71106 Rifleman John Samson Fleming, (3/11/1894-4/11/1918). "the son we loved so dear"

 

Mr John Fleming, of Braeview crescent, Maori Hill, has been advised that his eldest son, Private J. S. Fleming (37th Reinforcements), was killed in action in France in November. Private Fleming was born in Dunedin 23 years ago, and at the time of his enlistment was occupied as an orchardist. He was a member of the Dunedin Salvation Army Silver Band, and was well liked by all. His brother Aubrey is at present in London with the 12th Reinforcements.  -Otago Daily Times, 8/1/1919.

John Fleming died during the liberation of Le Quesnoy near the end of the Great War. The action was notable for the light casualties on both sides and the jubilant reception as the people of the town welcomed the New Zealand soldiers.  The following, from the Official History of the NZ Rifle Brigade, describes the New Zealanders' reception.  It was a welcome that, sadly, John Fleming did not experience.

The systematic mopping-up of the town now claimed attention, and in this we were both aided and hindered by the civilian population. They gladly pointed out the known hiding-places, but, unable to restrain their expressions of joy at deliverance, they repeatedly broke into the ranks, thrust flowers and cakes and flags upon our men, and freely embraced them in the manner peculiar and common to the French, but most embarrassing to the stolid New Zealanders. Even these difficulties were finally overcome, however, and the place, now gay with innumerable tricolour flags, which fluttered from every window, was cleared up by nightfall. The German commander with 100 men surrendered with full ceremony to one of the 4th Battalion officers. Others were added to these from time to time, till eventually the number of prisoners assembled in the square reached the total of 711. Parties of Germans were organized into bucket brigades to extinguish the many incendiary fires they had started, and into squads for the removal of mines and booby-traps; and when these duties had been satisfactorily completed the prisoners were drafted off in batches to the Divisional cage, where they joined the 532 that had been captured by the Brigade at the first objective. Five 77-mm. guns, twelve minenwerfer, eighty machine-guns, two anti-tank rifles, a travelling-kitchen and a number of horses were taken, together with a whole limber-load of optical instruments, mainly telescopic periscopes, to say nothing of an unusual number of field-glasses and revolvers unofficially collected by the men as souvenirs. Amongst the 77-mm. guns was one captured while still engaged in firing into the lines of the New Zealanders to the east of the town. Curiously enough, this eventually found its way to Dunedin, where it was identified by Lieut. H. S. Kenrick, whose men had captured it.

The faithful cooks of the 4th Battalion were not long in following their victorious comrades into Le Quesnoy; for when word was got back that the place had been taken they immediately set off with their travelling-kitchens, which, after the manner of a triumphal procession, presently passed through the streets with full steam up, and a hot meal was ready before the rounding-up of the garrison had been fully completed. That night discipline was relaxed to the extent of permitting the men to find billets where they chose, and the grateful citizens saw to it that these were the best the town had to offer.

The day's operations cost the Brigade 6 officers and 37 men killed, and 13 officers and 238 men wounded.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE

IN MEMORIAM

FLEMING — In loving memory of Rifleman J. S. Fleming (27th Reinforcements), who was killed at Passchendaele, November 4, 1918, dearly beloved son of Mr and Mrs John Fleming, Maori Hill.

One year has gone since that sad day, When our dear son was called away; 

We loved him then, we love him still; Forget him? No, we never will.

Could we, his parents, have clasped his hand, The son we loved so dear; 

To have kissed his brow when death was nigh, And whispered: "Darling John, farewell." 

— Inserted by his sorrowing parents.

FLEMING. — In loving memory of Private John Fleming, who was killed in action "Somewhere in France," November 4, 1918. 

We look on your picture that hangs in the bandroom. Your smile and your welcome we often recall; 

We miss you and mourn you in silence unseen, And live in the assurance we will meet you again. 

— Inserted by Bandmaster Millard and bandsmen of the Dunedin City Salvation Army Band. 

FLEMING. — In loving memory of Private John Fleming, who was killed in action "Somewhere in France," November 4, 1918.

Just a "Salvation Army laddie" gone home. 

— Inserted by Captain and Mrs McKenzie, Salvation Army, Dunedin City.  -Otago Daily Times, 4/11/1919.