12/1499 Private Leslie Richard Shannon, (24/8/1881-9/1/1916). "the only relative present"

Private Leslie Richard Shannon, whose funeral took place at Dunedin on January 11, was 30 years of age. He was a member of the Second Reinforcements, joining at Tauranga, Bay of Plenty. He was a son of Denis and Mary Shannon, of Westbury, Tasmania, and took part in the operations at Gallipoli until August 8, when he was invalided back to New Zealand on the hospital ship Willochra. His death occurred at the Dunedin Hospital on January 9. Owing to Private Shannon's relatives all residing in Tasmania it was impossible for them to attend the funeral. The only relative present was his sister (Mrs J. Riva), who arrived at Dunedin a week before her brother died.  -Otago Witness, 19/1/1916.

Leslie Shannon was invalided out of the Army due to the effects of dysentery suffered while serving.  After he was invalided it was discovered that he was suffering from tuberculosis. He was admitted to Dunedin Hospital at the end of October, 1915, and it can be assumed that he did not leave it alive.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.

24/393 Rifleman Kenneth Moir Calder, (3/5/1894-4/7/1915). "despite his faults"

DEATHS.

ANDERSON. - On July 5, at her residence, Stirling, Henrietta, the beloved wife of George Anderson; aged 53 years. 

CALDER. - On July 4, at Wellington (of pneumonia), Kenneth Moir, eldest son of Jessie Calder; aged 21 years.   -Otago Daily Times, 6/7/1915.

Kenneth Moir Calder.

(An Acrostic.) 

Kenny's gone! Ah need we say 

Every heart feels sore to-day. 

Nobly at the Empire's call, 

Never dreaming thus to fall, 

Eager he went, and thus say all 

Tis surely writ against his name 

He did his duty all the same. 

Mourned by all, a lad was he 

Obliging to the last degree. 

If little things count in the end. 

Remember Naseby's lost a friend — 

Courteous, civil, always kind 

And one more loved 'twere hard to find. 

Little recks it though we scan, 

Despite his faults he was a man 

Endeared to all, and thus we pay 

Respect to one we mourn to-day.

J. S. Spec Gully.  -Mt Ida Chronicle, 9/7/1915.

The funeral of Private Kenneth Moir Calder, which will be a military one, will leave the Garrison Hall to-morrow afternoon, at 2.50 o'clock. Private Calder, who was the eldest son of Mr D. M. Calder, of this city, contracted pneumonia whilst in camp at Trentham, and succumbed to that trouble on Sunday last. Members of the 4th,(Otago) Regiment and the Regimental Band are requested to parade in drill order without arms to attend the funeral. Members of the Coast Defences will form the firing party.   -Evening Star, 7/7/1915.

MILITARY FUNERAL

The remains of Private Kenneth Moir Calder, who died on Sunday last after having contracted pneumonia at the Dominion Training Camp at Trentham, were interred with military honors at Anderson Bay Cemetery this afternoon. The body, which was brought down from Wellington by the Monowai at midday, was taken to the Garrison Hall. The cortege left there punctually at 2.30, the coffin, which was enfolded in a Union Jack, being carried on a gun carriage. The firing party, which was furnished by the Coast Defence troops, were followed by the 4th Regimental Band, who paraded at full strength under Lieutenant George. The funeral was attended by many local Territorials and several soldiers on leave from Trentham. The officers present included Major Holier, Lieutenant Keligher, Lieutenant Schluter, and Chaplain-major Fairmaid. The Post and Telegraph Corps, of which deceased was a member, were also represented. Private Calder was formerly on the staff of the Naseby office. As the cortege moved off, the band playing the Dead March in ‘Saul,’ the streets were thickly lined by a large number of citizens.  -Evening Star, 8/7/1915.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

402433 Pilot Officer James Edgar (29/5/1921-19/8/1942) and 426158 Flight Sergeant James Henry (10/1/1923-12/5/1944) Barton. "failed to return"

James Edgar Barton was trained in Canada under the Empire Training Scheme and joined 245 Squadron, RAF in time to take part in the raid on Dieppe on the French coast.  He was one of ten pilots who took off in their Hawker Hurricanes for a preparatory attack on German forces.  The response from flak and fighters was strong.  Three Hurricanes failed to return and only one of those who did was serviceable.  It is believed that James Edgar Barton was shot down by ground fire.  His body was not recovered which suggests that he crashed at sea.

James Henry Barton was also trained in Canada and was one of the crew of a 626 Squadron Lancaster which was shot down over Holland by a German night fighter while returning from a bombing raid on rail yards. James was initially reported missing, later reported "presumed dead."

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

6/1708 Trooper Henry Senior, (26/3/1884-31/12/1915). "typhoid fever"

RETURNED SOLDIER’S DEATH

The death, occurred in Dunedin Hospital this morning of Private Henry Senior, Third Reinforcements, Canterbury Battalion, who returned last week by the Tahiti, after having been four and a-half months in the trenches at Gallipoli. Deceased, who was 30 years of age, was the second son of Mr John Senior, of Brunnerton (West Coast), and before enlisting was employed as a miner in the North Brunner mine. The remains will be interred with military honors at Anderson Bay Cemetery on Sunday afternoon, the firing party including returned Anzac men. The cause of death was typhoid fever. The relatives wish to thank the nurses who attended Private Senior for their attentive and sympathetic nursing.   -Evening Star, 31/12/1915.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT.

