James Skinner was born at Makikihi and enlisted from Papakaio where his family was then based. He left New Zealand with the 19th Reinforcements in July, 1916.
He was initially drafted into the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, then transferred to the Otago Infantry Regiment in March, 1917. He was promoted to Lance-corporal at the beginning of 1918 then assigned to the Entrenching Battalion the following March.
James went missing after the fighting and surrender at Meteren (see entry for William Taylor) and was posted as missing, possibly a prisoner for six months. Finally in January of 1919, a Court of Enquiry ruled that he was officially dead. His parents were Peter and Ellen Skinner. Their wait must have been a long one.
IN MEMORIAM.
SKINNER — In loving memory of Lance-Corporal James Skinner, Papakaio, 19th Reinforcements (Entrenching Battalion), killed in action in France on 11th April, 1918; aged 22 years. At peace. Inserted by his sorrowing parents, sisters and brothers. -Oamaru Mail, 16/4/1919.
 |
| Papakaio Cemetery |
 |
| Papakaio Cemetery |
No comments:
Post a Comment