William Thompson joined the army in June, 1917, and was with the Otago Infantry Regiment on the day of its greatest challenge of the German Spring Offensive in 1918. The Official History describes it thus:
THE ENEMY HELD.
The positions occupied by the Regiment in support had to weather the storm of this extraordinary and relentless artillery bombardment, and a large number of casualties were sustained among both officers and men. During the afternoon an enemy two-seater aeroplane was brought down by Lewis gun fire directed from one of the posts occupied by 4th Company of the 1st Battalion, and the pilot and observer made prisoners. Rain commenced to fall late in the afternoon, after which the situation became comparatively quiet.
PRIVATE W. H. THOMPSON.
Private Wm. Henry Thompson, wounded in the right forearm, on April 5, was a member of the 27th Reinforcements. He was born in Ireland, and educated at the Bailee (Ireland) High School. Private Thompson was a partner of Mr Rowan, Arrowtown, before enlisting. He was the owner of the thoroughbred gelding Bisulphide, which recently met its death by drowning. -Southland Times, 30/4/1918.
William's wound was regarded as "serious."
FOR COMMISSIONS
NOMINATED IN THE FIELD. (abridged)
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
LONDON, 9th July. The following members of the N.Z.E.F. have been nominated by General Godley, for the month of June, to qualify for temporary Imperial commissions: — 53283 Pte. W. H Thompson, Otago Regt.; -Evening Post, 5/9/1918.
Personal
Second Lieut W. H. Thompson, brother of Mr Joseph Thompson, Arrowtown, is returning to New Zealand in the transport Ayrshire, due at Lyttelton on September 19. -Lake County Press, 4/9/1919.
A welcome-home social for Trooper A. Wilcox, Corp. John Reid, Lieut. W. H. Thompson and Corp. A. Smith will be held in the Atheneum Hall, Arrowtown, on Thursday evening, October 9. -Lake Counthy Press, 2/10/1919.
SOLDIERS' RETURN (excerpt)
Lieut. W. H. Thompson is a brother of Mr J. N. Thompson, Arrowtown. He left as a private in the 27th Reinforcements in May, 1917. He took part in several engagements in France, in one of which he was wounded in the arm and thigh. He had been previously recommended for a commission, and after recovering from his wounds, he was an instructor at Sling Camp. He afterwards sat for his commission, which he was successful in gaining. -Lake County Press, 2/10/1919.
SOLDIERS’ RETURN.
Welcome-home Social at Arrowtown.
Another most enjoyable welcome-home social for returned soldiers was bald in the Atheneum Hall on Thursday evening. The men honoured on this occasion were Lieut. W. H. Thompson, Corporals John Reid and Adam Smith, and Trooper Alfred Wilcox. There was a very large attendance, all parts of the district being represented. His Worship the Mayor (Mr John Reid) presided, and after extending a cordial welcome to the men handed over the control of the proceedings to Mr G. H. Romans, Chairman of the Reception Committee. Mr Romans read a letter from R. G. Coats, who expressed his regret at not being present to welcome back his friend Lieut. Thompson. Mr Romans extended a hearty welcome to the men, and congratulated them on having done their duty nobly and well for King and Country. He made special reference to Lieut. Thompson on gaining his commission. Mr Romans also extended a hearty welcome to Mrs Reid, wife of Corporal John Reid, also to two Queenstown soldiers present, viz. Lance-corporal W. D. Warren and Private Alf. Mayne. After a short address of welcome by Rev. J. Rattray, the customary medals were presented by Mr Romans. “For they are jolly good fellows” having been sung, each of the soldiers returned thanks. After supper, provided by the ladies, dancing was resumed. Music was supplied by Stevenson’s orchestra, and Mr S. Peacock acted as M.C. -Lake County Press, 16/10/1919.
