32666 Private Denis Healy, 25/10/1896-16/10/1917.

THE WAR.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

Private Dennis Healy, who died from wounds received in action, was the youngest son of Mr T. Healy, of Kyeburn, where he was born and educated. When only 19 years old he enlisted, and left with the 19th Reinforcements. At the time of his death he was within a fortnight of being 21 years of age. Another brother is on service in France, and the two met in the trenches there, not having seen each other for 12 years previously. He was the last of the family to leave his parents' home, and was a most devoted son.  -Otago Daily Times, 29/10/1917.

THE LATE PRIVATE DENIS HEALY. 

The following letter has been received by Mrs Healy from Captain Ivan Spedding, which will be interesting to the many friends of Private Healy: — “As medical officer of'the unit to which your son Denis belonged, I take this opportunity of extending to you my sincerest sympathy and regrets at your son’s death. He was one of my stretcher-bearers, and was wounded while attending to the wounded on the battlefield. He was brought down to me and I did all I could for him, and had every hope of his recovery, but it was not to be so. He, with the other stretcherbearers did magnificent work, and I thought I would like to let you know how much we all appreciated what he did.” This is one of many letters received regarding the splendid work of our stretcher-bearers. One of Private Healy’s mates wrote: “You will no doubt wonder from whom this letter comes. Well, it is from a working mate of Denny’s who was with him when he got wounded out here. He was a stretcher-bearer, and, believe me, he was out on his own. I never knew anyone to work so hard before, and he never flinched from his duty. He was game to the last, and the company all have the highest praise for him. He was wounded while attending to another chap’s wounds on the 4th of October, and died later.”   -Evening Star, 2/1/1918.

In Memoriam

HEALY. — In loving memory of Private Dennis Healy, who died of wounds, October 16, 1917, received in action at Passchendaele; aged 20 years. 

In the bloom of his life death claimed him, In the pride of his manhood days; 

None knew him but to love him, None mentioned his name but with praise. 

Far away in a land of strangers, Far from mother's loving care; 

But the angels hovered near him, And a loving God was there.

The sorrows of earth may o'erburden the soul, And tears dim the eyes here below, 

But none in that home, while the ages shall roll, A tear or a sorrow shall know. 

— Inserted by his loving mother, sisters, and brothers. 

HEALY. — In fond memory of dear Dennis Healy, who died on October 16, in Boulogne Hospital, from wounds received at Passchendaele Ridge on October 4, 1917. — Inserted by his sister and brother-in-law, M. and J. Sharp.   -Otago Witness, 23/10/1918.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.