8/2957 Private Roland Gordon (24/2/1889-2/11/1915) and 8/2956 Corporal Ralph Stanley, Culling, MM, (2/2/1891-4/10/1917) Jefferis. "all the days and years before it"

DEATH OF OTIAKE SOLDIER.

(Contributed.) 

It is with deep regret that we have to announce the death of one of our much-esteemed young men in Private Rowland Gordon Jefferis who died at sea on November 2nd, the sad news of which was received by his parents last week. He left New Zealand shores (accompanied by his brother) with the 7th reinforcements, and much sympathy is extended to his brother and his fellow-mates who have to tread the battlefield without their comrade. Gordon was a young man of uprighteousness, and his genial disposition had earned for him the esteem in which he was held by a wide circle of friends. Quite a gloom has been cast over the district, and we all mourn the loss of one of our brave young men. 

"He answered nobly to his Country's call. Gave her his life: his best, his all.''  -Oamaru Mail, 29/11/1915.

Roland and Ralph Jefferis.

OTIAKE NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) The hand of Death has been busy in our midst lately. Just last week Mr Jefferis received word that his son, Private Rowland Gordon Jefferis, died at sea on November 2nd. He was held in very high esteem and the news has cast quite a gloom over the district. Much sympathy is extended to his sorrowing parents, brothers and sisters in their sad loss.  -Oamaru Mail, 30/11/1915.

"The Warrimoo Washout". Troopship magazine of HMNZT 34; contains a obituary notice as follows: 

"Roll of Honor. For King and Country. It is with the sincerest grief we have to announce the death of 8/2957 Pte Gordon Jefferis, 20 Platoon, D Company, 7th Reinforcements, which occurred after a brief illness on the morning of 2nd November. The deceased was extremely popular in his Company and combined the qualities of a good soldier and true comrade so essential to us all at this present time. To his brother, Ralph, who is also on board, and to his parents, we desire to tender our heart felt sympathy in their sad bereavement knowing that this grief is shared by men of all ranks on board Transport 34. The burial took place on the afternoon of the same day, a most impressive service being conducted by Chaplain Captains McLean and Grigg. The body was consigned to the deep with full military honors, the firing party being composed of members of deceased's own section."   -From the "Online Cenotaph."

Private advice has been received by Mr R. Jefferis, Otiake, of how his son, Corporal Ralph Jefferis, won the Military Medal in France (reports the Oamaru Mail). Corporal Jefferis and his mate extracted an 80lb shell from a disabled gun while the fuse was burning. In doing so he was risking his own life, and saved many lives of his comrades. The medal was awarded for coolness and bravery.   -Otago Witness, 23/5/1917.

SOME OF THE FALLEN.

Our Otiake correspondent writes: — Quite a gloom was cast over the little district of Otiake when it was known that Corporal Ralph Jefferis, son of Mr and Mrs Jefferis, had been killed in action on October 4th. Corporal Jefferis was born and educated at Goodwood, and later the family removed to Otiake, where they were engaged in farming. When the war broke out both Ralph and Gordon Jefferis left New Zealand with the 7th Reinforcements, but Gordon died at sea on the voyage over, so the family have suffered heavily in the cause of patriotism. They were both very popular and highly-respected young men. The late Corporal Ralph Jefferis was awarded the Military Medal in April, and his parents and Otiake were justly proud of their gallant soldier. The family are a very patriotic cue in every way. Another son, Corporal Norman Jefferis, is at present in camp at Featherston, and yet another son in Dunedin volunteered but was rejected. Mrs and Miss Jefferis are very able and willing Red Cross workers. The sympathy of the whole community goes out to Mr and Mrs Jefferis in the loss of their noble son.  -Oamaru Mail, 20/10/1917.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE

DEATHS

JEFFERIS. — Killed in action at Passchendaele, October 4, 1917, Corporal Ralph S. C. Jefferis, M.M.; and died at sea, Private R. Gordon Jefferis, November 2, 1915, of Otiake. 

At the setting of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.

JEFFERIS. — In loving memory of Corporal Ralph Jefferis, M.M., who was killed at Passchendaele, October 4, 1917; and his brother, Gordon, who died at sea, November 3, 1915.

No life will ever give what their youth is offering us — that youth which gives in one moment all the days and years before it.  -Otago Daily Times, 4/10/1918.

Kurow Cemetery.