of years. Of a quiet disposition, the deceased did not take a great interest in municipal affairs, but he had been for a time borough dayman, and at all times a good citizen. — News had also recently come to hand of the death of private Hugh Tohill. Private Tohill was one of our local boys, born and brought up here, and he with other brothers joined the army to serve his country. The receipt of the sad news had cast a gloom over the town. He moved "That the clerk be instructed to write to both families conveying the sympathy of the council in their bereavement." — Seconded by Cr Weaver, and carried by the council upstanding.  -Alexandra Herald and Goldfields Gazette, 7/8/1918.

OBITUARY.

LATE PRIVATE HUGH TOHILL

Still another of our fine local boys has laid his young manhood on the altar of National Service. Word reached Alexandra on Saturday that Private Hugh Tohill, son of the late Harry Tohill of Alexandra had died as the result of wounds received on or about 25th July. Hugh was one of our own, born, brought up and educated in our township. He enlisted and proceeded to Europe with the 22nd reinforcements, taking part in several engagements. Recent letters home mentioned that he was serving in what is well known to be at times the dangerous work of despatch running. But Hugh ever possessed the indomitable courage which shirks at no danger, and his many local friends feel sure that his death is but the price he was witling to pay in the performance of his duty. Hugh Tohill was a keen footballer, and a distinguished wearer of the Green, for which colour he put up many a hard battle on the football field. Twenty-three years of age, Alexandra will know him no more, but his many local friends honour his passing, and will revere his memory.  -Alexandra Herald and Goldfields Gazette, 7/8/1918.

High Tohill died during the Battle for Bapaume, a French town which was heavily defended by a retreating but still well-armed German Army. His Army record notes that he was admitted, on the day of his death, to No. 1 NZ Field Ambulance suffering from "Shrapnel wounds, legs, multiple."

Alexandra Cemetery.