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REUNION IN EGYPT.—The day after Miss Nella McCartney, of Portobello, arrived in Egypt for service as a V.A.D., she was welcomed by her two brothers, Private S. A. McCartney (left) and Trooper J. E. McCartney, both of whom, by a coincidence, happened to be on leave in the city in which Miss McCartney was stationed. Otago Daily Times, 15/4/1942.
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John and Daisy McCartney of Portobello saw four children leave for the Second World War. Two did not return. A high price for any family. Their eldest son, John "Jack," who joined the Dicisional Cavalry, was first to die.
The Official History of the NZ Divisional Cavalry has a brief mention of the circumstances of John's death: "Laager was formed beside the Kebili-El Hamma road near the New Zealand Corps' objective, and the next morning, the 27th, the regiment set off up the road again with B and C Squadrons ahead trying to get in touch with 1 Armoured Division to get what news they could of its movements and those of the enemy. But regardless of recognition signals, they were held off by gunfire and it was not until late in the afternoon that liaison was effected. It was here that the regiment happened on a new kind of mine made of wood — to prevent its being located by the British mine detectors — which unfortunately killed Trooper McCartney and wrecked a carrier."
FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE
MCCARTNEY — KiIIed in action, Middle East, John Erwin, aged 27, dearly loved eldest son of Mr and Mrs J. S. McCartney, Portobello, and loved brother of Nella (overseas), Mrs Freeman, Joyce, Hazel, Kathleen. Stan., Allan (overseas), Stuart (in camp). "He died for those he loved.” (Southland papers please copy.) -Otago Daily Times, 12/5/1943.
For some reason I can find no further reference to a Stuart McCartney, in or out of camp.
PERSONAL AND SOCIAL
Mrs J. R. Brown has received advice that her niece, Private Nella McCartney, is being invalided home from the Middle East. -Otago Daily Times, 2/11/1943.
Personal
Mr and Mrs J. S. McCartney, of Portobello, have received advice that their son, Lance-sergeant Allan McCartney, has gained his commission in the Middle East. -Evening Star, 18/4/1944.
KILLED IN ACTION
PORTOBELLO SOLDIER'S DEATH
Advice has been received that Second-lieutenant Sydney Allan McCartney, of Portobello, aged 24, has been killed in action in Italy. Second-lieutenant McCartney was born at Portobello, a son of Mr and Mrs J. S. McCartney, who still live there. He attended the Portobello School and the King Edward Technical College and was then apprenticed at the joinery factory of McCallum and Company, Limited. He was a keen sportsman and was a prominent member of the Civil Service Harriers, being the winner of a number of cups and trophies for running. He was prominent on the football field and was a member of the Alhambra senior team in the Dunedin club competition. Second-lieutenant McCartney joined the New Zealand forces when he was 21 and went overseas with the Sixth Reinforcements. He saw service in the Libyan and Tunisian campaigns. He received his commission in Palestine early this year and rejoined the New Zealand Division in Italy as a member of the Twenty-third Infantry Battalion. The McCartney family has a notable record of service in the present war. Another son, Trooper Jack McCartney, who was serving with the Divisional Cavalry, was killed at El Hamma in March of last year. A daughter, Private Nella Winifred McCartney, now Mrs N. W. Densem, served overseas for two years as a Red Cross voluntary aid and returned to New Zealand just before last Christmas. -Evening Star, 1/8/1944.
The Official History of Allan's unit, the 23rd Battalion, has this short mention of his death, at a place called San Donato, which was on the way to Florence, Italy: "Second-Lieutenant Alan McCartney, described by a brother officer as ‘one of the fittest men in the whole Division’ and certainly one of the most promising subalterns in the unit, was killed as he led his men against well-concealed enemy posts."
FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE
In Memoriam
McCARTNEY. — In loving memory of our dear son and brother, James Seaton, killed in action at El Alamein, November 3, 1942.
He was but one of many, Who offered his life to God
That we might be free and happy. On the good green trod.
No more can he return, Except in memories dear:
But in our hearts a place is kept For the one we held so dear.
— Inserted by his loving parents, brother and sister.
McCARTNEY.—A loving tribute to the memory of our dear brother, James Seaton, killed in action, El Alamein, November 3, 1942.
He has borne his cross; he has gained his crown; Though he lies in a far-off grave.
And we think of his life, a duty done, Manly, unselfish, and brave.
— Inserted by Myrtle and Bob (overseas).
McCARTNEY. — In proud and loving memory of our dear brother, Seaton, killed in action, El Alamein, November 3, 1942.
Whether known and famed, Or else forgot;
In his country's heart he's named, Dead he is not.
All that he had he gave. Honour the silent brave.
— Inserted by Jessie and Ernie.
McCARTNEY. — In loving memory of our dear nephew and cousin, Private James Seaton McCartney, killed in action November 3, 1942.
Greater love hath no man than this — That he lay down his life for his friends.
— Inserted by McCartney family, Portobello.
McCARTNEY. — In memory of Seaton, killed in action at El Alamein on November 3, 1942. —Inserted by Bill.
McCARTNEY. — In loving memory of Seaton, killed in action, El Alamein, November 3, 1942. —Inserted by his pals, Bert and Ngaira.
McCARTNEY. — In loving memory of Seaton, killed at El Alamein. November 3, 1948. “Ever remembered.” — Inserted by McCunn family, Mosgiel. -Otago Daily Times, 3/11/1945.
Portobello Cemetery, Dunedin.
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