8408 Private Hugh Hunter Buchanan, (1909-27/4/1941). "a number of aeroplanes"

Hugh Buchanan served with 20 Battalion, 2NZEF, in the Greek Campaign in 1941.  Greece had been invaded by Italy through its territory in Albania and Greek and British forces were pushing them back effectively when German forces entered the battle.  From then it a blitzkrieg, pushing the Allied forces south with many New Zealanders evacuating to Crete and suffering the German airborne invasion there.

It is possible that the German decision to invade the Balkans set back their timetable for the later invasion of Soviet Russia.  It is possible that the delay led to German troops with no winter  clothing and equipment freezing in trenches in sight of Moscow.

It was during the retreat through Greece, almost in sight of an embarkation port, that Hugh Buchanan was killed.

I was only about a hundred yards down the road when a number of aeroplanes swooped very low over the ridge. The men were still on their trucks awaiting dispersal orders but immediately the attack began they scattered and took what cover they could on both sides of the road. The attack continued for some considerable time, the planes swooping very low up and down the road and strafing the road itself, the trucks and the men. All the vehicles except the OC's 8-cwt were ‘brewed up’ by incendiary bullets, which also set fire to crop in which some of the men were sheltering.

The Porto Rafti road was getting a doing over at the same time and it later transpired that 12 Platoon were on this road, having mistaken the turn off. It was here that Lieutenant Fergus MacLaren was killed. In the main group Captain Ayto had been badly shot through both knees and was carried clear of the road to the side of a hill. He later died of wounds. Three of the men killed we buried in the grape vines and evacuated the other killed and wounded to the beach in the ‘pick-up’. It was altogether a very nasty raid.

The Greek villages which the battalion knew in 1941 suffered heavily during the German occupation and the civil war that followed the withdrawal of the Germans at the end of 1944. Memories of these villages and of the men who fought in Greece are revived by Sergeant E. S. (‘Fox’) Allison, of the battalion's ‘I’ section, in letters written to Sergeant Basil Borthwick, of Christchurch. Sergeant Allison was taken prisoner at Belhamed on 1 December 1941. He visited the battlefields of North Africa, Greece, and Crete in 1954 and is at present writing a book on his experiences.

Mr Allison's letters have had a wide circulation among former members of the battalion. His permission to publish the extracts which follow this and later chapters is gratefully acknowledged.

On Way to Porto Rafti Near Marcopoli 8 Oct 1954 12.50 pm.

…. At the moment I am in the fields into which we dispersed after leaving Marcopoli — the last village thro' which we passed where people were giving us wine and advice. This is where we were caught in the air-raid in which B. Coy. were badly mauled, Geo. Fowler, Bill Ayto, the Cunningham boys, Scottie Wheeler, Hunter Buchanan and many others being killed. As far as I can judge this is the very spot our section was in — or at least very close to it. There were some young olive trees — can pick them now — because altho' they have grown much, they are not so large as the older trees which were quite few — the area being fairly open…. It's odd what sticks in one's memory but I recall, as I lay, face down, alive with fear, two beetles working away in the earth, taking no notice of the blitz — and I agog with fear lest the pilots would spot a white mug tied to my haversack.  -Official History of 20 Battalion.

Private Hugh Hunter Buchanan, who was killed in action in Greece on April 27, was a son of Mr and Mrs R. Buchanan, of Abbotsford, Dunedin. Before enlisting for active service he was in employment with McSkimming and Sons, Waikiwi, for six years.  -Southland Times, 14/5/1941.

Green Island Memorial Rose Garden.

Henry Francis Martin, (1864-14/12/1882). "taking whisky"

INQUEST.

An inquest was held at the Morgue yesterday afternoon, by Mr E. H. Carew, upon the body of Henry Martin who was killed upon the railway line on the evening of Thursday last. Inspector Weldon watched the case, and Mr A. Grant was present on behalf of the railway. After the jury had returned from viewing the body, 

Edwin Booth, foundry-master, deposed that the remains were those of Henry Martin. He had no doubt upon the subject. The deceased was in witness' employ, and left the foundry at about 4 o'clock on Thursday afternoon, at witness' request, as he had evidently been taking too much to drink.

In reply to the Coroner, the witness stated that deceased was unfit for work. He had never before seen him suffering from the effects of drink. He had been in the witness' employ for about five years. Had noticed nothing unusual in deceased's manner, save that he was drunk. Witness was sure of this from the smell. There had been a sale at the foundry that day, and someone had brought drink on to the premises, which the deceased must have got access to. 

Benjamin Martin, labourer, residing in York place, also identified the remains as those of his son, Henry Martin, who was between 18 and 19 years old. He left the house shortly after S o'clock on Thursday evening to. take a walk, as he said, to "cool himself." He admitted having had too much to drink, and told his mother that he had been taking whisky. He had no quarrel whatever with his parents, and witness knew of no trouble that he had on his mind.

