13/1 Private William Thompson, 28/3/1875-13/1/1918. "a fine young fellow"

KILLED IN ACTION

In the latest list "killed in action" is William Thompson, (Mrs E. Thompson, Roslyn, mother). We have reliable evidence that this records the death of one who was for many years a resident of Cromwell — "Tommy" Thompson, as he was familiarly known. He entered the service of Mr A. Stephens, Cromwell, when the latter established his tailoring business, and remained in that position for many years, when he returned to the city. He was a fine young fellow, and a great favorite with all. He sailed with the 28th Reinforcements, accompanied by several local boys and likewise friends of former years, and some of these, too, have been recorded on the wounded list. Local residents deeply sympathise with the bereaved mother loss of her esteemed son.  -Cromwell Argus, 4/2/1918.

William Thompson died at a quiet time in the War, when the Otago Regiment was occupying trenches in the area known as Polygon Wood.  The Official History describes the conditions: "In accordance with these orders, the Regiment reached the front line on the evening of January 8th, the 1st Battalion occupying the extreme left of the Divisional frontage. The state of the two sectors was such that all the available strength had to be employed in the hope of effecting an improvement. Heavy snow made the conditions infinitely worse, and the lack of shelters was keenly felt. Following upon an almost immediate thaw, the trenches were reduced to a state impossible to describe. There were further heavy falls of snow; Large areas of country became completely inundated; the trenches were either flooded or fell in, and many of the avenues were waist deep in mud. The Ypres area was living up to its winter reputation."

It is not recorded how William died.  At a time when there was no official military action, it is likely he was killed by a sporadic artillery barrage or a German sniper.

The Roll of Honour.

Private William Thompson (killed in. action on January 13) was educated at the Kaikorai School. Being the only child of a widowed mother, his friends tried to persuade him to appeal when he was called in the ballot, but without success, and he left for camp with the Twenty-seventh Reinforcements. While there he was drafted into the 23th Specialists. He was a regular attendant at meetings of the Linden Lodge of Druids, of which he was a past officer. He was a cutter in the employ of Messrs H. H. Scott and Co., of this city. He was an enthusiastic walker, and was well known to pedestrians in. and around Dunedin.  -Otago Daily Times, 5/2/1918.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.  DCC photo.