Mr John Senior and family, of Blackball, Westport, desire to thank the citizens of Dunedin for their kind expressions of sympathy, also the medical staff and nurses of Dunedin Hospital for kind attention to the late Trooper Henry Senior.  -Evening Star, 5/1/1916.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

8/973 Private Donald Micklefield Harper, (11/121898-5/6/1915). "hoping to meet her son"

NEW ZEALANDERS ABROAD

London, December 8. 

Mr. Charles W. Pickles, of Wellington, who has been staying in Yorkshire, left last week on his return to New Zealand. 

Miss Ada Ralph is on her way to London from Wellington. She will be married on her arrival to Mr. John I. Donovan. 

Mr. G. V. Housden. of the Emigration Branch of the High Commissioner's Office, is attached to the staff of the Record Office, with the rank of corporal. 

Mrs. Harper, of Dunedin, arrived here a fortnight ago, hoping to meet her son, Mr. Donald Harper, who is with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.   -Dominion, 15/1/1915.

Mrs Harper would wait a long time in London for her son.  It was assumed that the NZEF were temporarily in Egypt, having participated in the defence of the Suez Canal against a Turkish attempt to cross it with metal pontoons taken across the desert.  But, from Egypt, they went to Gallipoli.  Back home, the Evening Star held a "wayzgoose" at the Provincial Hotel.  There was a long list of toasts, beginning with "The King."

An extra toast submitted by Mr Cole was to the health of the five young men who have gone from the ‘Star’ to the front — viz., Chris. Calverley (jobbing apprentice), Walter Gray (jobbing compositor), Frank MacDonald (lino machinist), Albert Wilson (commercial department), and Donald Harper (news room apprentice). This toast was specially honored, and Mr Harris remarked that the firm had dealt very generously to these recruits.  -Evening Star, 12/4/1915.

A wayzgoose was a traditional dinner given by a printer for his employees, on or around St Bartholomew's Day (August 24). It originally - in the Northern Hemisphere - marked the end of working by natural light and the beginning of working by candle light.

NEW ZEALAND CASUALTIES

PRIVATE HARPER.

Private Donald Harper, whose death from gunshot wounds is cabled to-day, was only 18 years of age, he being a cadet in the Dunedin Engineers. He was born at Sydney, and came to Dunedin some seven years ago, completing his education at the Musselburgh and Arthur Street Schools. His first employment was at Messrs Butterworth Bros.' warehouse, but later he entered the 'Star' office, with the intention of becoming a linotype operator. He was one of the first in Dunedin to put his name down for active service. He is the third son of Mr Fred. E. Harper, of Anderson Bay road. Another son goes into camp with the next reinforcements.  -Evening Star, 17/6/1915.

Donald Harper died of wounds after being shot in the chest and head.  He is buried in Turkey, in the Shrapnel Valley Cemetery.

EXPRESSION OF SYMPATHY. 

In respect to the memory of an ex-pupil, Donald Harper, the Musselburgh School flag was flown at half-mast yesterday. This young man died from gunshot wounds received at the Dardanelles.   -Otago Daily Times, 19/6/1915.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

9/1826 Trooper John William Dixon (19/7/1876-1/1/1916). "temporarily unsound mind"

 ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES

A SOLDIER'S SUICIDE. 

A soldier named John William Dixon, who came from Dunedin, and who belonged to D Squadron, 9th Reinforcements, committed suicide in Trentham Hospital on New Year's morning. Dixon, who was about 35 years of age, had an apoplectic fit some days ago, and was sent into hospital. At about four o'clock on Saturday afternoon the hospital orderly went to get Dixon a cup of coffee, and on returning some minutes later found that Dixon had hanged himself in the ward room, being then quite dead. At the inquest the Coroner returned a verdict that deceased committed suicide by hanging whilst of temporarily unsound mind, no blame being attachable to anyone.  -Dominion, 4/1/1916.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

6/3592 Private John James Adam, (1886-15/5/1917). "impressive military funeral"

The death occurred at the Hospital on Tuesday night of Private J. J. Adam, who was admitted a week ago on disembarking from a hospital ship. The remains will be buried with military honours on Saturday, the cortege leaving the residence of his father (Barr street, Mornington) in the afternoon. Private Adam went away with the Canterbury Infantry. -Otago Daily Times, 17/5/1917.

The remains of Private J. J. Adam, who died about a week after his return to the dominion, were accorded an impressive military funeral on Saturday afternoon. There was a parade of Territorials, in charge of Major Fleming and Captain Myers and squads of Coast Defence and Engineers were also present. The "Dead March in Saul" was played by the Band of the Fourth Regiment. The cortege proceeded from Private Adam's home in Mornington to the Anderson Bay Cemetery, where the burial service was conduced. by Chaplain-captain Small. The firing party was provided by returned soldiers.  -Otago Daily Times, 21/5/1917.

John Adams died of tuberculosis.