To the Foreman: Witness never before knew the deceased to take any drink at all.

Thomas Egley, shunter in the Dunedin railway-yards, deposed that a few minutes before 9 o'clock on Thursday evening he saw the deceased standing within three or four feat of the rails at the Castle street crossing. Witness was seven or eight yards from him. As the train from Palmerston was then in sight he thought deceased was waiting to let it go by. As the engine came within eight or ten feet of the deceased, he threw up his hands, and threw himself across the rails. Witness gave the danger-signal, and the driver instantly whistled for the brakes to be put down, and the train was brought to a standstill within about 40 yards. The body was found underneath the train badly mangled. The engine and about 10 or 12 trucks had passed over it. 

To Inspector Weldon: The engine was too close to allow witness an opportunity of saving the deceased. 

To the Coroner: The deceased threw out his hands deliberately, and appeared to purposely throw himself across the rails — not as though he had tripped.

To the Foreman: There was no obstacle about the crossing. It was a good level roadway. 

To the Coroner: Deceased appeared to be walking steadily, and there was nothing peculiar about his gait.

Donald McCauley, signalman at the Castle street crossing, corroborated this evidence. Deceased walked steadily to the crossing. Witness saw no one speaking to the deceased, but saw a woman about the spot after the accident had occurred. 

Charles Rollo, driver of the engine, also gave evidence as to the deceased walking up to the line and stopping as though to let the train pass. Deceased looked over his shoulder as the train approached, and suddenly threw himself upon the line. At this time the engine was about six feet from him. 

The Coroner: Is it possible he could have tripped and fallen accidentally?

Witness: I do not think so. He seemed to deliberately throw himself across the line. Even if he were suffering from drink, I should still think that he threw himself down. Witness immediately reversed the engine and whistled for the brakes to be put down. It was, however, impossible to stop in time to avoid the accident. The train was proceeding at the rate of about six miles an hour. 

This concluded the evidence. 

The Coroner, in summing up, said that according to the depositions the lad was in what was for him a very unusual condition at the time of the occurrence. It was possible that, seeing he had never been known to drink before, the liquor might have taken.an unusual effect upon him. It seemed very strange that a young man, without any care or trouble upon his mind, should have deliberately attempted to commit suicide, and there was nothing to show that in his ordinary state he was of unsound mind in any way. If the jury thought — although some of the evidence went to show the contrary — that the occurrence was accidental, they must find accordingly. If they thought that he deliberately threw himself across the line, they would then also have to take into consideration his state of mind at the time. 

The Jury, after a short deliberation, returned a verdict, "That deceased committed suicide whilst labouring under a fit of temporary insanity."  -Otago Daily Times, 16/12/1882.

Henry Francis Martin lies in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery.

12874 Private James John Coward, (1919-25/1/1943). "rest has followed pain"

Due to his service in the Second and not the First World War, James Coward's Army record is not available online.  He is announced as wounded on December 9, 1941 and his Battalion, the 26th, fought hard in the Second Libyan Campaign the previous month.

James died in Dunedin so it can be assumed that he came home for hospital treatment.  It can also be assumed, from a line in the following tributes, ("When we think of what he suffered, We would not wish him back again.")  that his case was a painful one.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

For the Empire's Cause. 

COWARD. — In loving memory of my dear and friend, 12874 Private James John, who died of wounds on January 25, 1943. 

Gone are the days we spent together, In loving friendship, kind and true.

His Cheery smile and hearty welcome, Were ever ready all day through. 

Sweet is the spot where you are laid, Many a visit in silence is paid. 

To lay down a flower in remembrance of thee, Never forgotten and never shall be. 

— Inserted by his loving sister Lill and friends, Mr and Mrs Cassidy and family. R.I.P. 

COWARD. — In loving memory of Private James John Coward, 12874, 26th Battalion, died of wounds January 25, 1943. 

Calm and peaceful he is sleeping, Sweetest rest has followed pain. 

When we think of what he suffered, We would not wish him back again. 

— Inserted by his loving brother and sister, Frank and Doreen. 

COWARD. — In loving memory of Private James John Coward, 12874, 26th Battalion, died of wounds January 25, 1943. 

Not a day do we forget him, in our hearts he is always near. 

As we loved him, so we miss him, As it dawns another year. 

— Inserted by his loving brother and sister-in-law, Walter, Chrissie, niece and nephews. 

COWARD. — In loving memory of Private James John Coward (Jim), 12874, 26th Battalion, died of wounds January 25, 1943. 

No one knows the silent heartaches, Friends may think the wound is healed. 

But they cannot see the sorrow, Deep within our hearts concealed. 

