17831 Private John Campbell Smith, (25/11/1882-24/3/1924). "heavy casualties"

John Campbell Smith joined the Army in 1916, embarking for France in July.  He initially served with the Otago Regiment but, after a couple of punishments for being absent without leave, transferred to the Machine Gun Corps.  He was seriously wounded in the right thigh during the Battle of Messines on June 15, 1917.  The Machine Gunners' Official History has only this to say about his Company, the 2nd, on the 15th:

Throughout the day of the 14th the gunners maintained their positions, but were moved forward to again assist the advance planned for the 15th. The 2nd Company had heavy casualties on the 15th in consequence of the heavy enemy shelling, but maintained their positions. The situation having become more settled on the 16th, a defensive scheme was prepared, and after approval by Brigade, the guns were moved to the new positions.

BIOGRAPHIES. 

PRIVATE SMITH. 

Private John Campbell Smith, who was reported dangerously wounded on June 16, is the eldest son of Mr W. C. Smith, 165 King street. He left with the Fifteenth Reinforcements.   -Otago Daily Times, 11/7/1917.

After about a month of lying in a severe condition, John's right leg was amputated.  In early 1918 he was fitted with a prosthetic leg and embarked for home.

DEATHS.

SMITH. — March 24, at the residence of his brother-in-law, 11 Albion place (off King street), No. 17331 Private John Campbell Smith, 15th Reinforcements, the beloved eldest son of William Campbell and Margaret Smith; aged 40 years. Deeply mourned.  -Evening Star, 25/3/1924.

MILITARY FUNERAL.

THE Friends of William Campbell and Margaret Smith (and family) are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of their late son, No. 17831 Private John Campbell Smith, which will leave his brother-in-law’s residence, 11 Albion place, on WEDNESDAY, the 26th inst., at 2.30 p.m., for the Anderson’s Bay Cemetery via Anderson’s Bay. 

HOPE AND KINASTON, Undertakers, 36 St, Andrew street.  -Evening Star, 25/3/1924.

The military funeral of the late Private John Campbell Smith (No. 17831, 15th Reinforcements) took place yesterday, the place of interment being the Anderson Bay Cemetery. Lieutenant Jones represented the military authorities. The Rev. K. Fairmaid officiated at the house and graveside, and Bugler Turnbull sounded the ‘Last Post.’ Private Smith served in France, where he lost a leg.  -Evening Star, 27/3/1924.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.