The death occurred at Clyde on April 21 of Mr Leslie Thomson, who was a member of the Dunedin Fire Brigade for about five years. He was a member of the brigade before the outbreak of the war, and left New Zealand with the Eighth Reinforcements. He was twice wounded when serving with the Otago Regiment in France, and was in hospital in England for some time before returning to the Dominion. He rejoined the brigade some months later, and after serving for a time resigned to follow his occupation as a carpenter. The deceased died after a very short illness, and was buried at Alexandra on Sunday last. He was a good fireman, and very popular with his comrades. -Otago Witness, 3/5/1927.
OBITUARY.
The sudden and unexpected death of Mr Leslie Thomson (eldest son) of Mr J. D. Thomson, of Alexandra), caused quite a gloom over the district on Thursday evening last. Deceased, who was a carpenter by trade had been employed in Dunedin for some time, and at Easter decided to pay a visit to his old home in Alexandra. Arriving home he took ill and was removed to the Dunstan Hospital where he died shortly after being admitted. He was born in Moonee Ponds, Melbourne, in February 1891, and arrived in Alexandra in September 1892. Being educated in Alexandra, and one of our own local boys, he was known to all, having grown up with the district. He also attended the Waitaki High School, and after leaving school he started the carpentering trade with his father in Alexandra, finishing his apprenticeship with Messrs Sheppard and Strong, of Tapanui. He afterwards worked for Mr E. McLean, contractor, of Owaka, and then returned to Alexandra for a few months. "Les" was a keen footballer, and upheld the Green (the local colours) in many a well-contested match, and in sport as in his other vocations, he could be depended on in giving a good account of himself. He was always a member of the local Fire Brigade during his residence in the town. An all-round good fellow of sober and industrious habits "Les" commanded respect from all with whom he associated. A member of the Dunedin City Fire Brigade, which brigade he joined several months before war broke out. He left for France with the 7th Reinforcements. He was wounded at Armentieres in the raid in which Capt. Jolly and many other Otago regiment men were killed. In July 1916, he was invalided to Brockenhurst Hospital, England. On his recovery he returned to France, and in 1918 was again wounded at Bapaume. He was invalided to England, and from there sent home, arriving here at the end of January 1919. After undergoing two operations and treatment for several months he returned to his old billet at the City Fire Brigade Station. In 1921 he was married to his old schoolmate, Miss Ethel Dunsmuir. Shortly after his marriage he started working at his trade again and had been so employed until Thursday, the 14th inst.
The funeral, which took place on Sunday last, was of a military character, and was one of the largest seen in the district for many years. A large company of returned soldiers followed the remains to the grave. The coffin was draped with the Union Jack. Six of his companions (Messrs D. Tohill, E. Goulson, J. Dougherty, T. Cubitt, F. Cubit, and E. McIntyre), acted as pall-bearers. The Alexandra Brass Band headed by a firing party of twelve under Lieut. Spain, played the "Dead March" as the procession wound its slow way to the local cemetery. Many beautiful wreaths were placed on the grave from friends, as well as one each from his returned comrades and the Football Club.
The Rev. James Robertson officiated at the house and at the grave.
After the benediction the firing party fired a salute of three volleys, Band-master Bringans sounding the "Last Post" and "The Reveille."
The hand of death has claimed the young husband.at the early age of 36, and to the young widow who deeply mourns the loss of a good husband, to the parents, and brothers and sister who mourn the loss of a worthy son and brother, and to the many local relatives we extend our sincere sympathy. -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 27/4/1927.
Mr and Mrs J, D. Thomson and, family and Mrs Leslie Thomson desire to thank all kind friends for their floral tributes, telegrams, letters, and expressions of sympathy during their recent sad bereavement. -Evening Star, 30/4/1927.
Leslie Thomson's Army record shows the cause of his death as "Intestinal obstruction, toxaemia exhaustion, cardiac failure."
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