William Dunne died in a British hospital of wounds received on January 21, 1918, while serving with the Otago Infantry Regiment. The regiment's Official History has this to say of the events of January 21: At 1.30 on the following morning the enemy was encountered in considerably greater strength. A total of approximately 100, in four parties, attempted a raid on the left of the line held by 8th Company of the 2nd Battalion, under cover of a preliminary bombardment. Only one of the four parties succeeded in getting through the wire, and none of them reached out trenches, the attack being beaten off by Lewis gun, rifle fire and bombs, aided by the artillery and machine gun barrages which came down promptly in response to a call from the line. In this action the combined bombing efforts of Sergt. Travis and Sergt. A. Maclean, the latter of whom remained at his post though severely wounded, assisted very materially in effecting the repulse of the raiders. There were eight enemy dead in front of our wire, and our casualties numbered one killed and three wounded.
William was admitted to hospital with a gunshot wound to his right leg.
A correspondent writes: — Much sympathy was felt for the relatives of the late Sergeant W. P. Dunne, of Totara, when the news came through on Friday that he died of septiceamia in the hospital at Codford, following on wounds received in France on June 20th. The late sergeant, leaving with the 14th Reinforcements, gained his stripes on the battlefield. Sergeant Dunne was widely known for his genial personality. He was educated at the Totara and St. Patrick's Schools, and afterwards followed the farming pursuits. -Oamaru Mail, 24/6/1918.
ROLL OF HONOR.
DUNNE. — On 19th June, in General Hospital, Codford, result of wounds received in France, Sergeant William Patrick, eldest and clearly loved son of Patrick and Catherine Dunne, Totara, aged 31 years. Rest in Peace. -Oamaru Mail, 25/6/1918.
Oamaru Cemetery.
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