47525 Private William Hawley, (1/12/1892-6/11/1918). "just on the eve of peace"

ROLL OF HONOUR.

LATE PRIVATE W. HAWLEY. 

With great regret we learn that Mr and Mrs John Hawley of Earnscleugh have received word that their son, Private William Hawley has died of wounds.. Coming just on the eve of peace the news seems doubly sad, for a day or two longer and the fighting would have been over and Bill would have been safe for home. It was not to be, the price of peace had not been fully paid and the name of Private W. Hawley has now to be added to our roll of honour. Private Arthur Hawley is reported wounded, but we hope the parents will soon receive reassuring news of his recovery. The two brothers sailed with the same draft of reinforcements.  -Alexandra Herald and Goldfields Gazette, 27/11/1918.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE. 

IN MEMORIAM. 

HAWLEY — In fond and loving memory of our dear son and brother, Private William Hawley, 47525, who died from wounds in the 19th C.C.S.; November 6, 1918. 

Just on the eve of peace Our dear Bill was called away; 

He wished to, return again, But it was not to be. 

God has postponed our meeting, 'Twill be in a better land; 

Sadly we miss, him, yet what a Glorious death to die. 

For King and Country. 

— Inserted by his parents, sisters, and brothers. 

HAWLEY. — In sad and loving memory of 47525 — Private William Hawley, who died from wounds in France on November 6, 1918. 

Dearly loved, sadly missed. 

— Inserted by his loving sister and brother-jn-law, E. and J. Mochan.  -Otago Daily Times, 6/11/1919.

William Hawley was wounded during the liberation of Le Quesnoy, France, on November 5th, suffering multiple gunshot wounds - possible from a machine gun - in his back, chest and abdomen. He died the next day at a Casualty Clearing Station and was buried at Caudry British Cemetery, France.

Alexandra Cemetery.