David Grant grew up on Cray Farm near Outram and volunteered for the army at the end of 1916. He was detached in France to the NZ Light Railways Operating Section for a time then returned to the Otago Infantry Regiment. He died near Colincamps, after surviving the Battle of St Quentin which marked the end of German hopes for success in their great spring offensive.
From the Official History: "The 2nd Battalion of the Regiment took over its former front line sector, from "Y" Ravine to Hamel, on the night of the 7th. Enemy activity on the 8th was confined to trench mortar fire, but on the following day, between 10 a.m. and 12 noon, the front and support lines were heavily bombarded with high explosive and 77 mm. shells, and during the afternoon low-flying aeroplanes patrolled the system apparently with the object of determining the damage done."
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| From Archives NZ |
As you can see from the above image, he died of multiple injuries caused by gunshot wounds: Fracture of the left leg, the right thigh, and the right arm.
GRANT. — On April 7. 1918, died from wounds "Somewhere in France" David Albert Grant (volunteered 17th Reinforcements), third dearly beloved son of David E. and Margaret Grant, of Cray Farm, West Taieri; in his 30th year.
He was quiet and unassuming,
His life was straight and clean;
In duty to his parents
No better could have been.
He died for his country. -Otago Daily Times, 27/4/1918.
GRANT. — In loving memory of Private David Albert Grant (17th Reinforcements), who died from wounds received in action, April 7, 1918, "Somewhere in France"; aged 29 years and 4 weeks.
Silence is no certain token
That no hidden grief is there,
Sorrow that is never spoken
Is the hardest grief to bear.
— Inserted by his loving parents, sisters, and brothers. -Otago Daily Times,7/4/1919.
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| West Taieri Cemetery. Allan Steel Photo. |
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