William Clutterbuck left New Zealand in January, 1916 and returned home a little over a year later. He returned a broken man, suffering from an extreme case of shell shock. His case is described in a report made on November 3, 1916, at the Hornchurch convalescent hospital.
He first began to show symptoms of nervousness shortly after going in to the tranches, and these he ascribes to the high explosive shells sent over by the enemy. Notwithstanding he endured six weeks of hard work and raiding. Early in July he was badly shaken one night; and was sent to his billet for three days. The enemy then heavily shelled the billets and he completely "broke up." He then had very bad pains in his legs, especially the right leg, with tremor of the limbs, very much influenced by sudden noises, etc. He was then evacuated to England and treated at St Thomas's Hospital, London. The tremor to the legs and the pain improved, but he had severe attacks of each. He then developed vomiting after meals, and this resisted treatment. Eventually he was able to hobble about and was sent to the above convalescent hospital.
William was sent on his return to the soldiers' convalescent hospital at Hanmer Springs.
DEATH.
FOR THE EMPIRE.
CLUTTERBUCK. — On November 9, Queen Mary Hospital, Hanmer (Springs (from influenza), ex Private William Henry, second son of Isabella and the late Charles Clutterbuck, Riversdale; aged 25 years. Deeply regretted. R.I.P. -Mataura Ensign, 11/11/1918.
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