23/278 Rifleman John Byron Sexton, (1892-16/9/1916). "mementos of that day"

Rifleman John Byron Sexton, killed in action in France, was born at Lumsden on March 2nd, 1892, and educated in the public school there. His parents, Mr and Mrs S. Sexton, are widely known. Up to the time of his enlistment Rifleman Sexton worked as a carpenter. He joined the first battalion of the N.Z. Rifle Brigade in April, 1915. He was a member of the Lumsden Loyal Lodge of Oddfellows, M.U. For a time he was in the employ of Messrs Broad, Small and Co., Invercargill, but afterwards returned to Lumsden and served his apprenticeship as a carpenter. Upon the completion of his apprenticeship he worked for a time with Mr M. Hewat, builder, Invercargill, and then went to Dunedin, where his parents reside, and while there was employed on a number of boats which were being fitted as transports. He then went to Oamaru, and it was in Oamaru that he enlisted with four of his companions. Rifleman Sexton took part in the fight against the Senussi in Egypt on Christmas Day, 1915, and forwarded to his parents some of the enemy's bullets as mementos of that day. Of a very cheerful disposition, Rifleman Sexton was widely known and popular throughout the province. His name appears on the Roll of Honour of the Southland branch of the Carpenters’ and Joiners’ Union.  -Southland Times, 3/10/1916.

John Sexton died on the second day of the Rifles' part in the Battle of the Somme. It was a difficult day in which tanks were used for the first time, with mixed success. The hoped-for advance was not completed on September 15 and a further advance was attempted on the 16th. John Sexton did not survive that day.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

Evelyn Ellen (Eva) Elliott, (1895-15/12/1918). "voluntary nurse"

We regret to record the death which took place at Dunedin on Sunday, of Miss Eva Elliott, youngest daughter of of Mr Thomas Elliott of the City Butchery, Dunedin. Deceased had acted as a voluntary nurse during the Influenza epidemic, and unfortunately contracted the disease. The sympathy of many friends in this district will be extended to Mr and Mrs Elliot in their sad bereavement.   -Lake County Press, 19/12/1918.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

8/3079 Private Andrew Donald Stewart, MM, (10/7/1877-26/1/1946). "invisible to the driver"

INQUEST CONCLUDED

ELDERLY MAN’S DEATH 

The inquest was concluded yesterday into the death of Andrew Donald Stewart, aged about 70 years, who died on January 26 as the result of being run over by a corporation bus on the Dunedin-Waitati main highway. Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., sat as coroner. Mr A. N. Haggitt appeared for the driver of the bus, and the police were represented by Sergeant A. Stark. 

Dr E. R. Harty said the deceased’s head had been badly crushed. The injuries were consistent with his having been run over by a heavy bus. 

Harold Mowat Paterson, a motorman and spare bus driver employed by the Dunedin City Corporation, said that about 10.35 a.m. on January 26 he was driving a corporation bus back from Waitati with a party of Y.M.C.A. boys. The deceased was also a passenger. The bus, which was in need of water, stopped on the highway approaching Mount Cargill. Witness, who intended to reverse the bus down the slope to obtain some water, warned the boys to keep clear, and he was not aware that there was anyone behind the bus. In the driver’s seat he had a clear view of the road, except for a blind spot immediately behind the bus. He was not aware that the deceased was deaf. He released the brake and the bus began to move backwards down the grade. He did not sound the horn because he considered that everything was clear behind the bus. Just after the bus had started to move he felt a bump, and one of the boys called out that the bus had run over a man. He immediately stopped in a distance of about a foot to 18 inches. Witness added that from the time he walked past the back of the bus to the time he took his seat preparatory to putting the bus in motion was not more than two minutes. 

Cyril John Darracott said he had known the deceased for the past 20 years as handyman about the Y.M.C.A., and for some time prior to his death his deafness had been becoming more pronounced. He was also slow of movement. Witness was travelling in the bus at the time, and had observed the deceased at the rear right-hand corner of the bus leaning with his back against the bodywork. As soon as he noticed the bus starting to move, witness called out to the deceased, who did not appear to hear. 

Constable G. Claridge produced a plan which showed that any person of the deceased’s height standing at the rear right-hand side of the bus would be invisible to the driver. 

The accident was most unfortunate, said the coroner, who returned a verdict that death was due to injuries received when the deceased was run over by a bus on Mount Cargill on January 26.  -Otago Daily Times, 19/2/1946.

Run over by a reversing bus was an ignominious end for a decorated soldier.  I have not been able to find details of Andrew Stewart's Military Medal.

8/4436 Sergeant William Alexander Johnston, MM, (1882-12/9/1945). ""

LANCE-CORPORAL JOHNSTON. 

Lance-corporal William Alexander Johnston (reported wounded) is a son of Mr Ralph Johnston, foreman blacksmith, Hillside Workshops. He was born at Wanganui, and received his education at the Petone School. He was very keen on all sports. He played football with various North Island teams, and took a great interest in boxing. Before going to the front he was a corporal in the mounted reserves, but on his brother joining the infantry he forfeited the stripes to get away with his brother Percy, who was fighting by his side at the time he was wounded. He took great interest in his drill, and was very anxious to get into the firing line. He was very level-headed, and was a great favorite with all who knew him.  -Evening Star, 18/7/1916.

