11193 CQMS Robert Arnott, (2/4/1881-12/12/1917). "the emptiness, the woe"

Mr Robert Arnott, who is leaving for Wellington with the next draft of reinforcements, was, on Monday evening, entertained by the firm and employees of Messrs Macfarlane and Peden. In presenting Mr Arnott with ,a money belt containing sovereigns, Mr Peden wished him God-speed and a safe return. He expressed the high opinion they all had of the recipient, and emphasised the fact that he was one of the most popular men they had ever had in their employ. Mr Macfarlane and several of the employees also gave expression to the esteem and admiration in which Mr Arnott is held by his employers and shopmates. Mr Arnott feelingly returned thanks, and said he was only doing what he considered his duty. The evening went merrily with music, song, and story, and a most enjoyable gathering broke up with the singing of " Auld Lang Syne."  -Otago Daily Times, 13/1/1916.

MARRIAGES.

ARNOTT — RIDDELL. — On April 26, at Kent Terrace Church, Wellington, by the Rev. Kennedy Elliott, D.D., Robert Arnott (12th Reinforcements), third son of James Arnott, Glasgow, to Helen Bell, youngest daughter of Walter Riddell, Dunedin.  -Otago Witness, 10/5/1916.

A Quartermaster's job tended to be done behind the front line, but required visits to the troops in their fighting positions.  It was on one of those visits that Robert Arnott was killed, as described in the Official History of the Otago Infantry Regiment:

During the afternoon of the 10th the enemy heavily bombarded parts of the front, and to this outburst our heavy artillery retaliated with counter-battery fire. The weather, previously dull and showery, was now fine and clear. A salvo of 5.9in. shells directed to Wattle Dump during the early morning of the 12th, while rations were being delivered, caused casualties to the number of four killed and eight wounded, including two company quartermaster-sergeants wounded and one killed. 

FOR KING AND COUNTRY. 

DEATHS.

FORBES. — On December 3rd, killed in action somewhere in France, Driver Daniel Forbes (16160), 14tb Reinforcements, A.S.C., beloved husband of Irene Forbes, Ribble street, Oamaru. 

DUNFORD. — Killed while in action, somewhere in France, on December 12th, Private Patrick Dunford, 27th Reinforcements, sixth son of William Dunford, Bayfield, Anderson's Bay. R.I.P. \

ARNOTT. — On December 12, killed while in action somewhere in France, Quarter-master-sergeant Robert Arnott (12th Reinforcements), beloved husband of Helen Riddell Arnott, 205 York place. 

Until the day dawns and the shadows flee away.  -Evening Star, 28/12/1917.

IN MEMORIAM.

ARNOTT. — In loving memory of Q.M. Sergeant Robert Arnott (12th Reinforcements); who was killed by shell-fire while on active service "Somewhere in France." 

I know, I know, 

The ceaseless ache, the emptiness, the woe,

The pang of loss; yet,

He died the noblest death a man can die

Fighting for God, and Right, and Liberty.

— Inserted by his brother, J. B. Arnott, of Alexandra. 

ARNOTT. — In loving memory of Q.M. Sergeant Robert Arnott (12th Reinforcements), killed by shell-fire in Flanders on December 12, 1917,. beloved husband of Helen Riddell Arnott, York place, Dunedin. 

For freedom's cause.   -Otago Witness, 18/12/1918.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.  DCC photo.