42545 Private Michael Alexander Moynihan, 11/4/1893-17/10/1917.

Private Michael Alexander Moynihan, reported missing on October 17, 1917, but by latest advice now supposed to have been killed in action in France, was the second son of Mr Wm. Moynihan, farmer, of Ngapuna. He was a native of Sutton, and was educated at Sutton and at the Christian Brothers' School, Dunedin. On leaving school he returned to Strath-Taieri, where he worked on his father's farm at Ngapuna till the time of his enlistment. He left New Zealand with the 23rd Reinforcements, and could have been but a short time in Prance, when he was called upon to make the supreme sacrifice. Private Moynihan was very popular and took a keen interest in sport of every kind. At one time he was a member of the Strath Taieri Rugby Football team. He was a dutiful son loyal and dependable in every way and much respected by all who knew him. He was 24 years of age.   -Otago Witness, 29/5/1918.

Michael Moynihan's death was a mystery.  He was with a small group of fellow soldiers behind the front line when they were shelled and he was found missing.  A subsequent Court of Enquiry found him missing but cold not presume him dead due to lack of eyewitness or other evidence.  Eventually his death was presumed and made official.  It is possible that he died from a direct hit from an artillery shell.

For the Empire's Cause

In Memoriam

MOYNIHAN. — In loving memory of Michael Alexander, who was killed in action at Passchendaele, France, October 17, 1917, second son of Wm. Moynihan, Ngapuna. R.I.P. Inserted by his loving father and brothers. 

MOYNIHAN. — In loving memory of Michael Alexander, who was killed in action at Passchendaele, France, on October 17, 1917, second son of Wm. Moynuhan, Ngapuna. R.I.P. — lnserted by his loving uncle, F. Moynihan, Sutton.  -Otago Witness, 23/10/1918.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.