Many people have written many words about the Otago Infantry Regiment and its sacrifices on October 12th, 1917. In the course of researching my stories I have found many an Otago gravestone with that date and the name of a father or son who is commemorated on but not buried under it.
For the reader who does not know the significance of the date - briefly, it was during Battle of Passchendaele that the Otagos (with William) were sent through mud against intact German fortifications with little to no artillery preparation, and what artillery did fire for them killed several of their number.
The Rifle Brigade (with John) also attacked that day but were held up by strong German defences, both active and passive, which the artillery had not effectively dealt with.
John was admitted to hospital on the 13th with gunshot wounds in his head and foot, as well as suffering from the effects of gas. He died the next day.
CORPORAL FRENCH.
On Thursday afternoon, official advice was received by Mrs French, of Clark's Flat, to the effect that her son, Corporal John French, who left with the 24th Reinforcements, had been seriously wounded in the head. This was followed yesterday by the sad news that he had succumbed to his injuries. The deceased, who was a man of about 30 years of age, was a native of Clarks Flat, where in conjunction with his brothers he was engaged in farming operations. In the days of the old Tuapeka Mounted Rifles he was a. keen volunteer and for some time held a lieutenant's position. He was a fine, steady, industrious young man and was very highly esteemed by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. Two brothers are still at the front — Lieut. Wm. French, who went with the Main Body, and James, who went with the 25th Reinforcements. And in his death his widowed mother and family will have the sincere sympathy of a very wide circle of friends. -Tuapeka Times, 20/12/1917.
LIEUTENANT FRENCH
Last issue we announced the death of Corp. J. French, who died from wounds received in the recent push on the Western Front, and it is with deep regret we have this issue to report a further death in Mrs French's family. Yesterday official advice was received from the Hon. James Allen, Minister of Defence, to the effect that Second-Lieut. William A. French had been killed in action in France on the 12th inst. The deceased, who was 26 years of age, was the youngest son of Mrs and the late Samuel French, and was born at Clarks Flat, where he received his education. On leaving school he and his brothers continued to work their mother's farm, subsequently acquiring an adjacent property on their own account. On the call for men at the outbreak of the war, the deceased was an immediate volunteer and left with the Main Body as a private. Early in the campaign he gained a corporal's stripe and at Gallipoli he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. On reaching France he was immediately recommended for a commission and for a considerable time past had held that rank. Like his brother he was a fine, steady, industrious young fellow, and was very popular throughout the district. In their heavy bereavement the family will have the keen sympathy of the district. -Tuapeka Times, 24/12/1917.
BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING. (abridged)
The ordinary meeting of the Lawrence Borough. Council was held on Monday night. Present — His Worship the Mayor (Mr B. W. Winn), Crs Leary, Christie, Thompson, Finlayson, McKinlay, Arthur, Edie, and Simpson. An apology was received and accepted for the absence of Cr. Munro.
SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCE.
Before proceedng with tho business of the meeting the Mayor referred to the heavy casualty lists which had been appearing during the past fortnight and to the heavy toll suffered by this district. He moved that the Council record its sympathy with the families of the late Major Turner, Lieut. William A. and Corporal John French, Sergeant John W. Black, Sergt.-Major Falconor and Corporal T. N. McFarland. The motion was carried by the members standing in silence. -Tuapeka Times, 20/10/1917.
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