15143 Private John Walter Lyall Coombs, (-9/6/1917). "the world's need"

DEATHS

FOR KING AND COUNTRY

 COOMBS. — On June 9th (died of wounds somewhere in France), John Walter Lyall, dearly beloved son of George and the late Eliza Coombs, 679 Castle street. 

“Greater love bath no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends.”  -Evening Star, 23/6/1917.

PRIVATE JOHN WALTER L. COOMBS 

Another Dunedin lad who has given his all for country is Private John Walter Coombs, only son of George and the late Mrs E. Coombs, No. 679 Castle st, Dunedin. A cablegram received by Mr Coombs last week stated that his son had died of wounds received while in action in France on June 9. The deceased soldier was born in Dunedin, and and was 33 years of age. He was educated at the George Street School, and after leaving school entered his father’s employ as a builder and contractor. He took a very prominent part in all kinds of sport, being a very keen angler and an enthusiastic footballer. He enlisted in Dunedin in the Otago Infantry with the 15th Reinforcements left New Zealand in July 1916 and after remaining with the New Zealand troops at Sling Camp in England for some weeks, went to France. He was subsequently in hospital for some time suffering from trench fever, and later with an injured ankle. Letters' received by his father recently showed that he was in the best of spirits. The deceased was a particularly bright young man, being of a very jovial disposition, and very popular with his mates. He was a good musician, and was a strong supporter of the Salvation Army and and Methodist churches.  -Evening Star, 23/6/1917.

FOR KING AND COUNTRY.

IN MEMORIAM.

COOMBS — In loving memory of Private John Walter Lyall Coombs, 15th Reinforcements, who died of wounds received at Messines, June 9th, 1917. Remembrance. Inserted by his loving father and family.  -Evening Star, 9/6/1922.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE. 

IN UEMOKIAM. 

COOMBS. — In loving memory of our only brother, John Walter Lyall Coombs, 15th Reinforcement, who died of wounds received at Messines, June 9, 1917. 

He laid down his life in a great and noble cause. He died not only for his King and country, but for civilisation and humanity, in the hour of the world’s need. Death is but the passage Home. We will meet again in the morning.   -Otago Daily Times, 9/6/1926.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.