2/2682 Gunner William Anderson Milne, (30/5/1892-12/6/1917). "respect and esteem"

 

GUNNER MILNE. 

Widespread regret was expressed in Milton when it became known a few days ago that private advices had been received on the 19th instant that Gunner William Anderson Milne had made the supreme sacrifice for the Empire. The deceased was the eldest son of Mr Robert Milne, of Milton, and grandson of the late Mr William Milne, formerly head master of the Caversham School, and on his mother's side of the late Mr Malcolm Carmichael, of the Taieri. He was born at North-East Harbour on May 30 1892, and attended school there and completed his education at the Tokomairiro District High School. After leaving school he joined the clerical department of the Bruce Woollen Company and at the time of his enlistment was secretary of the company. He enlisted in October, 1915, with the 9th Reinforcements, and left for Egypt in January, 1916. In March, 1916, he went to France, where he remained until the time of his death. Gunner Milne was a young man of sterling qualities, and commanded the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. He has a brother (Lieutenant M C Milne) on active service with the New Zealand Mounted Brigade.  -Otago Daily Times, 29/6/1917.

William Milne was killed during the build-up to the Battle of Messines.  April 12 was the beginning of the artillery preparation for the battle and it is likely he was the victim of German counter-battery fire.

East Taieri Cemetery.