Matthew Ronning's occupation when he enlisted is recorded as "Mariner." He was born at Trondheim, Norway and became a naturalised New Zealander in 1890. He was married but possibly separated from his wife - in 1910 he placed an advertisement stating he would no longer be responsible for his wife's debts. He joined the army in late 1915 "only if proper artificial teeth are provided." His stated next of kin was not his wife but a niece in Chicago and, mysteriously, his will bequeathed all of his possessions to one Kathleen Mary Myles of The Levels, Timaru.
His death took place during a futile effort on the part of the Otago Infantry's 1st Battalion to attack a strongly defended German position during the Battle of the Somme.
The 1st Battalion's attack against the Gird system of trenches and along Goose Alley on September 27th unquestionably represented the Regiment's most bitter and costly experience on the Somme. When the Battalion marched out of the line on the night of the 28th it was reduced to a strength of 113, which was considerably below that of a company. The fire encountered by the leading companies almost immediately after crossing the line of the Factory Corner-Eaucourt L'Abbaye Road was of a nature such as only those who had gallantly, though vainly, endeavoured to struggle through it could realise; and the line which the attack reached was only gained because of the extraordinary spirit of self-sacrifice of officers and men in face of overwhelming odds; Gird Trench, and Gird Support in particular having been densely packed with an enemy liberally supplied with machine guns. -Official History of the Otago Regiment.
Matthew's memorial plaque (AKA the "Death Penny") was received by his wife, Mona.
St Johns Anglican Cemetery, Waikouaiti.
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