57410 Private Sydney Bernard Speedie, (14/6/1896-27/11/1918). "one loved so well"

Sydney  Speedie was chosen by ballot to join the Army in mid 1917. Shortly after his joining, a Wasserman blood test demonstrated "a strongly positive reaction" to the presence of syphilis. He had been under treatment for the disease in Dunedin before his being chosen to serve. 

He was admitted to the Quarantine Hospital at Trentham and became one of the many victims of the Spanish flu epidemic.

MILITARY FUNERALS.

There have been quite a number of military funerals in the city since the outbreak of the influenza epidemic, the victims being returned men. 

On Saturday three took place, the deceased soldiers being Private David Thomson Fraser, Private Speedie, and Private James Hendrick. The remains of Private Fraser were buried in the Northern Cemetery, and those of the other two at Anderson's Bay. The Rev. W. A. Hay officiated at the first, and the Rev. R. Scott Allan at the two latter.  -Otago Witness, 4/12/1918.

 SPEEDIE. — In loving memory of Sydney Bernard Speedie, who died of pneumonia at Dunedin on the 27th November, 1918, aged 27 years. 

God knows how much we loved him, He counts the tears we shed; 

And whispers: "Hush, he only sleeps. Your loved one is not dead." 

Inserted by A. and M. Hudson. 

SPEEDIE. — In loving memory of Sydney Bernard Speedie, who died of pneumonia at Dunedin on the 27th November, 1918, aged 27 years. 

Two years have passed and none can tell The loss of one I loved so well, 

But while he lies in peaceful sleep, His memory ever dear I'll keep. 

Inserted by J.H.   -Evening Post, 29/11/1922.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.