23/944 Rifleman Douglas Henry Varcoe, 27/7/1894-21/12/1926. "regarded as dead by his fellow fighters"

The War.

THREE LOCAL MEN WOUNDED.

The list of wounded during the past week contained the names of three local young men: Douglas Varcoe (slight gunshot wound in left knee); Cyril Betts (slight gunshot wound in left shoulder); and James Mc Donald (severely wounded). From the date given (Jan. 23rd) it is evident that the Rifle Brigade was engaged in the skirmish with the Senussi tribe, reported on that day. It is somewhat remarkable that the three mentioned were members of a party of eight young men who left Cromwell at the same time, and all three were wounded on the same day. Reports so far do not indicate that the wounds are serious.

Private J. Semmens, of Wanaka, who returned from the front with the wounded and invalided on the Willochra, paid a brief visit to Wanaka during the week. Private Semmens travelled from Dunedin on Monday, and Cromwell residents, at the invitation of the Patriotic Association, had arranged to give him a fitting welcome en route, but their plans were set at nought by the suspension of traffic in the Clyde Gorge, and the arrangements had to be abandoned. Priv. Semmens has since left for Hamner springs to recuperate his health.  -Cromwell Argus, 7/2/1916.

Cabled advice received ou Friday stated that Rifleman Douglas Varcoe, reported wounded in Egypt on January 23rd, was progressing favorably.   -Cromwell Argus, 13/3/1`916.

The town is still feeling the direct effect of the great struggle on the west front. Casualty lists last week included two more local boys wounded — Lance-corporal J. Wrightson and Rifleman Douglas Varcoe; members of the Rifle Brigade. Both are sons of widowed mothers, and enlisted over 12 months ago in the first draft of the brigade, with five other local boys. They were natives of Cromwell, and well known in sporting and athletic circles. This is Rifleman Varcoe's second mishap, as he was previously out of action for three months in Egypt, suffering from a wound received fighting against the Senussi tribe at the close of last year. 

On Friday last, the second anniversary of the outbreak of war, a large gathering of residents assembled and passed a resolution conveying a determination to do their utmost to carry the war to a successful issue.   -Evening Star, 8/8/1916.

Douglas Varcoe was admitted to hospital on July 20, 1916, with shell concussion and a wound to his scalp. He embarked for New Zealand the following January.

 OBITUARY.

The death occurred in Dunedin on Tuesday evening of Mr Douglas H. Varcoe, a former Cromwell young man and a native of the town, at the early age of 32 years. The deceased young man was a son of Mrs and the late Mr H. Varcoe, of this town. In his early life he entered the grocery trade, and was first employed by Messrs Jolly and Sons, with whom he remained several years. Later he received a position with Mr Horn, at Bannockburn, and had been there some time prior to the outbreak of war. He enlisted with the First Battalion, Rifle Brigade, and was accepted for service. He received a severe wound in the knee in the action against the Senussi tribe in Egypt. He remained in hospital for some time, but later re-joined his regiment in France. Here he was so severely wounded in the head as to be regarded as dead by his fellow fighters, but rallied and only regained consciousness in England. After many months in hospital he was invalided home, showing distinct signs of his service abroad. After a spell he took up farming, but later returned to his trade, and was in the employ of the Star Stores, Dunedin, some time before it was necessary for him to seek medical attention for chest trouble. He was apparently making splendid progress, when a sudden change came, and for a few days prior to his death little hope was entertained. In his particular calling in this district, the deceased, by his courteous and obliging disposition, won a host of friends. He was a keen allround sport, and was a playing member of the Cromwell Football Club when it gained premiership honors. Those who knew him before and after his war service will support the general opinion that developments leading to his early death were unquestionably due to war service, but unfortunately he was unable to convince some in authority to that effect. Deceased was married a few years ago to a local young lady, and his wife and one young child are left to mourn their loss, as also are deceased's mother and numerous family relations in the town. To these numerous messages of sympathy have been extended. The body was brought to Cromwell, and the funeral took place in the New Cemetery on Friday morning, a number of friends paying their last tribute of respect. Rev. Mr Naylor conducted the burial service. The Returned Soldiers acted as pall bearers.

Before taking the ordinary business at the borough council meeting on Thursday evening, the Mayor (Mr D. C. Jolly), said they were all very sorry indeed to learn that day of the death of a former young resident of the town, Mr D. H. Varcoe. He was a native of Cromwell and came to manhood in the town. When the call came during the great war he volunteered early with many of the other local boys. He had been wounded twice and was invalided home, and now they had the sad news of his death. It was freely recognised that this was due to the effects of the war. He married a local young lady also a native of the district, and now leaves a widow and one young child to mourn their loss. The Mayor thought it only fitting that the council should extend its sympathy to deceased's wife, his mother, and family relations.. He moved that the council place on record its deepest sympathy in the loss sustained. The motion was acknowledged by members standing in silence.  -Cromwell Argus, 27/12/1926.

Cromwell New Cemetery.