Monday 27 December 2021

6/256 Private Percival Hawken, 5/8/1894-11/6/1916.

 

MOTUEKA.

Regret is felt at the death of Private P. Hawken, aged 22, of the Main Body, Expeditionary Force. Private Hawken returned invalided some time ago. He had obtained his discharge, and was employed by Mr H. J. Trewavas, baker. He was at his work as usual on Friday, but complained of feeling unwell when he returned home in the evening. Dr. Horrax was called in, but death took place at midnight on Sunday. The sympathy of all is extended to his father and family. 

The funeral of the late Trooper Hawken took place yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon, when the deceased was accorded military honours. There was a large attendance of Territorials and Cadets and of the general public, and among those present were the Mayor and borough councillors and representatives of the local Patriotic Committee. The returned soldiers of the district attended and a number of them acted as pall-bearers. The Rev. J. Newlands, of the Presbyterian Church, conducted the burial service. There was a firing party of'cadets, and the Last Post was sounded, with a roll of drums. Lieutenant Suckling was in command of the Defence forces on parade. SergeantMajor Hurdley was responsible for the military arrangements, and SergeantMajor Campbell was in charge of the pall-bearers.  -Colonist, 14/6/1916.


THANKS. 

MR. HAWKEN, of Motueka, wishes to thank all kind friends for their sympathy in connection with the death of his son.   -Nelson Evening Mail, 14/6/1916.


Percival Hawkins' military career was a short one.  He enlisted almost as soon as war was delcared, experienced two months' training, went to Gallipoli, caught typhoid fever, was taken to a Hospital Ship and eventually invalided home. He was discharged as medically unfit in March, 1916, after spending time in quarantine in Auckland due to the contagious nature of his disease.


Motueka Cemetery.



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