8/438 Lieutenant William Patrick Morrin, DCM, MM, (6/9/1894-6/3/1946). "we let them have it"

 

ROXBURGH BOY DECORATED.

SERGEANT W. P. MORRIN RECEIVES D.C.M. 

In Friday's Otago Daily Times appeared an article from New Zealand's official war correspondent giving a list of those who were recently decorated with honours for bravery in the field. Among these appears the name of Sergt.-Major William Patrick Morrin, of Roxburgh. The official record is given as under:

Sergeant William Patrick Morrin, Otago Regiment. — While in command of a platoon while the enemy was advancing in strength along the Meteren-Bailleul road, on his own initiative he at once brought his platoon across the road and organised its defence. His resource and courage were worthy of the highest praise and inspired his men with confidence. — D.C.M.

Morrin has a long and splendid record as may be judged by the fact that he has no fewer that six wound stripes on his sleeve. In the Meteren fighting the enemy eventually were all about him on three sides, yet he got his platoon out with only one casualty.  -Mt Benger Mail, 28/8/1918.

FROM THE FRONT

Writing to a friend in Riverton, from France under date, July llth, Sergt. W. P. Morrin, D.C.M., M.M., gives the following interesting description of the stirring events in which he participated during the German push:

As there is pot much doing to-day I thought perhaps it may interest you if I take advantage of my spare time to give you an account, as far as censor regulations permit, of a recent operation my battalion took part in in Northern France. We had been in strong-points for about three weeks in Ypres sector, and were relieved and. taken well to the rear for a spell, but, alas! that spell didn’t last long, for about five o’clock on the evening of the second day out we received orders to be ready in half an hour to take our part in stopping the Germans in their Flanders push. Within an hour we were well on our way in the motor lorries, and, arriving at our destination we dug new trenches, and it was not until the machine-gun bullets began to zip overhead that we realised how close we were to the enemy and the great extent to which his advance had materialised. The night was uneventful, with the exception of heavy shell fire, and so on, the next day. As the advance had been so rapid the civilian population had left their homes hurriedly and left all their worldly possessions behind. ’Twas a sad sight to see all the stock which had been left, especially the best of dairy cows in full milk almost mad with the shell fire and for want of being milked. Needless to say our boys availed themselves of every opportunity to secure fresh milk. Well, to continue the story off our operations, the second night following our appearance on the scene, we had to go forward and take over the very advanced posts of the sector. These outposts, in a stunt of this sort, continually change hands, so it was quite apparent to the few old soldiers among us that we were in for a lively time, and, sure enough our expectations were fulfilled. I found myself in charge of a platoon of seventy men, and I set off at dusk to take over my post. We got along alright till we got about half-way, when a sudden burst of heavy machine-gun fire lessened my party by half-a-dozen. The boys were more alert after this, and escaped further casualties. Thinking I still had about five hundred yards to go you can imagine my surprise on being halted by a British, patrol and informed that the Germans had taken, that afternoon, the post that I was on my way to relieve and that it would be necessary for me to go back about two hundred yards, and take over the new post that had been established. ’Twas no doubt a lucky thing that we met that patrol, as it would have been more difficult relieving that post with Germans in it than if they were our own men. The next day was spent in comparative quietness, of course, the uncertainty of the forward positions makes them necessarily free from shell fire. My headquarters was in a farm house alongside my post, and, as there were plenty of cooking utensils, etc., in the house, vegetables in the garden and fowls running about, I decided to put my cooking capabilities to the test when it became dark (of course, it was too risky to light a fire in daylight). I managed to single out and shoot a decent-sized fowl, and while in the garden pulling some onions I was nearly bagged by a Hun sniper. Of course, “a miss is as good as a mile.” Nevertheless, he didn’t get an opportunity for a second shot. The day wore on, then came darkness, and after sending out the necessary patrols I set the fire going and had things going fine when one of the patrols returned and reported that owing to developments on the left a whole division had retired. This was serious, and necessitated the removal of my platoon slightly to the rear and digging in across a main road leading to a fair-sized town. To protect our flank this move had to be carried out in the quickest possible time. I left that fowl boiling away on the kitchen stove, no doubt to be devoured by some pig of a Hun the next day. The Germans, no doubt, thought that we had fallen back on the whole front, and we were somewhat surprised to see them marching down the very road we were defending in column, just as day was breaking — a day which turned out the most exciting and most successful, as regards killing Huns, that I’ve spent since being on active service. We all kept very low, and waited till the column was about three hundred yards away, then we let them have it —rapid fire from our two machine guns and every available rifle. This sudden burst of fire absolutely demoiralised the whole column, and they scattered everywhere, making fine targets for the boys. We hung on to this position for about four hours, during which time we accounted for a good many Huns. As the attack developed more on our flanks it soon became apparent that we would have to fall back on a formed line about a thousand yards in the rear. Orders to this effect were received from headquarters, then began the unpleasant task of retiring under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire. By retiring in sections and taking every advantage of covering fire my platoon got back safely with only one man killed. Unfortunately the other platoons weren’t so lucky, and many men failed to return. The line we fell back on was in a splendid position, and from there we played havoc among the advancing Germans, who were compelled to turn about and run back into a hollow to escape our fire. Several more attacks by the Huns followed, but all failed, and they have not been able to gain another yard in that sector since. After spending about twelve days in this area we were relieved and taken to the rear for a spell and to be reorganised, but after being out for three days we were again rushed up in motor lorries farther north, and spent another sixteen days in much the same manner as I have already described. Our battalion, was the only New Zealand battalion on this front, as our Division had left some weeks before, and were busily engaged in the big push in the south.. We seemed to be, as it were, a spare part at everybody’s disposal — a not altogether satisfactory position to fight under, but nevertheless the boys received the highest praise from every general under whose command they happened to be. We were relieved from our last position by the splendid French troops, and were at last granted a rest after one of the most exciting months’ stunting I have experienced since leaving the “Long White Cloud ” in ’fourteen.   -Western Star, 8/10/1918.

