439989 Gunner William Maxwell Allan, (13/5/1922-7/1/1944). "a thoroughly nasty situation"

William Allan was a farmhand when he enlisted in the Army and was drafted to the Artillery.  He died in the winter of 1943/44 while manning a defensive position near the town of Orsagno in Italy.  Conditions were harsh - snow, mud and German fire making things difficult.  The Official History of the 2nd NZ Divisional Artillery mentions the action in which he died:

Meanwhile 31 Battery, under the command of 2 Independent Parachute Brigade since early December, moved with that formation from this mountain area to the right flank of the Division in the sector which included on its left the village of Poggiofiorito and the outskirts of Arielli. B Troop was released on 5 January and moved to Lanciano and J and K Troops of 33 Battery replaced it. The enemy was extremely active on this part of the front and shelled Poggiofiorito mercilessly. On the 7th Gunners Hargreaves and Allan of 31 Battery and Lance-Bombardier Laing of 33 Battery were killed or fatally wounded, and three others including an officer were wounded. Then on the 11th Gunner Toll suffered mortal wounds and another gunner of 33 Battery was also hit. It was a thoroughly nasty situation in which the anti-tankers had no chance of replying to the shells and mortar bombs that came their way, and they were glad to see the last of Poggiofiorito. The 33 Battery gun crews withdrew on the 11th and 12th and those of 31 Battery on the 16th, moving right back to Perano station, south of the Sangro.

For the Empire's Cause. 

ALLAN. — Gunner William Maxwell, died of wounds, Italy, beloved younger son of Georgina. Allan, Mayfield, East Taieri, and the late Lindsay Allan, Hawera; aged 21 years.  -Evening Star, 24/1/1944.

SOCIAL AT EAST TAIERI (excerpt)

A welcome home to three local men recently returned from overseas was given in the East Taieri Hall. Those honoured were Lance-corporal F. R. Reid, Gunner A. S. Massey, and Private J. McCabe. The Taieri Pipe Band was in attendance and rendered various selections at the commencement of the evening. After the singing of the National Anthem, reference was made by the chairman of the death of William Maxwell Allan who died of wounds in Italy. He asked those present to honour the deceased's memory in the customary manner.  -Evening Star, 7/2/1944.

East Taieri Cemetery.