32726 Private Ernest Albert Rumsey, (1/11/1877-23/6/1917). "well-known and respected"

FALLEN NEW ZEALANDERS. 

PRIVATE ERNEST ALBERT RUMSEY 

A cablegram has been received stating Private Ernest Albert Rumsey was killed on June 19 while in action in France. The deceased soldier was the second son of the late Mr Henry and Mrs Margaret Rumsey, of Dunedin. He was burn at Dunedin, was educated at the Union street school, and served an apprenticeship at the plumbing trade under Messrs J. and P. Christie, George street. He was working at his trade in Dunedin up to the time he enlisted in the Otago Infantry, 19th Reinforcements. He was about 40 years of age, and was well-known and respected in Dunedin and Puketeraki. His sister, Mrs A. Harris, resides at 390 Cumberland street.  -Evening Star, 10/7/1917.

Ernest Rumsey's death occurred during a relatively quiet time for his unit, the 3rd Battalion of the Otago Infantry Regiment.  They were new and sent into the line to relieve a Battalion of the Wellington Regiment.  Nothing specific is reported in the Otagos' Official History for the day he died. It is possible he was the victim of a sniper. His commemorative inscription in Dunedin is barely readable.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.