Lieutenant W. P. Morrin, D.C.M., M.M., who went away with the Main of the N.Z.E.F., is expected to arrive home very shortly. Lieutenant Morrin who served on the Peninsula and also in France, has been wounded seven times and has also the honour of winning two coveted decorations, namely the Military Medal and the Distinguished Conduct Medal. We feel sure that the residents of Roxburgh will be proud to this battle-scarred hero home once again.   -Mt Benger Mail, 30/4/1919.

WEDDING

MORRIN — EASTWOOD. — On March 22, at the church of Our Lady of Peace, Roxburgh, by the Rev. Father Farthing, William Patrick Morrin, elder surviving son of Mr and Mrs James Morrin, Roxburgh, to Evelyn Mary Eastwood, youngest daughter of the late W. J. and Mrs Eastwood, “Woodville House,” Dublin, Ireland.  -Otago Daily Times, 29/5/1922.

REGIMENTAL NOTES

By Khaki

No 6 Platoon, B Company, Roxburgh. Authority has been granted for the opening of Roxburgh as a training centre for the 1st Battalion, Southland Regiment. The adjutant of the regiment, Lieut. A. R. Cockerell, D.S.O., N.Z.S.C., attended a recruiting meeting at Roxburgh on March 27 and addressed some 30 young men of the town regarding conditions of training. At the conclusion of the address 32 enrolled as members of the new platoon. Lieut. W. P. Morrin, D.C.M. M.M., Reserve of Officers, 1st Southland Regiment, and Sergeant A. R. Alexander (late Divisional Signal Company, N.Z.E.F.) are both taking a very keen interest in the formation of this unit. Staff Sergeant-Major J. Little, D.C.M., N.Z.P.S., will proceed to Roxburgh on the 16th of this month to uniform and equip trainees. Medical examinations will be concluded the same evening. It is hoped that the training will be far enough advanced for the platoon to parade on Anzac Day.  -Southland Times, 9/4/1936.

HOME GUARD (excerpt)

After discussion it was decided to join up with the Central Otago Area under the charge of Major McKenzie. The following appointments were made: Commander, Lieut. W. P. Morrin, D.C.M. M.M. (Lieut. Morrin served with the 1st Otago Regiment in the Great War and saw service in Egypt, Gallipoli and France; 2nd in command. Captain G. H. Eliot (Capt. Eliot served with the Rifle Brigade during the Great War and for three years after); 3rd in command, Lieut. T. Stockdill D.C.M. (Lieut. Stockdill served with the 1st Canterbury Regiment in the Great War).  -Mt Benger Mail, 13/11/1940.

Alexandra was the scone of a big Home Guard mock battle to-day, when the Vincent Battalion engaged in tactical exercises involving the defence of Alexandra. The battle was staged along the lines of that recently held at Ranfurly. The primary objective was the capture of the railway bridge, the enemy being under the command of Lieutenant W. Morrin, D.C.M., M.M., while the defending forces were under the command of Commander J. H. Forrest. At the time of writing the fate of the bridge was unknown.   -Evening Star, 18/10/1941.

OBITUARY

LIEUTENANT W. P. MORRIN. D.C.M., M.M. 

The death occurred recently at the Dunedin Hospital of Lieutenant W. P. Morrin, at the age of 52 years. Born at Roxburgh, he was the second son of the late Mr James Morrin and Mrs Morrin. Educated at the Roxburgh School, he was noted for his brilliance at scholastics. He took an active interest in the Roxburgh Football and Cricket Clubs, and was a member of the Roxburgh Brass Band. In 1912 he took a position in a general store at Riverton and later at Invercargill. 

With the outbreak of war in 1914 he immediately enlisted for overseas service, and left New Zealand with the Main Body, Southland Regiment. He served through the Gallipoli campaign and later in France. He was seven times wounded and twice decorated for bravery, being awarded the D.C.M. and M.M. After the cessation of hostilities he returned to New Zealand, and took up fruit farming at Roxburgh East. For a time he was inspector for the Mount Benger and Roxburgh East Rabbit Boards. He was keenly interested in R.S.A. affairs, and was a member of the original executive of the local R.S.A. With the commencement of the R.S.A. afforestation scheme he was appointed foreman, and supervised the work until the whole area was planted. He was actively promoting the Territorial movement when war was declared, and when the Home Guard was formed he served with captain's rank. He is survived by his wife.  -Evening Star, 4/4/1946.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

10155 Private William Robert McNeish, (1913-10/7/1944). "deeply mourned"

William McNeish was working as for the Public Works Department and living at Fruitlands in Central Otago when he joined the Army in 1941.  He was reported as taken prisoner (previously missing) in Greece in August 1941 and spent time in Kokkinia PoW hospital before transfer to Lamsdorf in Poland.