His face is before us, His voice we will never forget. 

His smile will linger forever. In our hearts he is with us yet. 

— Inserted by his loving mother, brother, and sisters, Joan, Francis, Noel. 

COWARD. — In loving memory of Private James John Coward, 12874, died of wounds, January 25, 1943.

Not a day do we forget him, In our hearts he is always near. 

As we loved him, so we miss him. As it dawns another year. 

— Inserted by Mary and brother-in-law Cyril (overseas), nieces. 

COWARD. — In loving memory of my dear twin brother, Jim, who passed away January 25, 1943.

I have only a memory of you dear, To remember our whole life through; 

But the sweetness will linger forever, As I treasure the picture of you. 

— Inserted by his sister, Kate, and children, also brother Gerald. R.I.P.  -Evening Star, 25/1/1945.

Green Island Memorial Rose Garden.

80686 Trooper Thomas Borthwick Herbison, (18/8/1918-16/12/1943). "carrying his cobber"

The Battle of the Sangro was the first attempt by Allied forces to break through the Gustav Line, the main series of German defences in Italy, to the south of Rome.

20 Battalion of the NZ Army, which included Thomas Herbison, attacked the approaches of the town of Orsogna with its Sherman tanks.  It was a confused affair and German defences took a heavy toll, as described in the 20 Battalion's official History:

Trooper Percasky was one of Walton's crew. He has recorded that when Walton evacuated his tank he was ‘all for continuing the fight’ from a tank nearby that had been immobilised the previous day. However, after some discussion it was decided to get back as best they could. During this move a shell wounded Lieutenant Walton and his gunner, Trooper Herbison. Lance-Corporal Coleman carried Herbison into a house close by, outside of which Sergeant Dalton's tank was burning. Percasky then made his way to the house also. There he found the crew of Dalton's tank, three of them badly wounded.

page 342

Sergeant Russell describes the action:

The Jerries let the tanks through his infantry and lay low until we tried to get back and then came to light. The Hun infantry also pinned the Maoris down we found out later. Gib Dalton was troop sergeant and a grand soldier. He took shelter behind a two-storeyed house to the right of the road…. Gib's tank was hit and went up in smoke in a matter of seconds. Flames were pouring out of the two drivers' hatches and the turret as well. Gib came out through them … with the ear phones still on. I saw both drivers get out also through flames.

Trooper Thomas of Sergeant Dalton's tank gives their story:

We proceeded until [Lieutenant Walton's] tank stopped and engaged targets. My tank … engaged targets to the left of the road. We were halted between three houses when I thought I saw a haystack move and was reporting same to the sergeant when we were hit. Immediately we went up in flames. Being wireless operator I was last out the turret. I ran back about 15 yds to where Sgt Dalton and Trooper Kneebone [the gunner] were lying badly wounded and burnt. They asked if I had seen … our two drivers, but … [I could only presume] that they had both been hit…. I crawled over to a house on our right about 10 yds away, had a quick look inside and went back and helped Eric Kneebone inside. Then I went back for Sgt Dalton who unaided covered that distance although he had almost lost a leg by the AP shell. We were all very badly burnt…. I rolled smokes for the three of us and [had] lit up when there was a terrific explosion outside bringing in part of the roof and smothering us in dust. Outside we could hear our tank brewing up, our ammo, etc. exploding.

By now Eric and Gib were in serious pain so I crawled out into the front passage to see if any of our squadron tanks had come up as far as we were. The first thing I saw was a Kiwi crawling back up the road. I called several times. He looked over and said ‘What the hell are you Maoris doing up here?’ It was L/Cpl A. Coleman, Lieut Walton's driver. He came back carrying his cobber Tom Herbison, their gunner, … [whom we carried] into one of the back rooms…. By this time we were beginning to go blind. L/Cpl Coleman, Troopers Percasky and Perrin refused to leave us in our condition although it meant certain captivity or death. … Jerry troops were around our tank 10 yds away. Escape was impossible. A Jerry doctor came out of Orsogna and gave us drugs and a drink of vino. Then they carried us away on stretchers into Orsogna, where I was immediately operated on.

page 343

Trooper Herbison died in the house but Lieutenant Walton rallied later and, with Sergeant Dalton, was carried back to a German rear headquarters where they were separated from the other prisoners, who did not see them again.

IN MEMORIAM

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE

HERBISON. — In loving memory of our dear son and brother. Trooper Thomas B. Herbison, killed on active service, Italy, December 16, 1943. 

They shall not grow old, as we who are left, grow old; 

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. 

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, 

We will remember them. 

— Inserted by his loved ones, Green Island. 

