Monday 11 September 2023

Private William Neils Hansen, 1897-18/7/1918. "of a generous and genial nature"

ROLL OF HONOUR.

Private William N. Hansen.

The sad news was received by Mr and Mrs Chris. Hansen, of "Rotoiti," Frankton, on Tuesday that their youngest son, Private William Neils Hansen, was killed in action "somewhere in France" on 18th July. Private Hansen, who was only 22 years of age, left New Zealand with the 27th Reinforcements, and thus far had escaped wounds of any kind. At the time of his enlistment from Frankton he was engaged in farming. Upright and honourable, of a generous and genial nature, he was held in the highest respect by all his comrades and friends. He was popular, in the best and highest sense, wherever he went, and news of his death will occasion very deep regret. The sympathy of the people of Wakatipu will go out to his parents and other relatives in their hour of trial. Messrs Chris., George, Chas. and Jas. Hansen are brothers, and Messrs R, N. Grant, Frankton, and Jack Grant, Arrowtown, step-brothers. Mrs T. Houston of Lower Shotover, also, is a step sister. — Mail.  -Lake County Press, 8/8/1918.


A quick look at the Official History of William's Regiment (Otago Infantry) shows that they were in the front line on the day of his death but things were "all quiet." It is possible that he was killed by a sniper.


Frankton Cemetery.


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