October 23rd was a successful day for the Otago Infantry Regiment in the final months of the Great War. After passing through the advance units of the 42nd Division, at 8.40am an artillery barrage opened up in front of them and and they advanced under it cover. Resistance was sporadic, mostly from machine gun placed to slow their advance.
It was a good day for the Otagos but not a good one for Allan McKenzie and his family. Allan was one of the eight soldiers killed.
FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE
McKENZIE. — In sad but loving memory of our beloved son, Lance-corporal Allan McKenzie, (14022, 14th Reinforcements) who was killed in action near Cambrai on October 23, 1918.
With aching hearts we shook his hand, Tears glistening in our eyes,
We wished him luck, but never thought It was our last good-bye.
Could we have stood beside his grave And seen him laid to rest
The blow would not have seemed so hard For those that loved him best.
When I see the boys returning My heart doth throb with pain
To think that you're not there, dear Allan, And will never come back again.
— Inserted by his sorrowing father and mother, brothers and sister.
McKENZIE. — In sad but loving memory of our dear brother, Lance-corporal Allan McKenzie (14022, 14th Reinforcements), who was killed in action near Cambrai on October 23, 1918.
Amid his daily work he heard the call, His country grave in strife,
He cried, "I come," and gave up all, His home, his friends — his life.
One of the bravest and best.
— Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law and little niece, M. and W. A. McKnight.
McKENZIE. — In loving remembrance of Lance-corporal Allan McKenzie (14022), who was killed in action 15 miles east of Cambrai, October 23, 1918.
— Inserted by his brother and sister-in-law, W. R. and A. McKenzie. -Otago Witness, 28/10/1919.
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