He was repatriated on medical grounds in 1943.  He initially was reported as safe in Egypt in November 1943 and died, presumably of his wounds, in Dunedin in 1944.

McNEISH. — On July 10, 1944, at Dunedin. William Robert, dearly beloved husband of Netta Emily McNeish, and loved father of Billy, and beloved son of L. and the late A. McNeish, of 2 Vernal street, Kensington; aged 31 years. Deeply mourned. — The Funeral will leave our Mortuary Chapel, Clark street, on Thursday. the 13th inst., at the conclusion of a service commencing at 3 p.m., for the Anderson’s Bay Cemetery. — Hugh Gourley, Ltd., funeral directors.  -Otago Daily Times, 12/7/1944.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

449934 Private Ernest albert King, (1923-17/5/1943). "somersaulted three times"

CORONER’S VERDICT.

SOLDIER’S DEATH IN ACCIDENT.

OVERTURNING OF ARMY TRUCK

A verdict that death was caused by a fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain was returned by the Coroner (Mr E. C. Bathurst) at an inquest held on Saturday into the death of Private Albert Ernest King, who died after the overturning of an Anny truck, in which he was a passenger, on May 17. The accident occurred on the road between Greenstreet and Ashburton. 

Private King was a single managed 20, a son of Mr G. A. King, 107 Arthur Street, Dunedin. 

Evidence given by the driver of the truck, Private Thomas Ernest Hugh Munro, was that he and five other soldiers were picking potatoes the Greenstreet property of Mr W. J. Beattv, of Ashburton. Shortly after midday they left for Ashburton to have lunch, Munro driving. When driven at a moderate speed the truck was inclined to sway, but between 30 and 35 miles an hour it was all right. When they had gone about three miles the truck began swaying and veering to the right. Munro attempted to straighten it but it swerved violently to the right and overturned. Before this happened he took his foot off the accelerator and touched the brake lightly. He believed that the weight of the five men in the back of the truck might have contributed to the swaying. Between the spot where the swaying started and the truck overturned was a distance of about two chains. Although Munro had been driving motor vehicles for five or six years he was not familiar with this brand of truck. He believed he had done all he could to prevent the truck overturning. 

Truck Began to Sway. 

William John Beatty, who was a passenger' in the rear of the truck, said that when the truck had gone about two miles it developed a swaying motion and swung violently from side to side of the road. He could not see what happened but he heard the crash of flying shingle and the next thing he knew the truck overturned, throwing him on to the road. Getting to his feet, Beatty saw a soldier lying unconscious on the roadway. In his opinion the speed of the truck was not excessive. He had previously ridden in the truck when it was driven by another soldier who was familiar with it and exercised great care, changing down to second gear on corners to prevent the truck swaying. He had never experienced the swaying motion in any other vehicle. Others who had ridden in the truck on the previous occasion said it appeared unsafe. 

Evidence of having witnessed the accident was given by Charles Samuel Vial, mains superintendent of the Ashburton Electric Power Board. When the truck overturned Vial was travelling in a car about 130 yards behind it, going in the same direction. He estimated the speed of the truck at between 35 and 40 miles an hour. After following the truck for about a mile he noticed it veer from the centre of the road. It wobbled slightly, turned to the right and somersaulted three times. As it somersaulted the second time a man was thrown out. He did not think the speed of the truck was excessive. Only one man was unconscious and he was lying on the canopy of the truck, which was wrenched off when it capsized. This man was bleeding from one ear. In Vial's opinion there was not sufficient loose shingle on the road to warrant the truck getting out of control and there was no other vehicle approaching to distract the driver’s attention.  -Ashburton Guardian, 31/5/1943.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

6/3364 Company Sergeant Major Frank William Johnsen, (28/3/1889-7/5/1941). "acts of gallantry"

SERGEANT F. W. JOHHSEN

There will be widespread regret at the passing of Sergeant Frank William Johnson, a member of the Dunedin Police Force, which occurred last evening after he had taken ill when on duty the previous day. Sergeant Johnsen was born at Shag Point on March 28, 1889, and entered the police force on March 1, 1920, at Wellington, serying there as a constable until 1924, when he was transferred to Onehunga. While at Wellington he was attached for a time to the detective branch. From Onehunga he went to Whakatane in 1931, and two years later was transferred to Mangaweka as sole constable. He remained there until 1935, when he came to Dunedin on promotion to the rank of sergeant. Sergeant Johnsen was well known and respected, and he was always keenly interested in sport. While in the north he was actively engaged in coursing, and he was also interested in Rugby, but on coming to Dunedin he devoted more of his attention to Rugby, being closely associated with the activities of the police team. He was a prominent member of the Police Social Club and was a member of the Police Association from its inception in 1938, being chairman of the local branch for a term. He left New Zealand with the 8th Reinforcements in the last war, and served for nearly four years with the Canterbury Infantry, gaining the Military Medal for gallantry in the field. He returned from service as a company sergeant-major. He is survived by his wife, two daughters — Mrs A. Kennedy and Miss Betty Johnsen — and one son, Mr Norman Johnsen.   -Evening Star, 8/5/1941.

