43587 Private, John Alexander Barclay, (5/8/1881-3/12/1917). "a very popular young fellow"
John Barclay was in the 4th Company, 1st Battalion, of the Otago Infantry Regiment and was part of the assault on a German position named Polderhoek Chateau on December 3rd, 1917.
At the beginning of the assault, the Otagos suffered heavy casualties from their own artillery. They pressed ahead - it was safest option at the time - and were stopped by heavy German machine gun and sniper fire from the ruins of the chateau, fortified shell holes, and a trench to the rear.
Intimation was received last week that Priv. John Alexander Barclay, who was on December 3rd reported wounded and missing, is as the result of the Court of Inquiry, reported killed in action. Priv. Barclay was a member of a wellknown Hawea Flat family, and was a very popular young fellow throughout the Upper Clutha district. -Cromwell Argus, 17/6/1918.
John Barclay's remains lie in Hooge Crater Cemetery in Belgium. It would seem that his death was the verdict of a court of enquiry and his body was found and buried some time after.
J Brown
39170 Private Bertram Charles Collings, (11/7/1884-3/10/1917). "well respected"
Bertram Collings enlisted in the Army in October, 1916, and just over a year later was in the Paesschendaele sector of the front in the winter of 1917. His Regiment's (Auckland Infantry) Official History describes the conditions as follows: "The Divisional area stretched back over miles of the dreadful battlefield, from the Polderhoek Chateau to the ruined town of Ypres and the village of Dickebusch. An ugly dreariness was the prevailing feature. The outlook was sordid and revolting. Skies were grey, and the damp mists hung low. Everywhere was a sea of mud. The whole atmosphere was dispiriting and distressing. Men lived in comfortless iron huts, in old gun-pits rotting with age, grimed with smoke and swarming with rats, and, further up toward the line, in the captured German pill-boxes. Few of these had escaped altogether. Even where the walls and roof were secure the foundations had been cracked, and the water was rising. Often beneath the floorboards were horrors unmentionable, and the stench rising was sickening. Yet these fearful dungeons where the German machine-gunners had fought, died, and after that been buried were the only shelters in the wide muck of desolation. Men lived in them, and so utter was their need that these horrible places were looked upon as homes."
The Auckland Regiment was not in action on the day of Bertram's death. It is possible that he was killed by a sniper.
DEATH.
IN THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE.
COLLINGS. — On 3rd, killed in action Somewhere in France, Bertram Charles Collings, second son of Mr and Mrs F. Collings, Hawea Flat, aged 33 years. — R.I.P. -Cromwell Argus, 22/10/1917.
Private Bertram Charles Collings, aged 33 years, who was killed in action on October 3, was the second son of Mr and Mrs P. A. Collings, of "Mortlake Farm," Hawea Flat. He was born at Cromwell, and received his education at Luggate School, where his parents resided a number of years. On his father taking up farming, the family removed to Hawea, where Private Collings resided until a couple of years ago. At that time he began farming on his own account at Mount Barker, from which place he enlisted. A brother who went away with the Sixth Reinforcements, is at the front, and two other brothers are now in camp as members of the Thirty-first Specialists. Private Collings was well respected by those who knew him. He was keenly interested in all athletic sports, particularly in football and cycling. -Otago Daily Times, 29/10/1917.
17594 2nd Lieutenant Henry Francis Cotter, NZFA, (23/2/1893-11/6/1917). "more than average merit"
Henry Cotter was working as a Customs Officer in Wellington when he enlisted in the Wellington Infantry Regiment. He was made a 2nd Lieutenant in April, 1916, and transferred to the artillery section.
He was given command of a trench mortar section and his Army record has some interesting details regarding the day he died. On June 10, 1917, it reads "missing" then "wounded in action" then "admitted to No. 77 F(ield) Amb(ulance)" on June 9th. On the same say he was admitted to No. 2 Casualty Clearing Station, where he died the next day of a gunshot wound received to his left thigh. The time between his wound and death make is possible that he died from loss of blood.
Lieutenant Henry Francis Cotter (died of wounds) was educated at Hawea, the Timaru High School, and Victoria College, Wellington. For over two years he held a commission in the 5th Wellington Regiment. He was in the employ of the Customs Department at Westport and Wellington, leaving the latter part as O.C. the 25th N.Z. Field Artillery on January 2nd. He was prominent in athletics, and had represented the North Island in the football field, while he was an amateur boxer of more than average merit. He is the second member of his family to fall in action, an elder brother (Sergeant John Cotter) having fallen at Hamelfontein (South Africa) in 1901. -Press, 25/7/1917.
8/1725 Private Ernest B Davis, (11/10/1894-9/8/1915). "highly popular in the district"
Ernest Davis was working as a carpenter, based at Hawea Flat, when he enlisted in the Otago Regiment. He was with them in the attacks on Turkish positions on August 8, 1915, and not seen after the next day's fighting. A Court of Enquiry held in Egypt in March, 1916, found it "reasonable to assume" that he died on the 9th.
