Sunday 8 April 2018

45195 Rifleman Peter Drummond, 19/2/1895-9/4/1918.



Rifleman Peter Drummond who died on April 9 from wounds received while in action in France.  He was the fifth son of Mrs Elizabeth Drummond of No. 3 France street, Dunedin. He was born at Glasgow, and came out to New Zealand with his mother and the other members of the family about 12 years ago. The deceased soldier was a stone mason by trade, and for several years was in the employ of Messrs J. and W Faulkner. He then went to Sydney, and after working at his trade there for about two years returned to Dunedin, and entered the employ of Messrs Browns. Ltd., as storeman.  He enlisted in January, 1917, with the 24th Reinforcements, and on reaching France was transferred to the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. Cable advice received by his mother stated that he was admitted to the Third Canadian General Hospital at Boulogne on April 8 suffering from severe gunshot wounds in the head, arms, and legs, and the sad news was received last night of his death on the date stated. The deceased was about 30 years of age. and at one time played soccer for the Maori Hill Club.  -Evening Star, 15/4/1918.

There are a couple of inaccuracies in the above report.  The home address of France St seems to be a misprint of mistake on the part of the official source of the news of Peter's demise - I'm sure it was Frame St in North East Valley.

Also, the date of his admission to hospital as recorded on his army record is April 6th.  This would put him with his Brigade near Colincamps when the German Army attacked and were stopped by the Rifles on April 5 - see the previous story "A hot day."

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.  Allan Steel photo.

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