LAKE COUNTY
Mr John Jenkins, jun., Crown Terrace, has disposed of his farm, stock, and implements as a going concern to Mr W. H. Thompson, Arrowtown. Mr Thompson recently returned from the front. -Otago Witness, 17/2/1920.
At about this time it would seem that William was married - a "Mrs W H Thompson" is on the list of attendees at a ball in Arrowtown in 1921, wearing "white crepe de chine."
Personal
Mr W H Thompson, of Crown Terrace, who was recently injured through a horse falling upon him, is making good progress towards recovery. Mr Thompson will probably be able to leave the Arrow Hospital at the end of the week. -Lake County Press, 19/10/1922.
FALLEN SOLDIERS MEMORIAL.
UNVEILING AT ARROWTOWN
In the annals of the town of Arrowtown June 3, 1923, will go down as one of the most significant in its history. All British subjects honor the day as being the birthday of our beloved sovereign, but coupled with it yesterday was an event which signalised the loyalty of the people of this mountain hamlet to their King and Country in a very deep and true sense. When the clarion call of the Motherland rang out in August 1914 it was heard in the highways and byways of this district, far remote from the heart of the Empire. The flower of its manhood responded to that call for help to stem the tide of a ruthless and cruel foe. Then followed a thrilling story of unfaltering courage, incredible endurance, and heroic achievement. But greater than all of these was the well-nigh divine sacrifice that was made by many of them of their life’s blood. So that in the passage of time the memory of these men should not fade, and that the force of their example should not be lost, the people of Arrowtown and surrounding district decided to raise a memorial in their town, and yesterday was the occasion of its unveiling and dedication. The afternoon was fine, though very cold, and the very large gathering of town and district people was in itself a great tribute to the imperishable honor of those men who will for all time be the centre of sacred memories. Under the command of Lieut. W. H. Thompson, and led by Pipe-major J. T. N. Grant, a body of close on 40 returned soldiers processed from the Council Chambers to “Soldiers Hill,’’ where the memorial is situated, in the rear were the school children and general public. The proceedings commenced with the National Anthem, followed by ;a hymn “O God our Help,” and a scripture lesson read by the Rev. J. N. Goodman. His Worship the. Mayor of Arrowtown, H. G. Bruce, Esq., then gave a short preliminary address bearing on the purpose and nature of the occasion. He also read apologies for absence from Sir Wm. Fraser, Hon. E. Statham, the Mayors of Cromwell, Alexandra and Queenstown, and Messrs Joe Jenkins (Dunedin), Wm. Jenkins, (Crown Terrace), F. D. Thompson (Pembroke), and Mr and Mrs Jopp. The Rev. R. de Lambert followed with the prayers of thanksgiving and commemoration.
On being called upon to carry out the unveiling Mr Jos. Horn, M.P., said it was very gratifying to him to be present on such an auspicious occasion. He had come to sympathise with the parents and relatives of the bereaved and to speak to the returned men. Before proceeding further he wanted to say that he had been requested to announce that at a full meeting of the Committee it had been decided that the name of the hill on which they were assembled would in future be known as "Soldiers Hill,'' which was exceedingly appropriate. The situation chosen for the memorial was a magnificent one and it was only right that the best that offered should be set apart for the honouring of their heroic dead. Briefly reviewing the incidents that led up to the Great War. and referring the now historical "scrap of paper,” Mr Horn followed the course of events that brought a call from the Mother Country to the Dominions overseas. It was now a proud page in the history of New Zealand how her sons responded to that call to arms. Egypt they first went that they might assist in the keeping open of Britain’s great waterway there, then to Gallipoli, then France. Had Britain allowed the Germans a passage through Belgium and possession had been obtained of the English Channel it was not difficult to imagine what would have resulted. Thanks to the “contemptible little army,” their assault had been broken, and it was a proud thought that the men of this far-off land were made of such stuff as the “Contemptibes” and that they went out prepared to lay down their lives for the protection of this fair land and