FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE.
DEATH.
TAGGART. — On September 9. 1925, at Dunedin, 3/2938 Private Robert Taggart, N.Z. Medical Corps, beloved husband of June Taggart, and son of Mrs John Dawson, 21 Scott street, St. Kilda; aged 41 years. “At rest.’’ — The funeral will leave the above residence This Day (Saturday), September 12, at 2 p.m., for the Anderson’s Bay Cemetery. — E. McLean and Son, undertakers. -Otago Daily Times, 12/9/1925.
Robert Taggart's death notice was not entirely accurate and concealed a secret that a number of families kept in those days. Robert's funeral procession would have begun from the family home but his remains arrived home in a very private journey from Seacliff mental hospital.
There is nothing in his army record to indicate a mental condition, except perhaps for a small number of minor infractions against military order and orders. His pre-war experience as a member of the Boys' Brigade ambulance meant that he was posted to the New Zealand Medical Corps. It is possible that what he saw in the war was too much for him, though he was discharged as physically unfit due to a pre-war foot injury which was aggravated and worsened by his war service.
The reason for his committal to Seacliff and the cause of his death will probably remain family secrets.
No comments:
Post a Comment