45259 Rifleman Stanley Robert Strong, (25/7/1896-20/5/1918). "his loving parents"

At 3.30 a.m. on May 2nd, after a hurricane bombardment by artillery and trench mortars, about sixty of the enemy attacked this position in four parties. The situation was capitally handled by that Lance-Corporal McMurray who, a month before, had so distinguished himself in single-handed patrol work in the same locality, but who was now a sergeant with a D.C.M., and in charge of the platoon forming the garrison. Possibly he felt more than ordinary interest in the position, seeing that he had been mainly instrumental in its establishment; at any rate he dealt with the attack without calling for artillery support, and succeeded in driving off the raiders after inflicting heavy casualties. The only German, an officer, who entered our trench, was promptly killed. Our listening-post here was driven in, but was immediately re-established. In the repulse of the raiders particularly gallant work was done by Lance-Corporal M. Willets, who was in command of one of the sections. Though severely wounded during the bombardment, he continued the active direction and control of his men, carrying out to the letter the instruction to hold on at all costs. Three days later the enemy made a similar attempt on a neighbouring post, but this also was a complete failure.  -Official History of the NZ Rifle Brigade.

Stanley Strong's Army record shows that he died from "gsw (gunshot wounds) multiple." The German Army may have completely failed in their attack on the "neighbouring post" but not without cost to the Rifles and particularly to Stanley Strong.

Rifleman Stanley Robert Strong (reported died from wounds on May 20) was the eldest son of Mr Robert Strong, 42 Bay View road, Dunedin, and was 21 years of age. He was educated at the Alexandra, Musselburgh, and Otago Boys' High School. He entered the firm of Messrs W. Secular and Co., and was employed by them until he went to Trentham. He entered Trentham in January, 1917, and left New Zealand with the 24th Reinforcements on April 20. He reached France early in October, and saw active service there. His parents received word three months ago that he was transferred to the Signallers, and he remained in that branch of the service till his death.  -Evening Star, 12/6/1918.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.

IN MEMORIAM. 

STRONG. — In loving memory of Rifleman Stanley Robert Strong, who died of wounds in France, May 20, 1918. 

To memory ever dear. 

-Inserted by his loving parents, brothers, and sisters.  -Otago Witness, 25/5/1920.

Alexandra Cemetery.