426087 Flight-Sergeant Albert Henry Lister, (6/8/1920-18/3/1944). "one we loved so dear"

Albert Lister enlisted in the RNZAF on May 30, 1942, and was trained in New Zealand and Canada as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. He then went to Britain and joined a Wellington bomber crew for operational training. In February, 1944, he converted to the Stirling heavy bomber. On March 18 he and his crew took off on a training flight and the aeroplane crashed.

ENGAGEMENTS 

The engagement is announced of Betty, only daughter of Mr and Mrs C. B. Hardingham, Gloucester Flats, Timaru, and Sgt. Albert Henry, eldest son of Mrs M. Lister and the late Mr H. W. Lister, Park Lane, Timaru. Sergeant Lister is at present serving with the R.N.Z.A.F. in England.   -Timaru Herald, 4/11/1943.

ROLL OF HONOUR

Flight Sergeant A. H. Lister 

Flight Sergeant Albert Henry Lister, killed on duty in England, was the elder son of Mrs M. Lister and the late Mr H. W. Lister, Park Lane, Timaru. Flight Sergeant Lister was born in Timaru in 1920 and was educated at the Timaru Boys’ High School. Before joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force, he was a member of the staff of J. and A. P. Scott Ltd., engineers, Dunedin, for four and a half years. After six months’ training in New Zealand he left for Canada where he gained his wings, after which he left for England. While in England he became engaged to Miss Betty Hardingham, of Timaru. His younger brother, Walter Arthur Lister, is at present serving in the R.N.Z.A.F. in New Zealand.  -Timaru Herald, 1/4/1944.

THANKS NOTICE 

Mrs M. Lister and family and Miss B. Hardingham wish to thank all kind friends for letters and telegrams of sympathy in their recent bereavement.  -Timaru Herald, 24/4/1944.

ROLL OF HONOUR 

IN MEMORIAM

LISTER — In loving memory of Albert Henry (Bert) Lister, who was killed on active service in England on March 18. 1944. 

Sweetest memories linger with us. 

— Inserted by his mother, sisters and brothers. 

LISTER — In memory of a loving brother, Flight Sergeant Bert Lister, killed on active service, March 18, 1944. 

Always a beautiful memory of one we loved so dear. 

— Inserted by his sister, Hilda, brother-in-law, Jack, and the three boys.   -Timaru Herald, 17/8/1945.

Timaru Cemetery.

Captain Herbert Clarkson White, (1889-2/6/1942). "carrying out his duties"

SUDDEN DEATH

Timaru Harbourmaster

Collapse When Piloting Vessel 

Captain H. C White, Harbourmaster at Timaru, collapsed and died while bringing a ship into the harbour shortly before 6 p.m. yesterday. He was 53 years of age.

While proceeding to the ship in the pilot launch about 3.30 p.m. Captain White complained of feeling unwell, but on reaching the ship said he felt better. He was about to take over the control of the ship when he collapsed. A fishing launch in the vicinity was signalled and sent into port for a doctor and second pilot. The launch arrived back with a doctor, but Captain White failed to gain consciousness and died on board.

Captain White entered the employment of the Timaru Harbour Board in 1928 as assistant Harbourmaster to Captain D. McDougall. At the end of September, 1933, when Captain McDougall retired after 15 years’ service, he was appointed Acting-Harbourmaster, and his appointment as Harbourmaster was confirmed six months later.

Seafaring Family Born in Lyttelton, Captain White came of a seafaring family and was a nephew of Captain T. N. Clarkson, who was harbourmaster at Timaru for about 20 years in the early days of the harbour. He served his deep sea apprenticeship in the barque Manurewa, which was engaged in the coal trade between Newcastle and Timaru. He later served many years with the Union Steam Ship Co. of New Zealand, gaining considerable experience in intercolonial vessels and in vessels trading with America. He was chief officer of a number of Union Company ships, including the Wanaka and Taramea, and also became master of the Wanaka.