PRIVATE DAVIS.
Private Ernest Davis (reported missing) was the son of Mr John Davis, of Clyde. He was born at Clyde 19 years ago, and on the completion of his education served his apprenticeship to the building trade. He left New Zealand with the 4th Reinforcements. Private Davis was highly popular in the district, and the mention of his name among the missing has evoked sympathetic reference from the residents of the district generally. -Otago Daily Times, 23/9/1915.
9/28 Trooper James Dow, (27/7/1886-6/8/1915). "greatly respected"
PERSONAL NOTES.
Trooper James Dow was the younger son of Mr and Mrs John Dow, Dunedin, and only brother of Trooper David Dow, who is also in action at the Dardanelles. He was educated at the North-east Valley School, and served his apprenticeship as a blacksmith, later discarding his trade in favor of farming, which occupation he followed in the Wanaka district up till the time of his enlistment with the Main Expeditionary Force. Some time ago he had the misfortune to lose his left eye, but notwithstanding this he enlisted immediately after the outbreak of hostilities. Trooper Dow was a quiet, unassuming fellow, and greatly respected by all with whom he associated. So far neither date nor details of his death have come to hand, but from letters received it is known he had been in action previous to his last engagement, and was fighting beside his brother. -Evening Star, 2/9/1915.
James Dow died on Bauchop's Hill, named after the Commanding Officer of the Otago Regiment. The name was given to the hill by Bauchop's Commanding General before it was taken by the Otagos. Lieutenant Colonel Bauchop was also mortally wounded there by a Turkish sniper.
22/118 Sister Catherine Anne Fox, (18/3/1887-23/10/1915). "with grand courage"
Catherine Fox was one of ten New Zealand nurses who died when the SS "Marquette" was sunk by a German torpedo in the Aegean Sea. Although lifeboat drill had been practised, many were killed or fatally injured when one boat dropped on top of another.
THE MARQUETTE DISASTER.
NEW ZEALAND NURSE'S THRILLING STORY.
SOLDIERS FIRST.
HEROISM OF THE NURSING SISTERS. (excerpt)
The sea was calm with a light breeze, and there was a good chance of escape, but several boats were capsized in the confusion while they were being launched, some falling perpendicularly. Another lifeboat fell upon one already in the water, causing several casualties. Sister Fox and another New Zealand nurse were injured, and were not seen again.
The narrator continues: — "Our boat was not lowered properly, and we were suspended from one davit for some time, I hanging on for dear life. Then the rope was cut and we all fell into the sea. Most of us were in the water for eight hours, but we did not find the water cold. We did not see the submarine again.
"Some of the boats were crowded, and many of the officers and men were saved. The nurses behaved with grand courage. They refused to go in the boats until most of the soldiers were saved. The nurses stayed on the decks cheering the Tommies until only a few men remained to help the women into the boats. -Press, 13/11/1915.
Nurse Catherine Anne Fox (missing from the Marquette) was a daughter of the late Mr John Fox, well known in the Lakes district of Central Otago, and at Studholme. She was born at Cardrona, and trained at the Dunedin Hospital. After completing her training there, she practised private nursing in Christchurch and in Auckland, from which city she volunteered for active service. Nurse Fox was so desirous to help in nursing the wounded soldiers that she had made arrangements to go to England at her own expense and offer her services to the Imperial Government, when she received notice that she had been selected to go on the hospital ship Maheno, which left Wellington for Egypt on July 23 last. -Otago Witness, 24/11/1915.
W A Fraser, (-). ""
8/2391 Private Colin Campbell Gunn, (21/6/1886-14/7/1916). "extremely popular"
THE ROLL OF HONOUR
PRIVATE C. C. GUNN.
Cable advice has been received that Private Colin Campbell Gunn is reported missing and is believed to have been killed in action in France. The deceased was the son of Mr R. N. Gunn, of Yarrow street, and enlisted in Dunedin with the Seventh Reinforcements. Private Gunn, who was 30 years of age, was educated in the Middle School, on leaving which he entered the employment of Messrs Broad, Small and Co. He was attached to the staff of that firm for eleven years, and subsequently became traveller for Messrs Thomson, Bridget and Co.’s Dunedin branch. Private Gunn was a prominent member of the Invercargill Football Club and represented Southland province in interprovincial matches. He was well known throughout Southland in athletic circles and was extremely popular with all his comrades. -Southland Times, 27/7/1916.
55759 Private John William Kingan, (27/10/1896-3/12/1917). "we miss his sunny smile"
Soldier Farewelled at Hawea Flat.
(From Our Own Correspondent.)