Unfortunately, Frank Johnsen's Army record has no more detail regarding his Military Medal than that it was awarded "for acts of gallantry in the field."

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

Donald Larnach, (1858-15/7/1910). "three sleepless nights; I am going mad"

SUICIDE

Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, July 15. 

Donald Larnach, an English solicitor, and oldest son of the late Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, shot himself with a revolver at Watson's Commercial Hotel, High street. He was found dead in bed just one o'clock to-day, with a bullet wound m his forehead. He had lived apart from his wife for many years, and she resides in England. He leaves two daughters, both married. Deceased had been drinking heavily of late.  -Ashburton Guardian, 15/7/1910.

DONALD LARNACH’S SUICIDE

SHOOTS HIMSELF IN BED

Mr Donald Larnach shot himself through the brain in his room at the Commercial Hotel (Watson's) this morning. It is said that he was financially pressed lately. Last night he arrived home under the influence of liquor, and this morning when Miss Jacobsen (one of the waitresses) took him up his usual nine o’clock breakfast in bed he was very cheerful, reading a magazine story. He asked her to draw up the blind before she left, which she did. No one saw him alive after that, and no one seems to have heard the shot which announced his end, which establishes the fact that he must have killed himself fairly late in the morning, after the maids had finished doing the rooms on the flat and retired. Some time after eleven the flat would be deserted, and a pistol shot might well pass unheeded. 

It was Mrs Watson herself who discovered the tragedy shortly after midday, when she entered his room, anticipating that he would have left it at that hour. He was lying very composedly on his left side, a finger of the right hand still crooked round the trigger of a five-chambered revolver, and a small puncture in the middle of the forehead, hardly disfiguring him. Alongside him on the bed was the magazine he had been reading, his place carefully marked as though he had intended to take it up again and continue reading. He had not even removed his spectacles. 

The police and a doctor were at once communicated with. Dr Moore found that he was quite dead; indeed, the composed expression on the face showed that death must have been instantaneous. 

Nothing was found in the room or in the clothes of deceased to indicate that the act was the final step of a previous determination, but the fact that he had a fully-loaded revolver in his room suggests that he had considered this as a possible issue. 

When the stretcher was brought into the room and the body was lowered to it the deceased’s little terrier — almost as well known as deceased — crawled out from under the bed moaning. It followed the body downstairs, and there joined some friends of the deceased. 

Later. 

The discovery of a letter on deceased's person shows that the idea of suicide had been in his mind for some time — possibly for weeks — at any rate for days, since the ink is quite black and old-looking. This letter runs: — I wish my remains to be taken out to sea and dumped overboard. Failing this, place them in the family vault. On no account have prayers read at my burial. I believe in a Creator, but I absolutely disbelieve in the Bible, its lying fables, Jesus Christ (i.e., his divinity). I want no followers at my funeral. 

Then follow these verses: — 

I have had my share of pastimes, and I’ve done my share of toil, 

And life is short, and the longest life a span, 

I care not now to tarry for the com or for the oil. 

Or for the wine that maketh glad the heart of man.

For good undone or gifts unspent, and resolutions vain, 

Tis somewhat late to trouble. This I know: 

I’d live the same life over if I had to live again, 

And the chances are I go where most men go. 

Below is written “Good-bye,” and then the signature has evidently been cut out. and under the cut strip are these words, written in lead pencil (possibly to-day): "The vault keys are in my hat-box. 

On the other side of the sheet on which the letter was written was found a short note in pencil, apparently intended to be sent to his daughter in Oamaru. It read; “Three sleepless nights; I am going mad; my darling girl in Sydney unprotected. . . .’’—[What follows is a private communication to his daughter.]

The deceased (who was fifty-two years of age) was elder son of the Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, who shot himself in 1898 in Parliament House, when he was member for Tuapeka, Mr Larnach has three daughters, one the wife of Mr Hjorring, an Oamaru barrister; another the wife of Mr Alex. Haynes; while the third is at Home with her mother, an English actress. The body lies at the Morgue, where an inquest will be held.  -Evening Star, 15/7/1910.

DUNEDIN, this day. 

In connection with the suicide of Donald Larnach, evidence given at the inquest showed that deceased had two fits recently, the last one the evening before he shot himself. The opinion was expressed by a friend that this had caused him to be despondent. A verdict was returned that death was caused by a bullet wound, self-inflicted.  -Auckland Star, 16/7/1910.

The Larnach family tomb in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery has two skulls with bullet holes in them. Being owned by the family and not leased from the Council as many graves are, maintenance of the tomb was the responsibility of the family. Presumably because the family was short on money it was not maintained, its dilapidation being remarked upon in the 1920s.  There are rumours of late night drinking in the unlocked tomb by students from nearby Otago University.

At some time around 1970, due to deterioration and/or vandalism, there was a hole in the floor of the tomb, through which a person could climb.  A person did so and removed one of the two skulls inside which had bullet holes.

Student had Larnach’s skull

(New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, January 11. 

