Private John Kellett, a main body man, 30 years of age, died in the Dunedin Hospital on Saturday night, and is to be buried at Anderson Bay Cemetery, his funeral starting from 34 Wilkie road, the residence of his friends, for there are none of his relatives in the Dominion. His father and mother live in Leeds, England. He was working as an upholsterer for Scoullar and Chisholm when the Kaiser set the world afire. As soon as England came in John Kellett said “That’s me,” and he volunteered at once and went away with the first of our soldiers. He returned, wounded, in May of this year. As soon as possible he went back to his trade, and made light of his wounds and their effects; but on Thursday he had to go to the Hospital with kidney troubles, the result of his injuries, and he lasted only two days. -Evening Star, 1/10/1917.
MILITARY FUNERAL.
The military funeral of the late Private John Kellett took place yesterday afternoon. The firing party was composed of men from the Central Battery, and a large number of returned soldiers also followed the remains to the Anderson Bay Cemetery, one of the pall bearers, William Kearney, being the deceased's tent mate at Gallipoli. Captain Myers (A.A.G.) directed the arrangements, and Major Fleming was also present. The United Furniture Trades Union was represented by Mr W. J. Ruston (president), Mr J. Haymes (secretary), and a number of other members. Several beautiful wreaths were sent. The Rev. J. L. Mortimer conducted the service at the grave. -Otago Daily Times, 3/10/1917.
John Kellet landed on Gallipoli with the Otago Regiment but was not there for long, being hospitalised on May 2nd with bullet wounds to his right arm and chest. He returned to the Otagos in time to leave for France, where he suffered multiple gunshot wounds. After another time in hospital he embarked for New Zealand in March, 1917, and was discharged due to his wounds in June.
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