John McKelvy was with the 3rd Battalion, Canterbury Infantry Regiment, when it made a successful and relatively casualty-free attack on German positions during the Battle of Passchendaele. Possibly the success of October 4th led to the costly failure of the next advance on October 12. Artillery which had been valuable on the 4th was largely unable to move over the captured ground to support the next attack due to the very muddy conditions.
John was initially reported missing and his death was established by a Court of Enquiry later in the month.
WHILE DOING THEIR DUTY.
Mrs Leonard, Wyndham, was informed on Thursday that her son, Private John G. McKelvy, previously reported as missing, was now reported as killed in action at Bellevue Spur. James William Palmer, previously reported as wounded, is now declared to have been killed on October 4th. -Mataura Ensign, 10/11/1917.
IN MEMORIAM
McKELVY. — In loving memory of Private John G. McKelvy, who was killed in action in France, October 4th, 1917.
"Somewhere in France" he is laid to rest, His life work truly done.
'Twas a sacrifice for liberty, Ere life had scarce begun.
— Inserted by his brother and sisters. -Timaru Herald, 4/10/1919.
No comments:
Post a Comment