Mr Rhyl Fleming had an unpleasant experience on Wednesday. While crossing from Clent's Island, opposite Mr O'Hara's, Finegand, his horse got out of its depth, and becoming frightened unseated the rider. Mr Fleming, although handicapped with all his wearing apparel, as well as riding leggings, had no difficulty in swimming on to dry land, but when there he noticed that his horse had taken to the opposite bank, so he again entered the water and swam across the branch, it was fortunate for him that he was a good swimmer, otherwise, handicapped as he was, there was a risk of drowning, as the water was very deep at the place where the adventure happened. -Clutha Leader, 5/3/1915.
SEND-OFF TO SOLDIERS.
Another send-off was given to departing soldiers in St. Mark's Hall on Thursday evening. As on former occasions, the farewell took the form of a social and dance, and was fairly well attended. Mr E. J. Boyd, as chairman of the Balclutha Patriotic Association, presided, and on behalf of the association and the people of the Clutha in general wished the boys Godspeed and a safe return. Chairs were placed for the departing guests on the platform, and those who came forward were Messrs Rhyl Fleming, A. and D. Jones, D. Kennedy and E. B. Boyd. A very enjoyable musical programme was then gone through, songs being contributed by Mesdames Turner and Carroll, Miss Reid and Messrs Rhyl Fleming, D. Kennedy, F. Williams, Ken. Wright and A. S, Bell, while the accompaniments were well played by Mrs Bowcott, Miss Graves and Miss D. Allen, who also gave a recitation. During the evening the chairman made reference to Mr P. A. Watt's patriotism in offering his services for the Empire, in that, notwithstanding his former rank of lieutenant in the old Clutha Mounted Rifles, he was prepared to serve in the ranks as a private. Mr Boyd spoke of Mr Watt's splendid work in connection with the Queen Carnival and, previous to its existence, the good work he had done for the Patriotic Association — in fact, in all matters patriotic since the beginning of the war they had found a willing helper in Mr Watt. At the close of the entertainment refreshments were handed round. The floor was then cleared for dancing, which was kept up till after midnight, excellent music being supplied by Miss McDonald (Te Houka) and Mr S. McKay, while Mr Rhyl Fleming was M.C. -Bruce Herald, 19/8/1915.
Corporal Rhyl Fleming, aged 28, has been killed in action. For some time before his enlistment he acted as Clutha buyer for Mr Peter Cameron, the wellknown meat exporter of Dunedin. Previous to that he was engaged in farming at Romahapa and Catlins. He was the youngest son of the late Mr James Fleming (formerly clerk of court at Lyttelton and Cromwell), and his mother is at present residing in Dunedin, while his brother (Mr Mostyn Fleming, town clerk of Alexandra) is now in Trentham Camp. Rhyl Fleming enlisted in the mounted section of the 9th as a private, and in Egypt was transferred to the infantry, with the rank of corporal. He was a good athlete, and had distinguished himself at running, cycling, and football. He was an excellent horseman. Just recently a letter was received from him dated from France. September 29, stating that, he had been all through the Somme battle untouched. -Evening Star, 1/12/1916.
On November 15, 1916, the trenches of the Otago Regiment were subjected to a thorough assault, as described in their Official History: "On the 14th portion of the front line trench system was badly damaged by minenwerfer fire; and on the following day at 5.20 p.m. the enemy commenced an intense bombardment of our front line, extending from Hobb's Farm to the River Lys. Minenwerfers were again largely employed by the enemy, resulting in serious breaching of the parapet. The bombardment was maintained for half an hour, and on ceasing the enemy, to the number of about 30, penetrated our line and worked along in the direction of 14th Company Headquarters and the entrance to our underground workings, where they appeared in some numbers. Five minutes afterwards they returned to their trenches on a given signal, leaving behind two demolition charges. Very considerable damage was occasioned to our trenches, which was increased by a second bombardment commencing at 6.5 p.m. and lasting until 6.20 p.m. Several huge craters were left in our lines and Irish Avenue was badly blown in. Our casualties, due mainly to the severity of the bombardment, were unfortunately heavy, amounting to nine other ranks killed, one officer and 25 other ranks wounded, and two other ranks missing."
For the Empire's Cause
FLEMING. — In memory of Sergeant Mostyn Aldborough Fleming, killed in action in France, October 12, 1917, third son of Elizabeth and the late James Fleming, Romahapa; also of Rhyl Vaughan Fleming, killed in action at Armentieres, November 15, 1916, youngest son of Elizabeth and the late James Fleming, of Lansdowne, Romahapa. -Otago Daily Times, 11/10/1919.
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