48855 Private Charles Cecil Halstead, 6/6/1894-10/2/1918.

Charles Halstead was a brought up in Pleasant Point, South Canterbury, and was a farm worker at Fairlie, just up the road, when he was enlisted in the Canterbury Infantry Regiment.  He appealed his call-up on February 6th, 1917, stating that the farm could not run without him but his appeal was dismissed.

He left New Zealand in June, 1917, and joined the 1st Battalion, CIR, on December 19th at Howe Camp near Rouen in France.

His record states that Charles was killed in action.  But the Canterbury Infantry Regiment's Official History doesn't show them as being in action on that day.  The closest reference before Charles' death is that on the night of the 8/9th of February the 1st Battalion relieved units of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade in the Polygon Wood area of the Paesschendaele sector.

Pleasant Point cemetery.

IN MEMORIAM

HALSTEAD — In loving memory of our dear son, Charles Cecil Halstead, who was killed in action in France, February 10th, 1918. 

One less at home. 

The charmed circle broken — a dear face 

Missed day by day from its accustomed place. 

But cleansed, and sacred, and perfected by grace. 

One more in heaven, One less on earth. 

Its pain, its sorrow and toil to share, 

One less the pilgrim's daily cross to hear, 

One more the crown of ransomed saints to wear, 

At home in heaven. 

— Inserted by his loving parents and sister.  -Timaru Herald, 10/2/1919.