In the matter of representation in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, Lowburn families hold a proud record. Some also, are not confined to a single representative. Recently we mentioned the fact that all the sons of Mrs Foster (three) had enlisted. The Semple family, we now learn, enjoys a similar record. William is at present in the Dardanelles, and James is in camp in Trentham, while “Alex,” of. the postal department, has also offered his services but is retained by the authorities in postal work at Trentham. Truly a record to be proud of. -Cromwell Argus, 24/5/1915.
Trooper William Semple (killed in action) was 19 years old. He was rejected in Dunedin on the age limit, but so keen was he to get to the front that he again applied at Timaru, where he was engaged in farming pursuits, was accepted, and joined the Second Reinforcements with the Canterbury Battalion. He is the son of Mr Alex. Semple, shepherd, of Lowborn Ferry. The deceased has a brother, Alick, in the postal service in Trentham camp, who has enlisted. Another brother in Wellington has passed the medical examination preliminary to enlisting. -Otago Witness, 16/6/1915.
Having enlisted at Timaru, William Semple joined the Canterbury Infantry Regiment and was with them on May 8th when they advanced over open ground towards Turkish trenches. The Canterburys' Official History describes the Turkish fire as "murderous."
A note in William's entry in the "Online Cenotaph" says that, on the back of a cigarette packet, Robert Foster wrote to his mother: “W Semple was killed in action on Saturday 8th May from a bullet wound in the neck. He died shortly after being shot”.
William Semple has no known grave.
Cromwell Cemetery.
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