Captain White was a capable and reliable officer of the Timaru Harbour Board and took a keen interest in the efficient working of the harbour and in the question of harbour improvement. He was, in fact, the instigator of the present scheme. During 1935 he brought forward a scheme of improvement which the Board considered and decided to refer to engineers. Eventually Mr A. R. Charman, engineer to the Board, framed a plan modelled on the suggestions of Captain White. He was also instrumental in introducing a new system of mooring ships by making use of wire and manila ropes instead of heavy chains. The innovation proved highly satisfactory, affording greater security to ships and facilitating speedier handling. Captain White is survived by his wife and young son.  -Timaru Herald, 3/6/1942.

TRIBUTE PAID

Late Captain H. C. White 

Lloyd’s Express Sympathy 

A tribute to the splendid services rendered by the late harbourmaster, Captain H. C. White, was paid by the Timaru Harbour Board at the monthly meeting yesterday. The chairman, Mr F. R. Flatman, said that what amounted to a tragedy to the Board had occurred during the month by the death of the harbourmaster, Captain White, who suddenly expired when carrying out his duties. He had been in the Board’s employ for many years and had given valued service in the interests of the port. The following motion, proposed by the chairman, was carried in silence: — 

"That the Board express sincere regret at the sudden death of Captain H. C. White, who died on board ship while carrying out his duties as harbourmaster, and extends to his wife and family its deep sympathy in their bereavement.” 

Mr A. J. McCowan, Principal Surveyor, Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, Sydney, wrote expressing regret at the sudden death of Captain White, who represented the writer’s Society at Timaru. He had advised his London office by cable and had received a reply asking him to convey to the relatives of Captain White an expression of sympathy and condolence from the Committee of Lloyd’s Register. 

The Board approved a recommendation by the Finance Committee that the superannuation due and a month’s holiday pay be made to the estate of the late harbourmaster. Preliminary details in regard to the appointment of a successor to Captain White were referred to a sub-committee comprising the chairman and Messrs W. H. Hall, R. S. Goodman and H. J. R. Somerville.  -Timaru Herald, 27/6/1942.

Timaru Cemetery.

404611 Pilot Officer John Henry Low DFC, (6/4/1918-24/3/1944). "my dear husband"

AWARD OF D.F.C.

TWO AIRMEN HONOURED 

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, May 19. 

The Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to acting-Flight Lieutenant James Stewart Frame, of Wellington, and Pilot Officer John Henry Low, of Timaru. The citation states that Flight Lieutenant Frame has completed 52 sorties, including successful shipping reconnaissances. Last October, he enabled his formation to make a successful attack on an enemy convoy, and in February this year he located four separate convoys, which he shadowed, in spite of fierce opposition, until attacking aircraft arrived. Last month, in the Trapani-Palermo area, he located a convoy of four merchant ships, with an escort of six destroyers and five other vessels, and shadowed it until it was successfully attacked. Flight lieutenant Frame has shown great skill and courage, and has performed valuable service. He was born at Mosgiel in 1916 and was educated at the Hutt Valley High School and Technical College. He went overseas in 1941. His wife is Mrs A. F. Frame, of Wanganui. 

The citation states that Pilot Officer Low has taken part in many sorties, some of them from Malta, as wireless operator and air gunner. He was in a formation which attacked a convoy located by Flight Lieutenant Frame. Three Italians fighters attacked his aircraft, but he foiled the attackers with skilful fire and enabled his pilot to make a successful attack on one of the merchant vessels. Twice previously his good work was a big factor in air successes against convoys, and his courage and devotion to duty have been an inspiring example. Pilot Officer Low was born at Bluff In 1918 and was educated at Greenhills. He was commissioned last January.  -Press, 20/5/1943.

John Low served with N. 39 Squadron RAF, which flew Bristol Beaufighters on anti-shipping and mine laying operations out of Malta.

ON FURLOUGH FROM MALTA

Pilot Officer J. H. Low

After completing more than two years’ service overseas in Canada, England and Malta, Pilot Officer J. H. Low, D.F.C., arrived in Invercargill last night. He is at present on one month’s furlough from Malta and will remain in Invercargill for a week before returning to Timaru. Last night he was met at the station by the Mayor, Mr A. Wachner, who said that he was glad to welcome Pilot Officer Low back after such a long period of absence. 

