OBITUARY
MR D. M. PARK
The death occurred on Thursday of Mr David Maxwell Park, who enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force at the youthful age of 17 1/2 years and saw active service with the Field Artillery from 1915 till the end of the war. During the fine service he gave to his country he became a victim of a gas attack, and ever since his discharge he fought with indomitable pluck a malady than which there can be few more distressing. Even when it must have been known to him, about 12 months ago, that the end was near he maintained that cheerfulness and strength of character which were always so much admired by all with whom he came in contact. Mr Park was a pupil of the Otago Boys’ High School in the immediate pre-war years. After his return to New Zealand he sought an open-air life, and for several years was farming in the Strath Taieri district. For nearly two years he resided at Warrington, but eventually his failing health made it necessary for him to have hospital treatment. He was the fourth son of Mr and Mrs M. Park of this city. His three elder brothers also served in the military forces, one (Tom) being killed. The funeral took place this morning, the service at the graveside being conducted by the Rev. L. D. C. Groves, in conjunction with Mr W. F. Forrester representing the party of returned soldiers who were present. Mr. Park is survived by his wife and two sons. -Evening Star, 1/7/1939.
It is a rare thing for me to find that the work has already been done - and to a great extent, David Park's story has already been written - by David. His diary for 1916 can be found here.
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