72393 Rifleman James Collis Baylee, (17/8/1897-1/10/1918). "minor operations"

James Baylee was working for Turnbull and Jones as an electrical engineer when he was called up in 1917.  He served in the 2nd Battalion of the NZ Rifle Brigade during the rapid advance towards Germany in late 1918.

"On October 1st a great advance was made in the St. Quentin sector, many villages as well as the town of St. Quentin being taken by the French and Australians. In the Cambrai sector, our 1st Brigade took Crevecoeur after forcing the passage of the Escaut Canal, while the 3rd Division captured Rumilly. North of Cambrai the Canadians exploited their successes of the previous day, cleared the high ground west of Ramillies, and entered Blecourt.

"By a series of minor operations the battle was completed on October 5th, by which date the right of the Third Army was able to cross the canal and occupy the Hindenburg Line to the east of it, thus greatly simplifying arrangements for the next great attack." -Official History of the NZ Rifle Brigade.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.

DEATHS.

BAYLEE. — On October 1, killed in action, James Collis Baylee, Thirty-seventh Reinforcements, youngest son of Mary Baylee and the late Collis Baylee, Dunedin and Winton; aged 21 years.  -Otago Daily Times, 17/10/1918.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.