Before going overseas Pilot Officer Low was employed on the New Zealand Railways, and at the time of his enlistment he was stationed at Ranfurly. He first proceeded to Canada, where he gained his wings, and then he went to England. Before returning to New Zealand on furlough he was serving at Malta. In May he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Pilot Officer Low is a son of the late Mr and Mrs A. E. Low, of Green Point, Ocean Beach. He was born at Bluff in 1918 and educated at Greenhills. He was commissioned last January.  -Southland Times, 21/8/1943.

GREENHILLS 

A COMPLIMENTARY DANCE in honour of Pilot Officer J. Low, D.F.C., Corporal Ed. Calder and Private Albert Wyatt, will be held on FRIDAY EVENING, 27th August. Ladies 1/6, Gents 2/6.  -Southland Times, 25/8/1943.

MARRIAGE

LOW — McCULLOUGH — On October 30. at Timaru. Florence Edith, youngest daughter of the late Mr and Mrs A. McCullough, of Timaru, to Flying Officer John Henry Low, D.F.C., son of the late Mr and Mrs A. E. Low, Ocean Beach. Southland.  -Timaru Herald, 30/11/1943.

AIRMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED

Word has been received that Flying Officer John Henry Low, D.F.C., of Ocean Beach, was involved in a motorcycle accident near Palmerston North. His condition is reported to be critical.  -Southland Times, 24/3/1944.

DEATHS

LOW — On March 24, 1944. at Palmerston North, Flying Officer John Henry Low, D.S.C., loved husband of Florence Edith Low (nee McCullough) of Timaru, aged 25 years. (Result of an accident.)  -Timaru Herald, 27/3/1944.

FUNERALS

LOW — The friends of the late Flying Officer John Henry Low, D.F.C., are advised that his Funeral will leave the residence of Mr J. Mathieson, 138 North Street. Timaru, To-morrow (Tuesday, March 28) at 2 p.m. for the Timaru Cemetery. (Hall and Moore.)  -Timaru Herald, 27/3/1944.

IMPRESSIVE WAR RECORD

Late Flying Officer J. H. Low, D.F.C. 

Flying Officer J. H. Low, D.F.C., who died on Friday as the result of a motorcycle accident near Bulls, was accorded an impressive funeral yesterday. Representatives of the R.N.Z.A.F. were present at the graveside at the Timaru Cemetery, where the service was conducted by the Rev. O. Burnet. There were many floral tributes from a wide circle of friends. The bearers were Messrs Alfred Low, Allan Low, E. Low. H. Low, H. Hawke and L.A.C. A. McIlroy. 

Flying Officer Low, who was 25, was born near Bluff and educated at the Greenhill School. He entered the employment of the Railways Department at Invercargill, later being transferred to Central Otago before coming to Timaru about 1938. While in Timaru he was a member of the Rowing Club. On the outbreak of war Flying Officer Low joined the R.N.Z.A.F. and finished his training as a gunner in Canada. Later he went to England on a tour of operation before being transferred to the Middle East. During his period of service in Malta, where he was commissioned, he was awarded the D.F.C. for fighting off severe cross-fire by machine-guns from the ground when his machine was making a low-level attack on an important target in a narrow bay. 

Flying Officer Low returned to New Zealand about nine months ago and married Miss Florence McCulloch, of Timaru, in October last. He was the son of the late Mr and Mrs A. E. Low, Ocean Beach, Bluff.  -Timaru Herald, 29/3/1944.

 An inquest was also held into the death of Flying-Officer John Henry Low, aged 25, a resident of Invercargill. Evidence was given that deceased left Marton to proceed to Ohakea on a motor-cycle on March 23. On the Greatford Road, near Bulls, he fell from the machine and received severe head injuries from which he died in the Palmerston North Hospital the next day. After hearing the evidence, the Coroner returned a verdict that deceased died from the results of a fractured skull, accidentally sustained. Sergeant C. McRae conducted the proceedings on behalf of the police.  -Manawatu Standard, 18/5/1944.

IN MEMORIAM

LOW — In fond and loving memory of my dear husband, Flying Officer John Henry Low, who passed away on March 24, 1944. 