A 23-year-old post-graduate student, Peter Malcolm William Entwisle, pleaded guilty to improperly interfering with the human remains of William James Mudie Lamach, when he appeared before Mr J. D. Murray, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court today.

Entwisle, who was not represented, was convicted and remanded until January 18 for a probation report and sentence. Bail was allowed.

The charge related to the period between January I 1971, and January 5, 1972. Sergeant I. R. Whiting told the Court that a report that the Larnach tomb at the Northern Cemetery had been broken into had been received on January 6. 

Investigation had shown that the vault below the ground had been uncovered, although it was not known whether the floorboards had been damaged or had rotted away. The coffins in the vault had also been damaged. 

Inquiries had failed to ascertain who had been responsible but as the result of information received police had gone to Entwisle’s home with a search warrant. Sergeant Whiting said Entwisle was told that the police believed that a human skull was on the premises. 

“Entwisle produced the skull, and said it was easily recognisable as that of Larnach because of the gunshot wound in the head," Sergeant Whiting said.

Entwisle said that the skull had been given to him by a friend during a party at Entwisle’s home some time ago, because the friend “had no further use for it.” 

"Entwisle kept the skull polished and in good condition,” Sergeant Whiting said. 

Entwisle told the Magistrate that he realised that the fact the Larnach tomb had been entered would be painful for the relatives of the man. He had not realised that Larnach had any living relatives.

The skull had been given to him about a year ago, he said. He had kept it because it was an interesting skull of a man of some local fame who had died violently. 

“Surely we haven’t reached the stage where human remains become playthings,” the Magistrate said. 

Larnach was a leading Otago citizen of the 1880 s, an M.P. and a Minister of the Crown. He built an English-style castle on the Otago Peninsula which has become one of the main tourist attractions of the province. He committed suicide in Parliament Buildings.  -Press, 12/1/1972.

"No proof" about skull

(N Z. Press Association)

DUNEDIN, Jan. 28. Throughout the Commonwealth no law forbade the mere possession of human remains for purposes other than immediate burial, said counsel (Mr R. J. Gilbert) for Peter Malcolm William Entwisle, aged 23, a postgraduate student who had pleaded not guilty to a charge of improperly interfering with human remains.

Entwisle appeared today before Mr J. D. Murray, S.M., in the Dunedin Magistrate’s Court.

Mr Gilbert submitted that no offence had been disclosed under section 150 of the Crimes Act, 1961. 

Decision was reserved by the Magistrate. 

The charge had been amended to delete reference to William James Mudie Larnach. Entwisle’s conviction on the original charge was set aside. Mr W. F. Thomson appeared for the Crown. 

ACT CITED 

The act provided for a two year term of imprisonment for anyone offering an indignity or interfering with human remains, Mr Thomson said.

There was no legal authority on the exact meaning of the words in the act. He referred to the Shorter Oxford Dictionary for definitions of the words “interfere” and “improperly.” 

Mr Thomson submitted that what was improper defended on the circumstances of each case. Entwisle had been told that the skull was that of Larnach and had kept the bones because they were an interesting souvenir.

The law, Mr Thomson said, included the actions of the defendant in this case. Mr Gilbert submitted that the charge involved anonymous human remains. No proof had been offered that they were those of Larnach. All that had been said was that the defendant believed they were the remains of Lamach. There was no evidence that Entwisle had shown the skull to anyone naming it as that of Larnach. 

“NO OFFENCE” 

“Anyone can buy a skull and put it on the mantelpiece and no offence is committed;" he said. No record of the Commonwealth showed a person being prosecuted under such circumstances, and there was no charge where possession of known or unknown remains was an offence, Mr Gilbert said.

Thought he felt that Entwisle’s intention was important, the question was "what is the situation under law," the Magistrate said, reserving decision.  -Press, 29/2/1972.

S.M. dismisses charge

(New Zealand press Association)

DUNEDIN, January 31

A charge of improperly interfering with human remains, brought against Peter Malcolm Entwisle, aged 23 a student, was dismissed by Mr J. D. Murray, S.M., in a reserved decision in the Dunedin Magistrate’s Court today.

The Magistrate said the defendant had said at an earlier sitting that late in 1970 he had some friends at his flat. One of his friends had produced some human remains, including a skull and jawbone. He gave the remains to the defendant, who kept them as a souvenir. 

The Magistrate said that both the defendant’s actions and his state of mind were relevant to the case. A corpse or human remains was not something that could be stolen, therefore the defendant could not be charged with receiving. 

The defendant kept the remains, and occasionally polished them and showed them to friends. However, he had not mutilated them in any way. “If the defendant had mutilated the bones, I would then regard this as improper interference,” the Magistrate said. However, the skull and jawbone were retained and kept in original condition. 

In conclusion, the Magistrate said that there had been some suggestion that the police had been stretching the law to gain a conviction under this act. But if that had been the case he would have taken a dim view of it.  -Press, 1/2/1972.

I have my own details to add.  In mid 2023 I ran into an acquaintance, someone I saw every few weeks and chatted to.  He told me that he had, around 1970, handled the skull in question.  It had a small hole in one side and a larger one in the other.  He told me it had been used as an ashtray.  He died at the end of that year - it was the last time I saw him.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.