Private Thomas Heffernan, of South Dunedin, died in the Dunedin Hospital yesterday afternoon. He left the Dominion with the Southland section of the 22nd Reinforcements, and saw service in France. On the eve of the battle of Messines he had a severe attack of bronchitis, and after spending some time in hospital in England and France, he returned to New Zealand about two months ago. About a fortnight ago he had to go into hospital in Dunedin, where he died under an operation for an internal complaint. Heffernan was 35 years of age.-Press, 21/11/1917.
FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.
DEATHS.
HEFFERNAN — At the Dunedin Hospital, Rifleman Thomas Heffernan, eldest son of the late Thomas and Margaret Heffernan, South. Dunedin. R.I.P. -Otago Daily Times, 21/11/1917.
The remains of Rifleman Thomas Heffernan were interred at the Southern Cemetery with military honors this afternoon. The deceased, who was 35 years of age went to the war with the 22nd Reinforcements, returned invalided by the hospital ship that last reached New Zealand, and died whilst under an anaesthetic administered for the purpose of an operation. The Rev. Father Graham conducted the burial service. Captain Myers (A.A.G.) and Major Fleming represented the Defence Office, and Captain McGuigan, deceased's brother-in-law, was also present. Returned soldiers provided the firing party and acted as pall-bearers. A very large number of returned men and the public attended the funeral. -Evening Star, 23/11/1917.
Thomas Heffernan did not die of the effects of bronchitis contracted on active service. He died of a condition which he carried with him to war - a hydatid cyst in his liver.
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