Ever Remembered. 

— Inserted by his loving wife.

LOW — In loving memory of our dear brother. Flying Officer John Henry Low, who passed away on March 24, 1944, as the result of an accident. 

Not just to-day, but every day, In silence we remember. 

— Inserted by his loving brothers and sisters.

LOW — In loving memory of Flying Officer John Henry Low, D.F.C., R.N.Z.A.F., died at Palmerston North, March 24, 1944. 

Ever Remembered. 

— Inserted by Mr and Mrs Mathieson, Ruby and Phyllis.  -Timaru Herald, 24/3/1945.

Timaru Cemetery.

4122666 Flying Officer Frank Waymouth, (18/6/1909-25/8/1943). "during flying training"

Frank Waymouth gained his civilian flying license before the Second World war and was transferred from the Army to the Air Force in 1941.  He trained as a wartime pilot and, perhaps due to a relatively advanced age, was given the role of flight instructor at Momona near Dunedin. He was instructing in a De Havilland Tiger Moth when it collided with another Moth in August, 1943.

FOUR KILLED.

TWO PLANES IN COLLISION. 

DURING FLYING TRAINING. 

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. 

Four members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force lost their lives at a South Island station this morning when two aircraft collided during flying training. The men were: 

Flying Officer Robert Dallas. 

Joseph Campbell, whose wife is Mrs M. A. Campbell, of Mosgiel. 

Leading Aircraftman Lewis Howard Ireland, whose mother is Mrs B. Ireland, of Auckland. 

Flying Officer Frank Waymouth, whose wife is Mrs M. Waymouth, of Wingatui  -Ashburton Guardian, 26/8/1943.

DEATHS

WAYMOUTH — On August 25, 1943, Flying Officer Frank Waymouth, R.N.Z.A.F., beloved husband of Marjorie Waymouth, late of Timaru. aged 34 years. (Result of aircraft accident). The funeral will leave our Chapel, To-day, at 2.30 p.m. for the Timaru Cemetery. (Sewell Bros.)  -Timaru Herald, 27/8/1943.

FOUR AIRMEN KILLED

TRAINING PLANES 

COLLIDE EVIDENCE AT INQUEST 

An inquest into the deaths of two instructors and two air trainees who were killed on August 25, when two training aeroplanes from a South Island air station collided in the air, was held before Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., this morning. The victims of the accident were Flying-officer Robert Dallas Campbell, an instructor, aged 27, and Frank Waymoutb, an instructor, aged 33, and two trainees, Leslie Howard Ireland, aged 21, and Benjamin Eric Hall, aged 20. The Coroner returned a verdict that each of the four had died from a fractured skull after a collision of two aeroplanes. Sergeant J. H. Croxford conducted the proceedings for the police. 

Flying-officer James Raymond Norris, medical officer at a South Island air station, said he had been called to the scene of the accident, and had examined the bodies of the four airmen. Death in each case had been instantaneous and had been due to a fracture of the skull. 

Aircraftman George Robert McDonald said he was a member of the fire crew stationed near the scene of the accident. He heard a crash and saw portion of an aeroplane falling to the ground. He arrived with the crash truck, and found two completely wrecked aeroplanes on the ground, about 150yds apart. Flying conditions at the time were good, visibility being several miles. He did not know what flying exercises were being carried out when the plane collided. 

William Robertson, a veterinary surgeon, said he was working on a farm near where the accident occurred. He heard a crash, and on looking up saw that two aeroplanes had collided, apparently head on. They appeared momentarily to be stationary, and then fell to the ground. He assisted in the removal of the bodies. He estimated that at the time of the crash the machines were not less than 300ft high. 

Flying-officer Cedric Owen Marshall, an instructor at an Air Force station, said that on the morning of the accident he authorised flying to start at 10.30 o'clock. He did not see the aeroplanes piloted by Campbell and Waymouth take off, but he flew a machine to a place near where the accident occurred, and could say that conditions there were suitable for flying, and could not have caused the accident. He could not say what flying exercises were being carried out at the time of the accident, that being left to the discretion of the individual instructors. 

