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.
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