those who lived in it. Of 100,000 men who went from the Dominion 17,000 never returned, and it was to honour the memory of this immediate district’s quota of them that they had forehand. Another phase of the memorial idea was consideration for the relatives. We owed them something, and the erection of the monument was giving tribute to them. Further, the memorial was, as it were, the cemetery of those lads whose bones lay in a foreign land, it was only possible to the few to visit Flanders and other theatres of war where “stand crosses row on row,” but here in their own village it would he possible to come annually and place tributes on the memorial. He hoped they would all look at it in that light. The children of to-day would be the men of to-morrow and it was well that they should be kept in constant remembrance lest they forgot the sacrifices that had been made for them by their older brothers in the Great War. He hoped they would preserve the Memorial when the present generation had passed away. A clause had been placed in the Local Bodies Act in recent legislation empowering local bodies to expend money on the maintenance of these soldiers’ memorials should there be any lack of funds for this purpose, but he hoped that the sacrifices of the men who participated in such heroic achievements would never be so forgotten or lost sight of that such recourse would be necessary. With the pronouncement of the words “To the Glory of God and the abiding remembrance of those men. who never returned,” Mr Horn then drew the cord and unveiled the memorial.
The Prayer of Dedication was then read by the Rev Win. McIlhatton, B.A., D.D., after which the laying of wreaths took place in the following order: For the citizens of Arrowtown, by the Mayoress (Mrs H. G. Bruce); for the country residents, Mrs W. S. Reid; the school children; relatives and friends; and Returned Soldiers, by Mr M. H. Elliott.
'The Rev Win. McIlhatton prefaced his address with the words "What mean ye by this?" As he looked across at God’s acre close by he saw many monuments to mark the spot where the dust of the beloved lay.
But the mortal remains of those men who made the supreme sacrifice lay in a far-off land, and to preserve for all time their memory this memorial with the names of these men inscribed, thereon had been raised. It was commemorative in the same sense. He had noted the fact of the Union Jack hanging on the monument, and he was pleased to see that it still unfurled its silken folds to the breeze in N.Z. The speaker had lived for a time beneath another flag, but he defied anyone to say that there was any other flag than the Union Jack beneath which better conditions obtained for all. Under it there was equity, justice, and fair play. During the war the question was often asked in the Old Country “Are we justified in praying for the success of our arms?” The answer to this seemed to be given in the Bible, where we were told that war was only justified after every possible opportunity and every means of securing peace had been exhausted. Our politicians told us that we were not prepared for war, and that when it loomed on the horizon everything that could be done to prevent it had been, tried without avail. It was then felt that we were justified for calling upon our God to help us when an implacable and relentless foe threatened our hearts and homes. The memorial they had unveiled served as a token of our gratitude to Him for delivering us from unspeakable horrors. Speaking of those who returned, the rev. speaker said they went out and encountered the same dangers and difficulties as those who fell and were alike willing to lay down their lives. They were looked upon with the same admiration, and respect as those who bled for the Empire. Some people said that such a memorial as this was only regarded with respect until another war was declared. His reply to such was that if it inspired the rising generation with the same spirit as imbued the men whose deaths it commemorated, then it had done great good. When our men answered the call Mr Lloyd George had declared that there would not be another war, but the speaker was sorry to see his message in a recent cable that there would probably be more war, and that the League of Nations would do no good if there was not Christianity throughout the Empire. If those who died could speak their message it, would surely be “Fear God,” and then if war did occur again our answering cry must be ‘‘God of our Fathers, be the God of their succeeding race.”
