William, Albert and James Jennings. "his rifle in his hand"

394 Trooper William Aubrey Jennings, (1887-29/11/1900). "his rifle in his hand" 

Death of Trooper Jennings

A cablegram has been received from Sir Alfred Milner, dated 7th, as follows: — Killed at Reitfontein, 394 Jenning: slightly wounded, 507 Collins, N.Z.M.R., Reitfontein. 

[The foregoing cablegram doubtless refers to the death of Trooper William Aubrey Jennings, of the Second Contingent, and whose parents live in the Wood. Deceased was formerly a member of the Nelson Rifles, and at a parade of the company last night Captain Stiles feelingly referred to the melancholy intelligence, and it was resolved to send a letter of condolence and sympathy to the bereaved family, after which the parade was adjourned. We learn that deceased's father intends to get Mr Graham, M.H.R., to ask the Government to get further information from South Africa, but it is to be feared the intelligence is too true. Sir Alfred Milner in his message gives the correct number of Trooper W. A. Jennings, "394" in the official list of the Second Contingent, besides he was the only Trooper in the Second Contingent bearing that name, and in the Third Contingent no name like his appears. It must also be remembered that it was members of the Second and Third Contingent who took part in the fight at Rietfontein. Taking these facts into consideration we fear that Nelson has lost another of her brave sons in South Africa. In his last letter to his parents deceased expressed great hopes of soon coming home, after having taken part in many fights and escaping unharmed. He stated that he would not remain in South Africa for £10 per week, and would be glad to get back to Nelson. Much sympathy is felt for his parents. It is intended by the members of the Nelson Rifles to arrange for the holding of a memorial service out of respect to their old comrade.]   -Colonist, 11/12/1900.

THE HONOURED DEAD.

MEMORIAL SERVICE AT TRINITY CHURCH. 

TROOPER JENNINGS AND SEAMAN HARFORD. 

A memorial service in honour of the two Nelson soldiers (Seaman Sid. Harford, formerly of the Nelson Navals, and latterly of the Natal Navals, who died from enteric disease in South Africa, and Trooper Aubrey Jennings, of the 2nd Contingent, a member of the Nelson Rifles, who was killed at the battle of Reitfontein), was held in the Presbyterian Church last evening. The Wakatu Mounted Rifles, under Captain Kiernan and Lieut Whitwell; the II battery, under Lieuts Fleming and Madigan; the Nelson Rifles, under Captain Stiles, and Lieuts Adams and Stewart; the Stoke Rifles, under Capt Harkness; and the Garrison Band, under Drum-Major Simpson, paraded in the Governing Buildings reserve, the Nelson Rifles having a capital muster of 58. Captain Simpson, V.D., (Volunteer Decoration) was in command, and Lieut Topliss, V.D., acted as, staffofficer. The Volunteers marched to the church by way of Bridge and Collingwood streets, the Band playing appropriate marches. Arrived at the Church, the Band played the "Dead March," and the Nelson Riles marched slowly into the building, followed by the other corps. The church was packed in every part, and many were unable to gain admittance. The preacher was the Rev T. H. MacKenzie, Chaplain of the Nelson Rifles, who took his text from Romans, 12th chapter, 18th verse — "Rejoice with those that do rejoice; and weep with those that weep." From those words the rev gentleman preached an eloquent sermon, and contended that the war in South Africa was a righteous and just war, and forced on England. More than that, he believed that it was by the Providence of God. The preacher referred briefly to Trooper Kirwin, Corporal McArtney, and Corporal Bolton, who were recovering from wounds and disease; to Troopers Tarrant (Lower Moutere), Colvin (Westport), James (Collingwood), and Poole and Moeller, two old Nelson College boys) who had died in South Africa, and he then delivered a panegyric on Seaman Harford and Trooper Jennings, and mentioned that they might be looked upon as part of themselves, as both had sat in the pews of the church. He also added words of comfort to the relatives of the deceased, who were among the congregation. 