The Coroner said a court of inquiry into the accident had already been held, and he had received a confidential report from it. He returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.  -Evening Star, 4/10/1943.

Timaru Cemetery.

237666 Private Frederick David (Eric) Caird, (9/7/1917-26/12/1944). "a tender chord of memory"

ARMED FORCES

Sitting Of Appeal Board

Big List In Timaru (excerpt)

The Armed Forces Appeal Board continued its sitting in Timaru yesterday, when a large number of cases was dealt with. The Board comprises Messrs F. F. Reid, S.M. (chairman), A. H. McKane and G. M. Hall.

J. Caird was the appellant in respect, of Frederick David Caird on the grounds of public interest and undue hardship. On the second ground the appeal was dismissed and on the first ground was adjourned sine die, reservist to be transferred to the territorial forces.   -Timaru Herald, 9/9/1941.

ARMED FORCES BOARD

Farmers’ Appeals Heard 

Majority Adjourned Sine Die (excerpt)

Other Appeals The appeal of Frederick David Caird. farm labourer, Southburn (J. Caird), was dismissed conditional on appellant not being called up before October 1. The appeal of Henry Rout was dismissed for want of prosecution. -Timaru Herald, 27/3/1943.

ROLL OF HONOUR

Private F. D. Caird

Private Frederick David (Eric) Caird, who died of wounds in Italy on December 26, 1944, was the youngest son of Mr John Caird and the late Mil Annie Caird, of Southburn. Born in Timaru on July 9, 1917, Private Caird attended the Southburn School, and then worked on his father’s farm until joining the Army in 1943.  -Timaru Herald, 25/1/1944.

ROLL OF HONOUR

IN MEMORIAM

CAIRD — In loving memory of F. D. (Eric) Caird, died of wounds in Italy on December 26, 1944. 

— Inserted by his family.

CAIRD — In loving memory of our dear brother, Eric, died of wounds, December 26, 1944. 

A tender chord of memory 

Is sadly touched to-day. 

— Inserted by Ken and Carene.

CAIRD — In loving memory of Frederick David, died of wounds, December 26, 1944. 

He gave his life for his country. 

— Inserted by Auntie Maggie and Uncle Jim, Duntroon.

CAIRD — In loving memory of Frederick David (Eric), died of wounds, December 26. 1944. Ever Remembered. 

— Inserted by the Honeywell family.  -Timaru Herald, 26/1/1945.

The Official History of Frederick Caird's Battalion, the 26th, does not name him in their record of the day he died.  The nearest enemy action to his death was some shelling of their positons by German long range artillery on Christmas Eve, which killed one man and wounded two.

Timaru Cemetery.

James Arneil Stirling, (1928-14/2/1950). "on the Taiko zig-zag"

MOTOR-CYCLIST KILLED

HEAD-ON COLLISION IN HILL CLIMB 

ANOTHER RIDER INJURED 

(P.A.) TIMARU, Feb. 12. 

A motor-cyclist was killed and another suffered extensive injuries, in a head-on collision during the South Canterbury Motor-cycle Club’s hillclimbing championships on the Taiko zig-zag near Timaru soon after 4 p.m. on Saturday. 

Killed 

Frederick Elliott Lavers, single, aged 25, a farmer, of Waimate. 

Injured 

James Arneil Stirling, single, aged 22, a plumber, of Timaru. 

Stirling suffered a fractured jaw, a fractured collar-bone, a fractured knee and cuts, to the face and concussion. He was admitted to the Timaru Public Hospital at 5.30 p.m. on Saturday. His condition this evening was reported satisfactory. 

Lavers suffered severe injuries and died a few minutes after the accident. 

The collision occurred near a bend in the road on the hill-climbing course which is about seven-tenths of a mile. It is understood that when the accident occurred Lavers was coasting down the hill after a time trial, and Stirling was making a timed run up the hill under full power. It is understood that both the officials at the start and the finish of the course were in communication, and it was supposed that all competitors had returned to the starting point and that the course had been clear for a number of minutes before Stirling began his run. 

An inquest into the death of Lavers was opened before the Coroner (Mr M. M. Enting) and adjourned after the evidence of identification had been given.  -Ashburton Guardian, 13/2/1950.

