Hugh Smith Bruce was an engine driver for New Zealand Railways when he enlisted at the beginning of the war.
On the day of his death, the Otago Infantry Regiment were ordered to advance over areas of open ground towards Turkish positions heavily defended by machine guns. The Aucklanders had tried and failed, "swept away" by machine gun fire. This areas, known as "daisy patches" were to be crossed by the Otagos.
They were crossed, as a last effort of a costly day's advance with little gained. Hugh Smith Bruce was not seen after that day. He has no known grave.
By the finding of the Court of Inquiry it is reasonable to suppose that Private Hugh Smith Bruce, youngest son of Mrs and the late John Bruce, Humber street, was killed in action at Gallipoli. No date was given. Private Bruce, who was educated at the Middle School, was employed at the time of his enlistment by the Railway Department. He was one of the first to volunteer for active service, and left New Zealand with the main body. -Oamaru Mail, 10/4/1916.
DEATH.
ROLL OF HONOR
BRUCE. — Private Hugh Smith Bruce, reasonable to suppose killed in action, at Gallipoli, as result of Court of Inquiry (no date given), youngest son of Marion and the late John Bruce, Humber street, Oamaru, and brother of Robert Bruce, Clyde road, Cromwell. -Cromwell Argus, 1/5/1916.
Oamaru Cemetery.
No comments:
Post a Comment