2/859 Bombardier John Robert Coleman, (16/3/1891-27/10/1944). "yachting and motoring"

GUNNER COLEMAN. 

Gunner John Robert Coleman, Field Artillery (wounded), is the fourth son of Mr Arend Coleman, of Port Chalmers. He was born at Port Chalmers 24 years ago, and served his apprenticeship as an iron moulder at the Maori Iron Works and Messrs A. and T. Burt's, where he was employed at the time of being called to the Heads forts upon the outbreak of war. Gunner Coleman was a member of the Port Chalmers Navals (latterly No. 2 Company, N.Z.G.A., Territorials) for about seven years prior to leaving with the 1st Reinforcements. He was a prominent member of the Port Chalmers First Fifteen, and also took an active interest in yachting and motoring.  -Otago Daily Times, 21/6/1915.

I have not been able to find the details of John Coleman's wound in 1915 but he survived it to return to the NZ Field Artillery.  On October 28, 1918, close to the end of the war, he was wounded again.  This time it was a serious wound to his right leg, requiring amputation.  He spent the rest of his life wearing a prosthetic.  He was eligible for a 32 shillings (presumably per month) disability pension.

His occupation, in a story of his car being hit by another in Sawyers Bay in 1932, was a moulder in a foundry.  Just after his death a Public Trust advertisement described his occupation as "welder."

DEATHS.

COLEMAN. — On October 27, 1944 (suddenly), at Port Chalmers, John Robert, dearly beloved husband of Ivy Rose Coleman, and loved father of Jack and Alex; aged 53 years. Deeply mourned. —The Funeral will leave his late residence, Wickliffe Terrace, Port Chalmers, To-morrow (Sunday), after the service, commencing at 2.30 p.m., for the Port Chalmers Cemetery. 

— H. Aitcheson, funeral director.  -Evening Star, 28/10/1944.

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

THE Officers and Members of the Boiler-makers' Society are requested to attend the Funeral of their late Bro. J. R. Coleman, which will leave his late residence, Wickliffe Terrace, Port Chalmers, SUNDAY, at 2.30 p.m., for the Port Chalmers Cemetery. 

T. G. KELLAN. Sec. 

MEMBERS of the Port Chalmers Branch, Returned Services' Association, are requested to attend the (Funeral of the late No. 2/859 J. R. COLEMAN, to leave his late residence, Wickliffe Terrace, Port Chalmers, on SUNDAY, 29th inst., for the Port Chalmers Cemetery, et 2.30 p.m. 

J. S. THORN, Hon. Sec.

ALL NATIONS' LODGE, No. 20. U.A.O.D. 

THE Officers and Members of the above Lodge are respectfully requested to attend the Funeral of the late Bro. J. R. COLEMAN, which will leave the residence, Wickliffe Terrace, Port Chalmers, TOMORROW (Sunday), et 2.30 p.m. 

By Order of the A. D. C. W. JACOBSON, Secretary.   -Evening Star, 28/10/1944.

Port Chalmers Cemetery.