Thomas Drennan was working as a groom at Outram for the (eventually) famous New Zealand painter A H O'Keeffe when he enlisted for the South African War in April, 1901.
DEATHS OF NEW ZEALANDERS.
(received 9 a.m.)
LONDON, February 2
The deaths are reported of Private Thomas Drenton, of the Seventh New Zealanders, of chloroform poisoning; and of Sergeant William Moore, of the Sixth Contingent, of enteric fever.
[Thomas Drenton's name does not appear in the official list of the Seventh Contingent. The nearest approach to it is Thomas Drennan, Otago, Sergeant Moore came from Dunedin.] -Auckland Star, 3/2/1902.
Deaths
On the 30th January, at Howick, South Africa. Thomas H. Drennan, son of John and Janet Drennan, Outram; in his twenty-fourth year. Deeply regretted. -Otago Daily Times, 5/2/1902.
Thomas' parents eventually received, by registered post, "one watch & L2 : 5: 6 1/2 cash" - the effects of their son, plus notification that a kit bag would be forwarded when received. The reason for the use of the chloroform which killed Thomas is not revealed.
IN MEMORIAM.
DRENNAN.— In loving memory of Thomas, youngest son of John and Janet Drennan, who died at Howick, Natal, South Africa, January 30, 1902. -Otago Witness, 4/2/1903.
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