William Halsey paraded as part of Dunedin's contribution to the 27th Reinforcement of the NZ Expeditionary Force on March 8, 1917. He did not survive the year. After the disastrous defeat at Bellevue Spur on October 12, the Otago Regiment were ordered to attack Polderhoek Chateau on December 3rd. The chateau - once a charming two-storeyed building with a tower - had been transformed by war into a reinforced ruin supported with interlocking fields of fire from concrete machine gun positions.
Before contact with the enemy, men of the Otagos and the Canterbury Regiment were killed by their own artillery. Then the German defenders sent up their distress flare and their guns and machine guns began to fire. The attack ground to a halt, with many dead and wounded.
DEATHS
HALSEY. — On December 3, killed while in action, Private William Jordan (26th Reinforcements), the dearly beloved son of Katie and William Halsey, Fairfield; in his 22nd year.
He did his duty. -Otago Witness, 2/1/1918.
DEATHS
FOR KING AND COUNTRY.
IN MEMORIAM.
HALSEY. — In loving memory of my dear brother, Private William Jordan Halsey (49386), who was killed in action, December 3rd, 1917. His memory liveth for ever.
— Inserted by W.B.H. -Evening Star, 3/12/1921.
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