240350 Gunner Stanley James Wendelborn, (1922-30/4/1945). "one of the best"

Stanley Wendelborn's death remains a mystery.  The Official History of the 2nd NZ Divisional Artillery, in what amounts to a footnote to a footnote, merely says that he "disappeared in the course of the advance and was presumed dead."  It must have been an agonising wait for his family in Ashburton, only partially relieved by the Army's "best guess" that he must have fallen in a river and drowned - his body swept away and never found.

ROLL OF HONOUR 

IN MEMORIAM.

WENDELBORN — In loving memory of my dear son, Gunner Stanley James Wendelborn, 2nd N.Z.E.F., No, 240350, missing, now reported drowned in the river Piave, Italy, April 30, 1945; aged 23 years. 

Duty called him and he was there, To do his work and take his share, 

His heart was good his spirit brave, His resting place a hero’s grave. 

— Inserted by his loving father and brother, Allan. 

WENDELBORN — In loving memory of Stanley James, No. 240350, 2nd N.Z.E.F., drowned in Piave River, Italy, April 30, 1945; aged 23 years. 

He was one of the best, And he answered the call, 

To him life was sweet, Yet he died for us all. 

— Inserted by his loving brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Lorraine, and Barry. 

WENDELBORN — In proud and loving memory of Gnr. Stanley James Wendelborn, reported missing, now believed drowned in the Piave River, Italy, April 30, 1945; aged 23. 

To-day I am thinking of someone, Who was willing, brave, and true; 

His smile was as dear as the sunshine, Dearest Stan, that someone is you.

— Inserted by his loving sister Rita, brother-in-law, Bert, niece, Valda, and nephew, Clive.

WENDELBORN — In loving memory of my dear brother, Gunner Stanley James Wendelborn, 2nd N.Z.E.F., No. 240350, missing, now reported drowned in the river Piave, Italy, April 30, 1945; aged 23 years. The midnight stars are shining

On the river so far away, Where our dearest brother was drowned, Just one year ago to-day.

— Inserted by his loving sister Ruby, brother-in-law Wal., his niece Rita and nephew Walter.

WENDELBORN — In loving memory of my dear brother, Gunner Stanley James Wendelborn, 2nd N.Z.E.F., No. 240350, missing, now reported drowned in the river Piave, Italy, April 30, 1945; aged 23 years. 

He did not go to seek fame and glory 

But gave his life for his country and those he loved. 

— Inserted by his loving brother Leslie, sister-in-law May, and family.  -Ashburton Guardian, 30/4/1946.

Ashburton Cemetery.