The Rev. R. de Lambert said the memorial that had been unveiled was an evidence of the determination of the people of the district to do the right thing by the men who had laid down their lives in the struggle for freedom and righteousness. Duty was dear to the heart of every Englishman. When the great head of the British Navy ran the famous signal up the masthead “England expects that every man this day will do his duty,” everyone had been inspired by that command. When the call came to the Dominion in 1914 those men who sprang to arms had heard that immortal signal, which went echoing down the halls of Time. Those men who fell had answered it with their life’s blood. Their great sacrifice was a reproach to many men even in our own district who had never turned one hair’s breadth from selfishness and who made use of none of their opportunities to help their fellow man. They stood in great contrast to those soilless fellows whose names were inscribed on this Memorial today. It was the greed of men and the lust of power that made men wage this war. He would stress this lesson, that the war was fought so that there should not be another war. That was the ideal held up to them. Mr Lloyd George, the ex-Prime Minister of England, had recently told them that the only way there was going to come a reign of peace on the earth was through the instrumentality of the churches. If this land was to be made safe, every man and woman must go out to serve the world and his fellow man. Thus only would each be making contribution to the world’s peace. We could start out to do this by giving every man who came back a chance, and still another chance, to help them along. Each one of us should go away determined by the grace of God to bring about a better state of things in the world and by refusing to admit greed and selfishness. Thus would the sacrifice of our men not have been in vain.
Mr Wm. Reid, chairman of the Lake County Council, also spoke briefly on lines appropriate to the occasion.
“Lest We Forget," was then sung, and the Last Post sounded by the bugler, Mr Alf Mayne, junr. The National Anthem and the pronouncement of the benediction brought to a close a most impressive and memorable function.
DESCRIPTION OF MEMORIAL.
The memorial, which is in the form of a monument, is constructed of concrete finished in red rough cast, with smooth margins. It stands on a platform of concrete lifted square and leading up to it are three concrete steps. The moulded base contains a coat of arms carved in marble. The body is square, and in size is 5ft 6in by 2ft 6in. The square is surmounted by a moulded cup on which is shown a raiscd Laurel wreath. On top of the cup is a concrete base. Four marble panels are inset, the front one containing in imperishable lead the names of the fallen soldiers. The memorial is surrounded by a low fence consisting of concrete posts with galvanised iron piping between. An iron gate opens on to the steps leading up to the monument. The Memorial, which stands 20ft high occupies a commanding position on what hitherto has been known as the Quarry Reserve but which henceforth will be known as "Soldiers’ Hill." Messrs Frapwell and Holgate, the well-known monumentalists, were the designers and under their supervision the work of erection was carried out. The memorial is one which reflects great credit on them and the people of Arrowtown and district have reason to be proud of the memorial they have raised to their glorious dead.
The director of yesterday’s ceremonies was Mr W. S. Reid, and the chairman of committee, Mr Chas. Ross, and the arrangements had been so well planned that in the carrying out of them not a single hitch occurred.
ROLL OF HONOUR.
The following are the names of the fallen inscribed on the marble panel overlooking the town: —Richard Stephen Cotter, Charles Thomas Edwards, Herbert George Edwards, George Edward Fletcher, John Boyd Hunter, James Jenkins, Joseph Nelson Jenkins, Thomas Jenkins, James Alexander Jopp, Peter George McAllister, William McKibbin, Daniel David O’Fee, Andrew William John Reid, James Sangster Ritchie, William Ross, John Smith, Alexander Webb, James Wilcox. -Lake Wakatip Mail, 5/6/1923.
For many following years, on Anzac Day, 2nd Lieutenant Thompson, presumably the senior (or only) officer of the area, led parades of his fellow returned servicemen.
BIRTH
THOMPSON - On 8th July, 1928, at Nurse Fix's Maternity Home, Queenstown, to Mr and Mrs W. H. Thompson, Crown Terrace, Arrowtown — a son. Both well. -Lake County Press, 12/7/1928.
Mr William McKibbin, who attended the Lake County Council meeting on Thursday, spent the weekend with his daughter, Mrs W. H. Thompson, Crown Terrace. He returned to Dunedin yesterday. -Lake Wakatip Mail, 29/1/1929.
LOCAL AND GENERAL.
