8/4013 Private Leonard Cheviot Scarlett, 16/12/1894-16/11/1916. "our casualties...were very heavy"

Private Leonard Cheviot Scarlett (reported to have died of his wounds on November 16) was the 21-vear-old son of Mr and Mrs W. Scarlett, of Otamita, Gore. He enlisted in the 10th from his parents' farm, having followed agriculture and pastoral pursuits after leaving the Opawa School. Private Scarlett, who commenced his education at Richmond, was one of the first children born on the Cheviot Estate; (North Canterbury), after its acquisition by the Government.   -Evening Star, 1/12/1916.

Leonard Scarlet died after receiving gunshot wounds to his abdomen and face.  The date of his death coincides with the following incident, recorded in the Otago Regiment's Official History: "On the 14th portion of the front line trench system was badly damaged by minenwerfer fire; and on the following day at 5.20 p.m. the enemy commenced an intense bombardment of our front line, extending from Hobb's Farm to the River Lys. Minenwerfers were again largely employed by the enemy, resulting in serious breaching of the parapet. The bombardment was maintained for half an hour, and on ceasing the enemy, to the number of about 30, penetrated our line and worked along in the direction of 14th Company Headquarters and the entrance to our underground workings, where they appeared in some numbers. Five minutes afterwards they returned to their trenches on a given signal, leaving behind two demolition charges. Very considerable damage was occasioned to our trenches, which was increased by a second bombardment commencing at 6.5 p.m. and lasting until 6.20 p.m. Several huge craters were left in our lines and Irish Avenue was badly blown in. Our casualties, due mainly to the severity of the bombardment, were unfortunately heavy, amounting to nine other ranks killed, one officer and 25 other ranks wounded, and two other ranks missing. One of the raiders was shot by a company cook, and the body being left in our lines was identified as belonging to the 9th Bavarian Regiment. There were several aspects of this raid which, from our point of view, were considered as unsatisfactory. An inquiry held subsequently disclosed the fact, among other things, that the S.O.S. signal had not been put up, and that the wire between Company and Battalion Headquarters had been cut, and that no artillery support was available."

 

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.