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.