22678 Lieutenant John Ernest Thompson, (1879-2/9/1918). "a miraculous escape"

LIEUTENANT JOHN E. THOMSON. 

Widespread and deep regret was felt at Balclutha yesterday when the news was received of the death in action in France of Lieutenant John Ernest Thompson, late manager of the Import Stores. The deceased soldier, who was born in Dunedin and educated at the George Street School, was the second son of Mr and Mrs Samuel Thompson, of Castle Street. He served his apprenticeship at Messrs Brown, Ewing's establishment, and while quite young went to Wellington to enter the employment of the Te Aro Proprietary. From Wellington he went to Australia, and at the outbreak of the Boer War enlisted with the Australian Expeditionary Forces. He saw active service, and although only 18 years of age, attained non-commissioned rank. On his return to New Zealand he entered the employ of' Kilpatrick's, at Waitati, preparatory to taking up the managership of the Import Stores, Balclutha. Mr Thompson was only 21 years of age when he took up his responsible position, and from that time till his enlistment with the 16th reinforcements he carried out his many duties as a citizen and business man in an unostentatious manner which won him a host of friends. He was a cheerful giver and ardent worker in several local patriotic causes. Deceased enlisted with the 16th draft, received sergeant's stripes in New Zealand, and saw service in France at the battle of Messines. Here he was buried by the explosion of a shell and had a miraculous escape from death, the result of his experience turning his hair white. After Messines he went to Oxford, where he sat for and obtained a commission. He had presumably just returned to France at the time he met his death. Two brothers of deceased — Lieutenant Thomas (16th reinforcements) and Private George (40th reinforcements) — are on active service in France, and five sisters and two brothers reside in New Zealand. The deceased was 39 years of age. 

The flag at the Borough Council Chambers was hung at half-mast yesterday as a mark of respect to the memory of deceased, and the Import stores were closed during the afternoon.  -Clutha Leader, 17/9/1918.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.