The church was appropriately draped for the occasion, and special hymns were sung. The choir also rendered the anthem "He wipes the tear from every eye." After the benediction had been pronounced, the "Dead March" was played by the organist, Mr R. Snodgrass, the congregation remaining standing. The service, which was a very impressive one, then concluded, and the Volunteers marched to Trafalgar-street, where they were dismissed, after being thanked by Capt. Simpson for their attendance.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 17/12/1900.

THE RHENOSTERKOP AFFAIRS

WHERE THE NEW ZEALANDERS WIN HONOUR. 

SPLENDID BEHAVIOUR UNDER HOT FIRE. 

A THRILLING ACCOUNT.   (excerpt)

(From our Special Correspondent.) 

EERSTE FABRIEKEN, Near Pretoria, December 2nd, 1900. 

It is with feelings of regret, mingled with pride, that I sit down and pen this to you. Every New Zealander in South Africa to-day is broken-hearted at the disaster which has befallen our comrades at the front. At the same time what a feeling of pride runs through each one when they can say — "Our boys died bravely." "They never retreated." It was death or glory — and they got both. 

The last man killed on the New Zealand side was Trooper Jennings, who was shot through the head whilst in the act of firing. When found he had 204 empty cartridge cases alongside him, showing how gallantly he had fought. He was killed instantly. The ant-hill in front of him was riddled with bullets. When found he had his rifle in his hand, with one cartridge in the breech.  -Evening Post, 6/1/1901.

6/1887 Sergeant Albert Charles Jennings, (9/9/1879-7/6/1917). "seven hours in the water"

PERSONAL ITEMS

Mr James Jennings, of Weka-street, has been advised that his son Sergeant Albert C Jennings, previously reported wounded believed killed, is now reported to have been killed in action on June 7th. Sergeant Jennings was wounded at Gallipoli, and also in France previous to 7th June. His brother Henry is with the Reinforcements. Another brother, Aubrey, was killed in the Boer War, in which Albert also served. There were only three boys in the family, two of whom have now given their lives for their country, while the third is, as stated, with the Forces.  -Marlborough Express, 25/6/1917.

Mrs J. Jennings, of Weka Street, Nelson, has been advised that her son, Platoon-Sergeant A. C. Jennings, reported wounded in. action for the third time, is now believed to have been killed in action. The late Sergeant Jennings had seen a good deal of active service, both in Gallipoli and France. He was on the ill-fated Marquette when she was torpedoed, arid had to take to the sea, being seven hours in the water before he was picked up. Sergeant Jennings fought in the Boer War as a member of the Seventh New Zealand Contingent. He took part in the arduous pursuit of De Wet, and had some narrow escapes during that memorable drive.  -Colonist, 18/7/1917.

49775 Private James Henry Jennings (6/5/1882-27/12/1925). Jennings. "genial and generous"

Many friends will regret to learn of the death, which suddenly occurred yesterday at 9 a.m. at the Grey River Hospital, of Mr. James Henry Jennings, a well-known sawmiller, formerly of Bell Hill and Marlborough. Deceased, who was admitted five weeks ago to the Hospital, was a sawyer by trade, and had been for years in partnership with Mr. Gordon Webb in milling work. He also worked for eight years for the firm of John Brownlie and Co. sawmillers. Deceased was a fine type of man, genial and generous, and was highly esteemed by all who know him He was a native of Nelson, where his mother and two sisters, Misses Alice and Gladys Jennings, reside, while another sister Mrs Lebysit, is a resident of Petone. The body is being taken by sea to Nelson by Mr. G. Webb and the funeral takes place to-morrow.  -Grey River Argus, 28/12/1925.

FUNERAL NOTICE

T'HE friends of the late James Henry Jennings are informed that his funeral will leave his mother's. residence, Weka street, TO-MORROW (Tuesday) Afternoon at 2.30 o'clock for the Nelson Cemetery. 

ALFRED SHONE, Undertaker and Embalmer.   -Nelson Evening Mail, 28/12/1925.

Wakapuaka Cemetery, Nelson.