MOTOR-CYCLIST DIES FROM INJURIES

COLLISION IN HILL-CLIMBING CONTEST 

(P.A.) TIMARU, Feb. 14. 

James Arneil Stirling, single, aged 22, a plumber, of Timaru, who was involved in a head-on collision with another motor-cyclist during the South Canterbury Motor-cycle Clubs hillclimbing championships at Timaru last, Saturday, died in the Timaru Hospital this morning. 

The other rider, Frederick Elliott Lavers, was killed almost instantaneously. 

Stirling was admitted to the Timaru Hospital at 5.30 p.m. on Saturday with a fractured jaw, a fractured collarbone, and a fractured knee, cuts to the face, and concussion.  -Ashburton Guardian, 15/2/1950.

MOTOR-CYCLISTS’ DEATHS

HEAD-ON COLLISION IN HILL CLIMB 

CORONER’S COMMENTS 

From Our Own Reporter TIMARU, March 27. 

"This unfortunate accident apparently took place as a result of an official or officials failing in their duty to see that the road was clear when a rider was making a run,” said Sergeant C. J. R. Bisset, representing the police, at an inquest into the death of two motor-cyclists, Frederick Elliott Lavers, aged 22, of Waimate, and James Arneil Sterling, aged 25, of Timaru, at Timaru on February 11, before the Coroner (Mr M. M. Enting), at Timaru this morning.

The two motor-cyclists met in a head-on collision during the South Canterbury Motor-cycle Club hill climbing trials at the Taiko zig-zag, near Timaru, on February 11, 1950. 

“I strongly urge the officials concerned to institute such further controls as may be necessary to render impossible a similar occurence,” said the Coroner. 

Robert Alexander Davie described the collision in which Lavers was thrown high in the air and landed on his head on the road. Lavers was coasting down the hill with his engine running. He was not wearing a crash helmet. Stirling was coming up the hill under full power. 

The official in charge of the trials, James Frederick Oed, said that after a failure in the timing system three riders had not been timed and were required to make their runs again. The riders were Lavers, Stirling, and E. Stewart. Before sending Stirling away on his second run he had been informed by officials that all the riders had returned to the bottom, said Oed. Officials at the start and finish were in touch by radio telephone and officials at the top had sent word that all riders had returned to the starting point. There was a space of five minutes from when word was received that all riders had returned to the bottom, of the hill and the time Stirling was sent away on his second run. 

Sidney Lewis Howes said that Lavers had passed him coasting down the hill. “Had we been able to hear the loud-speakers we would have known there was another motor-cyclist coming up," he said. 

Sergeant Bisset said the police department was very concerned about the deaths of the two young men, and no doubt the Court would see from the evidence that some steps should be taken on future occasions so that similar happenings would never occur again, said Sergeant Bisset.

The Coroner said the evidence disclosed that the motor-cycle trial was conducted in accordance with the usual practice, but that it was obvious that there was a need for a tightening up of the rules governing such events. Stirling had been sent away on his trial before Lavers had returned to the starting point. It apparently had been assumed that Lavers had returned. Both riders had a right to expect a clear road.

In conformity with medical evidence the Coroner found that Frederick Elliott Lavers died from shock following multiple injuries sustained when the motor-cycle he was riding came into collision with a motor-cycle ridden by James Arneil Stirling on the Taiko zig-zag on February 11, 1950. 

He also found that James Arneil Stirling died at Timaru on Tuesday, February 14, 1950, as a result of cerebral laceration accompanied by multiple injuries.

Mr R. S. Frapwell appeared for the South Canterbury Motor-Cycle Club.  -Press, 28/3/1950.

Timaru Cemetery.

11690 Sergeant James Bertram Johnston, (1918-25/11/1941). "stood to attention"

SOCIAL AT HOOK 

A SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION will be tendered to Sergeant J. B. Johnston and Private P. M. Martin in the Hook Hall on SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, at 8 p.m. Admission: Gents 2/-, Ladies a basket.  -Timaru Herald, 11/8/1940.