Nominations for the office of Mayor of Arrowtown close at noon to-morrow Mr W. H. Thompson, of Royalburn, Crown Terrace, announces that he is a candidate for Arrow Riding at the forthcoming Lake County election. -Lake Wakatip Mail, 30/4/1929.
The Country
LAKE COUNTY.
January 23. — The weather continues unsettled. After three fine days; heavy rain set in at mid-day on Monday and continued until 8 a.m. on Tuesday. There was another shower on Wednesday morning, but since then it has been fine. Accidents. — Mr W. H. Thompson, of “Royalburn,” Crown Terrace, met with a nasty accident last week. He was working in the engine shed on his farm, when a small iron wheel fell from a shelf and struck him on the head, inflicting a deep wound. He was taken to Queenstown, and was attended to by Dr Anderson, several stitches having to be inserted. Mr Thompson is now making satisfactory progress towards recovery. -Otago Witness, 27/1/1931.
Personal Notes
Mr and Mrs Wm. McKibbin of Opoho, Dunedin, came up to Crown Terrace early in the week, having been summoned there on account of the severe illness of their daughter, Mrs W. H. Thompson. -Lake Wakatip Mail, 15/3/1932.
OBITUARY.
The death took place at her residence, Crown terrace, on Friday of Emily Jane Thompson, wife of Mr William H. Thompson, a very well known and highly respected settler. Less than a week before her demise she was in the best of health, but as the result of being exposed for a time under a burning sun, with head uncovered, she suffered a heat stroke, to which she succumbed in a little over four days. Her death came with tragic suddenness to her relatives and the whole community. Mrs Thompson, who was only 33 years of age, was born at Crown terrace, where she also married. She was the youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs William McKibbin, very old residents of Crown terrace, who went to live at Signal Hill, Opoho, in their retirement from farming nearly four years ago. Mrs Thompson engaged actively in all the social institutions of the Arrowtown district, and her vocal attainments made her much in demand. She was an exceedingly capable housekeeper and homemaker, and her hospitality was proverbial. Besides her husband, she leaves a family of three boys, aged three, five, ten years. Her two sisters are Mrs A. Edie. of Edievale, and Mrs Leslie Hunter, of Foxton. The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon, when the remains were interred in the Arrowtown Cemetery, the Rev. W. W. Powell, vicar of the parochial district, conducting the obsequies. The cortege was a very large one, all parts of the county being represented. -Otago Daily Times, 17/3/1932.
During the Depression years, William acted on committees offering help to returned soldiers. As those years became war years once more, he helped to farewell young soldiers, as he had been farewelled more than 20 years before. He also commanded the Arrow Company of the Local Home Guard.
Pte. Stevenson Farewelled.
Private David Stevenson, who was on leave, was entertained by the Crown Terrace residents at a social on Thursday evening last. The function was held at the residence of Mr W. H. Thompson, and was largely attended, those present including a number of friends from Arrowtown and district. A pleasant evening was spent in games and musical items. At an interval. Private Stevenson was presented with a sum of money subscribed by his Crown Terrace friends. Mr W. H. Thompson, in making the presentation, referred to the sterling qualities possessed by Pte Stevenson, and he extended the best wishes of all for his future and a safe return. Pte. Stevenson suitably returned thanks. A bountiful supper was provided by the Crown Terrace ladies. Mr E. J. Saunders, on behalf of the visitors, returned thanks for the hospitality extended, and he also expressed best wishes for the guest. During the evening songs, were contributed by Mrs A. V. Miller and Messrs M. Snell and Ian Cowie. -Lake Wakatip Mail, 10/6/1941.
LOCAL AND GENERAL
Since his return from Burnham camp on a refresher course, Lieut. W. H. Thompson has been promoted to the rank of captain. Capt. Thompson was one of a few who, in the last war, gained his lieutenancy both in the New Zealand forces and in the Imperial Army. Congratulations. -Lake Wakatip Mail, 11/9/1941.