A social was held in the Hall, Hawea Flat, last Monday evening, in honour of Priv. W. Kingan who was home on final leave from camp. Private Kingan is a native of Hawea and widely known throughout the district, and it was only to be expected that a large gathering would assemble to wish him farewell and a safe return. Mr P. J. McCarthy occupied the chair, and after some remarks on the outlook of the war, called on Mr G. S. M. McDermid to present the guest of the evening with an illuminated wristlet watch, which he did in felicitous terms, Priv. Kingan suitably responding. Dancing was indulged in throughout the evening, music being provided by Messrs H. Connolly, H. Hunt, and W. Robertson, Mr T. McKay acting efficiently as M.C. Songs were contributed by Messrs Noble, McLennan, and Henderson the accompaniments being played by Mrs A. Allison. -Cromwell Argus, 9/7/1917.
John Kingan was in the 10th Company of the 1st Battalion of the Otago Infantry Regiment, which opened the attack on the Polderhoek Chateau alongside the 4th Company, in which was John Barclay (above) who died on the same day. The 10th was also subjected to the fatally misdirected fire of their own artillery. The remnants of both companies were able to make their way back to their starting points after dark.
FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE
DEATHS
KINGAN. — In loving memory of John William Kingan. killed "Somewhere in France" on December 3 1917; aged 21 years.
No one knows the silent heartache Only those can tell
Who have lost one of their dearest Without a last farewell.
We miss his cheery greeting, We miss his sunny smile;
But though on earth we're parted, 'Tis only for a while.
Inserted by his sorrowing parents.
KINGAN. — In loving memory of John William Kingan, killed in action "Somewhere in France" on December 3, 1917; aged 21 years.
He sleeps beside his comrades, In a hallowed grave unknown,
But his name is written in letters On the hearts he left at home.
— Inserted by his loving sisters and brother.
KINGAN. — In loving memory of mv dear brother, John William (2Sth Reinforcements), killed in action in France on December 3 1917; aged 21 years.
His warfare's O'er, his battle's fought; His victory's won, though dearly bought.
His dear young life we could not save; He slumbers now in a soldier's grave.
— Inserted by his loving sister, I. J. Byers. -Otago Daily Times, 3/12/1918.
9/1390 Driver Archibald Muir, (16/3/1892-5/2/1919). "manly, unselfish and brave"
Archibald Muir joined the Otago Mounted Rifles in 1915 and was transferred to the Army Service Corps after the evacuation from Gallipoli. On December 23rd he was hospitalised with mumps. He did not leave the hospital alive.
DEATH.
IN THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE.
MUIR — On February 5th, of mumps and measles, whilst on active service, 9/1390, Driver Archibald Muir (A.S.C. 6th Reinforcements), beloved eldest son of Peter and Flora Jane Muir, Hawea Flat in his twenty ninth year.
He has borne his cross he has gained his crown, Though he lies in a far off grave.
And we think of his life a duty done, Manly, unselfish and brave. -Cromwell Argus, 3/3/1919.
22365 Private Henry Egnatius Perkins, (12/7/1886-16/2/1919). ""
Henry Perkins enlisted in May, 1916 and, after reaching France was hospitalised in March 1917 with a bitten toe. In June of that year he was AWOL for two day, for which he was punished with the fortfeiture of three days' pay. It which resulted in him spending time on a VD ward at Codford Hospital in the UK.. He was eventually discharged from hospital in February of 1918. That April he was punished for "wearing badge of rank to which he was not entitled."
FOR KING AND COUNTRY.
DEATH.
PERKINS. — On the 16th February, 1919, at Military Hospital, Ended street, England (of pneumonia), 22365 Henry E. Perkins, dearly beloved son of John and Mary Perkins, 127 Macandrew road, South Dunedin. -Evening Star, 21/2/1919.
39573 Private William Small, (30/1/1896-25/7/1918). "manly, hard-working"
Private William Small, reported killed in action, was well-known in this district. He was in the employ of Mr Thomas Johnston, and later with Mr R. M.. Paterson, of Ayrburn. He was a manly, hard-working young man, and was greatly esteemed by his acquaintances. He was a native of Hawea. -Lake County Press, 15/8/1918.
FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.
DEATH.
SMALL. — On July 25, 1918, killed in action "Somewhere in France," Private William Small (39573, 21st Reinforcements), dearly beloved eldest grandson of the late G. W. and Jane Small (Lower Hawea); aged 22 years and 6 months. He died doing his duty for the Empire. -Otago Daily Times, 21/8/1918.
J Smith, (-). ""
8/1342 Private Robert John Sullivan, (3/7/1891-2/5/1915). "travelled all night"
Private Sullivan
Private Robert John Sullivan is a member of the Second Reinforcement, and is 24 years of age. He was born at Ophir (Central Otago), and was educated there. After leaving school he became a farm labourer, and at the time he enlisted he was working for the Vincent County Council at Hawea, on the county grader. He was a good rifle shot and a member of the country football club. Evidence of his keenness to get to the front is furnished by the fact that he and his mate travelled all night, taking turn about on a bicycle from Hawea to Clyde — a distance of some 40 miles — in order to get to Dunedin in time to catch the train with which the Second Reinforcements left. -North Otago Times, 24/6/1915.
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