HERBISON. — In memory of a great pal, 80686 Trooper T. B. Herbison, killed in action at the Sangro, Italy, December 16. Inserted by Betty and Hunter Wylie, Green Island.  -Evening Star, 16/12/1944.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE

IN MEMORIAM

HERBISON. — In sad but loving memory of our dear husband and father, killed in action, Italy, December 16, 1943.

We mourn for you in silence. When there are none to see;

For only God in Heaven knows How dear you were to me. 

— Inserted by his loving wife and wee son, Rodney. 

HERBISON. — In loving memory of our dear son and brother. Trooper Thomas B. Herbison, killed on active service, Italy, on December 16, 1943. 

They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old; 

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. 

At the going down of the sun and in the morning 

We will remember them. 

— Inserted by his loved ones, Green Island.

HERBISON. — In sad and loving memory of our dear son-in-law, Tom, killed in action, Italy, December 16, 1943. 

A distant grave is a painful thing, Where loving hands no flowers can bring. 

When we think of where he died. No one he loved was by his side. 

But Jesus, in His tender care. Will guard our loved one lying there. 

— Inserted by Mrs Lanauze and family, Jack and Murray (overseas).   -Otago Daily Times, 16/12/1944.

Green Island Memorial Rose Garden.

8441 Corporal Laurence Douglas Livingstone Houghton MID, (1918-5/3/1942). "his own escape"

Corporal Laurence Douglas Livingstone Houghton, one of the four New Zealanders who, according to a telegraph message published yesterday, has been posthumously mentioned in despatches, was born in Dunedin and resided at 25 Evans street, Opoho. He went overseas with the Second Echelon, and served in Greece and Crete. In Crete he assisted several captured soldiers to escape, but was finally captured by the Germans. He was shot while trying to make his own escape, and died on March 5, 1942. The message wrongly stated that Corporal Houghton came from Christchurch.  -Evening Star, 17/3/1944.

Laurence Houghton's entry in the "Online Cenotaph" states that he lies in the Phaleron War Cemetery at Athens.

Green Island Memorial Rose Garden.

61292 Gunner Henry Halsey, (1912-5/12/1941). "believed drowned"

Henry Halsey served in the 14th Light Anti Aircraft unit which arrived in Notrh Africa in mid-1941.  He died in the tragic sinking of an unmarked hospital ship.

The Sinking of the Chakdina

Of the many sequels to the Corridor battle which ended the main New Zealand part in the offensive, the unhappiest by far concerned the evacuation of wounded from Tobruk. Hospitals in the fortress area were grossly overcrowded as a consequence of the unexpectedly long and bitter fighting, and it was a matter of the greatest urgency in the first few days of December to get wounded back to less congested hospitals where they could get proper attention. There was no knowing at that stage how long it would be before the land route eastwards was opened and too few hospital ships were available for the task. The little s.s. Chakdina when it sailed in the afternoon of 5 December on its return voyage to Alexandria therefore carried 600 men (including 120 New Zealanders) of whom 380 were wounded, 97 of them New Zealanders and among these over 30 gunners. Just after 9 p.m. an aerial torpedo struck and exploded in an after hold and in three and a half minutes the crowded little ship sank in a strong swell. Some 400 men were drowned, 80 of them New Zealanders and almost all of these survivors of the fighting at Sidi Rezegh and Belhamed. Thirty gunners were lost in this disaster.  -Official History of the 2nd NZ Divisional Artillery.

Henry Halsey was reported wounded on December 17. The following month he was "missing, believed drowned."

Gren Island Memorial Rose Garden.

49386 Private William Jordan Halsey, (16/7/1896-3/12/1917). "his memory liveth for ever"

William Halsey paraded as part of Dunedin's contribution to the 27th Reinforcement of the NZ Expeditionary Force on March 8, 1917.  He did not survive the year. After the disastrous defeat at Bellevue Spur on October 12, the Otago Regiment were ordered to attack Polderhoek Chateau on December 3rd. The chateau - once a charming two-storeyed building with a tower - had been transformed by war into a reinforced ruin supported with interlocking fields of fire from concrete machine gun positions.  

Before contact with the enemy, men of the Otagos and the Canterbury Regiment were killed by their own artillery.  Then the German defenders sent up their distress flare and their guns and machine guns began to fire. The attack ground to a halt, with many dead and wounded.

DEATHS

HALSEY. — On December 3, killed while in action, Private William Jordan (26th Reinforcements), the dearly beloved son of Katie and William Halsey, Fairfield; in his 22nd year. 

He did his duty.  -Otago Witness, 2/1/1918.

DEATHS

FOR KING AND COUNTRY.

IN MEMORIAM. 

HALSEY. — In loving memory of my dear brother, Private William Jordan Halsey (49386), who was killed in action, December 3rd, 1917. His memory liveth for ever. 

— Inserted by W.B.H.  -Evening Star, 3/12/1921.

Green Island Memorial Rose Garden.