AIRMAN HONOURED
DANCE AT ARROWTOWN
There was a large attendance in the Athenaeum Hall on Friday last for the dance which was held in honour of Wireless-Operator Gerald Thompson, eldest son of Mr W. H. Thompson, Crown Terrace. W.O. Thompson has been in training for two years, partly with the American navy, and he will shortly go overseas. During the latter part of the evening the airman was piped round the hall by Mr Hiram Torrey prior to taking his place on the stage with the speakers. Mr M. Elliott, president of the R.S.A., said they were called together to give a farewell to W/O. Thompson. They were always proud of the boys who went overseas and they were confident that their guest would prove a good soldier. He hoped he would be spared to return safe and sound and bring further honour to the district.
The mayor (Mr W. H. James) said he was again pleased to extend a welcome to all present. They were deeply sensible of the part which W/O. Thompson would play in the air war in any theatre and he felt sure he would not be found wanting in his duty — he would worthily carry out the traditions of the air force. He wished him good luck and a speedy return to his home.
Dr Anderson mayor of Queenstown, said he brought a message of goodwill from the people of his town. He enjoyed the distinction of knowing Gerald Thompson from his birth and he was proud to know that he had the pluck to take on the job of wireless operator. On behalf of the people of Queenstown he wished him good luck and he could be assured of a warm welcome when he returned.
The Rev. P. C. Williams said he had known Gerald for some time and he felt sure he would be found worthy of his father and of the unit to which he was attached. He hoped that W/O Thompson would be blessed with good health and would return safe and sound.
Mr Elliott then presented W.O. G. Thompson with a fountain pen on behalf of the people and Mrs D. Anderson handed him a gift from the Arrow branch of the W.D.F.U. The guest expressed his deep appreciation of the gifts and said he hoped to emulate the good deeds of the army, navy and the air force. Musical honours were given twice over.
The music for the dance was provided by McNamara’s orchestra and a splendid supper by the committee. -Lake Wakatip Mail, 4/5/1944.
ARROWTOWN NOTES
WELCOME HOME
A welcome home to Wireless Operator Gerald Thompson was hold on Thursday evening last. A large circle of friends assembled at the home of Mr W. H. Thompson, Crown Terrace. Gerald Thompson, who has just returned from service overseas in the Air Force, having missed his 21st birthday celebrations while overseas, the gathering also took the form of a birthday party. A very happy evening was spent and there were friends from Queenstown, Shotover, Arrowtown and Gibbston, 63 in all. A very happy evening was spent, Mr Perry officiating at the piano, assisted materially in the success of the occasion by keeping the musical part of the evening moving along briskly. All present joined in the community singing. Mr J. McDonald and Rev. Williams, both of Queenstown, rendered solos and Mr E. B. Taylor, chairman of the proceedings, nobly assisted with the community singing.
The speakers of the evening were; Rev, P. C. Williams, Mr J. McDonald, Queenstown; Mr E. L. Thompson, Arrowtown; Mr M. Jenkins, Crown Terrace; all of whom spoke in happy strains of the guest of the evening and congratulating him on his service and safe return and wishing him the best of luck in the future. Gerald Thompson suitably replied. Mr W. H. Thompson also thanked all present for coming along on the very happy occasion. The buffet supper that was supplied by Mrs Thompson was one to be remembered and she really deserves great credit for the wonderful effort. The evening ended in the small hours of the morning. Gerald intends taking a course at Lincoln College. -Lake Wakatip Mail, 18/7/1946.
Mention of a "Mrs Thompson" in the above would indicate that William remarried after the death of Emily.
In 1950 William was tried in the Invercargill court on three charges of sheep-stealing. He was found not guilty. The following year he died, and it is very unusual that there seems to be no mention of his death, after so many years as a part of the Arrowtown community, in either local or national newspapers.
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