 KILLED ON ACTIVE SERVICE

SERGEANT J. B. JOHNSTON 

Sergeant J. B. Johnston, who has been killed in action In Libya, is a son of Mr J. W. Johnston, of Hook. When he enlisted for overseas service he was a teacher at the Waimate Primary School. He was born at Cromwell in 1918 and received his early education at the Convent School in that town, and also at the Waimate School and the Marist Brothers’ School in Timaru. He later attended St. Kevin’s College and studied at home for two years. After attending the Waimate High School he entered the Christchurch Training College. 

Sergeant Johnston took a prominent part in swimming, football, boxing and a number of other sports. Mr and Mrs Johnston’s other son, Private Frederick Johnston, was serving in the same unit as his brother in Libya. In a recent letter home he stated that he had declined to go into a training school as that would probably mean separation from his brother. 

A full assembly of the Waimate Primary School stood to attention yesterday morning while the flag was lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect to Sergeant Johnston. The headmaster, Mr J. M. Wilson, referred to the death on active service of a young soldier who, during his term at the school, had endeared himself to pupils and teachers alike.   -Timaru Herald, 9/12/1941.

Timaru Cemetery.

Peter John Ellis, (1934-30/5/1939). "result of accident"

YOUNG BOY’S FATAL FALL 

[From Our Own Reporter,] TIMARU, May 30. 

Fatal injuries were suffered by Peter John Ellis, aged 5i years, only son of Mr and Mrs E. J. Ellis, Washdyke. when he fell from a stable loft at his father’s training establishment.  -Press, 31/5/1939.

FUNERAL NOTICES. 

ELLIS —The friends of Mr and Mrs; Ernest John Ellis are respectfully informed that the Funeral of their late beloved son, Peter John, will leave the Sacred Heart Church, This Day (Wednesday), May 31, at 3 p.m. for the Timaru Cemetery. Hall and Moore.  -Press, 31/5/1939.

ELLIS. — On May 30, 1939, at Timaru, Peter John, dearly beloved and only son of Ernest John and Margaret Mary (May) Ellis of Washdyke; aged 5 1/2 years. R.I.P. Result of accident. The Funeral will leave the Sacred Heart Church this day (Wednesday) May 31st, at 3 p.m. for the Timaru Cemetery. — Hall & Moore, Funeral Directors.   -Southland Times, 31/5/1939.

DEATH OF BOY

Fall From Stable Loft

Inquest Concluded

That the death of Peter John Ellis, aged 51 years, was due to laceration of the brain as the result of severe head injuries following a fall from a loft at Washdyke on May 28 was the verdict returned by the Coroner (Mr H. Morgan) at the inquest which was concluded yesterday. 

Edward James Burns, a horse trainer, of Washdyke, an employee of Ernest John Ellis, said that on May 28 he was working about the stables and saw the boy and three other children playing in the stable loft. He warned them about playing in the loft and told them that the horses were coming in. All the children came down and he noticed the boy playing with a dog near the stables. Shortly afterwards witness heard a loud scream and returning to the stables found Peter Ellis lying on the concrete floor. He saw at once that the boy was badly injured and sent for Dr. Kingston while the boy was carried to the house. The loft floor, he continued, was very slippery and there was no guard around the loft well. Because of the danger the children had been repeatedly warned against playing there.

Corroborative evidence was given by Joseph Shaw, an employee at the stables.

Evidence of School Girl

“We have played in the loft for the last two or three years." said June Marie Ellis, a schoolgirl, aged 11, sister of the boy. On the day in question there were four children in the loft and they all came down when requested by Burns. Peter Ellis and Jessie Townley went back to get some things left behind. From the floor or the stable witness called to Peter to hurry up. Peter replied and fell immediately afterwards. He was not near Jessie Townley at the time.

Dr. G. R. Kingston said he received an urgent call about 4 pun. and found that the boy had an extensive fracture of the skull with symptoms of cerebral haemorrhage, with fits and paralysis of the left side of the body. An operation revealed laceration of the brain and a fracture at the base of the skull. The verdict was in accordance with the medical evidence.  -Timaru Herald, 20/6/1939.

Timaru Cemetery.