Mr James Webb, Springbrook, St. Andrews, has received the .following cable from his son, Private James A. Webb, in hospital at Walton on Thames — "Doing well. Expect to return to New Zealand shortly." -Timaru Herald, 4/4/1917.
James Webb was with the 1st Battalion, Otago Infantry Regiment, when it went into action in the Battle of the Somme on September 27, 1916. He suffered a gunshot wound in his chest which seems to have damaged his heart.
Mr James Webb, of St. Andrews, has received word from the Base Records Office that his son, Private J. A. Webb, is seriously ill. A letter, dated February 13, stated that Private Webb, after being four months in hospital in France, was reduced in weight from 14 stone to 8 stone. The writer stated that he was a wreck, and complained of not getting sufficient food. Later, however, he says that he had been shifted to a New Zealand Hospital in London and was delighted to get there. One of the sisters at this hospital belonged to Timaru. -Timaru Herald, 13/4/1917.
Private J. A. Webb, writing to his mother, Mrs James Webb, of Springbrook, says that he was wounded when in charge of a machine gun section on the Somme front. He adds that he first had the satisfaction of killing eleven Huns. He speaks with great gratitude of the kindly treatment accorded him in hospital, and mentions that Mrs Leslie O'Calaghan, of Timaru, and Mrs P. A. Elworthy, of Pareora, often visit the hospital and do much to cheer the patients. A cable, received on Saturday stated that Private Webb is still seriously ill. -Timaru Herald, 30/4/1917.
SOLDIERS' LETTERS.
A SPRINGBROOK SOLDIER.
The following extract is from a letter by Private James Webb, a Springbrook boy, who was seriously wounded while fighting in France: "I was in charge of two machine guns the day we advanced, and was carrying a gun when I was hit. I was a good shot with the gun, and accounted for eleven Germans after I was hit. If there had been an officer in the trench very likely I would have got a bar, but unfortunately all our company officers were killed. There were several who should have been mentioned in despatches, one man in particular, who fought two Germans and brought back to his own lines two thousand rounds of ammunition." A cable has just been received that Private Webb has just been removed from the seriously ill list. -Timaru Herald, 11/6/1917.
James Webb was discharged from the Army, on account of his medical condition, in October, 1917.
WELCOME HOME.
AT SPRINGBROOK.
A most enthusiastic welcome home was tendered to Private James Webb in the Springbrook school on Friday evening. It took the form of a social and dance, and the great popularity of Private Webb throughout the district drew an immense crowd. Miss O'Neill, who acted as accompanist during the evening, opened the proceedings with an overture, "The war of the Nations." After a sumptuous supper Mr McKeown, chairman of the Patriotic Committee, explained the object of the gathering, and spoke with great appreciation of the merits of Private Webb, both as a man and a soldier. Other speakers were Messrs Drinnan, Browne, Arden, Moyle and Munro, all of whom endorsed the chairman's remarks besides adding something fresh of their own.
Mrs Browne was called on to present Private Webb with a handsome gold medal suitably inscribed. Private Webb having suitably acknowledged the present and the great kindness shown him, dancing was resumed. At intervals during the evening songs were contributed by Misses by Misses W. Arden, C. Browne, P. Sullivan and Mr Pauran, the singing of the latter having been quite a feature at Springbrook socials lately. The music for the dance was supplied by Misses W. Arden and O'Neill, Mrs Browne, Mr I. Williams and Mr H. Arden. Mr H. Brosnahan, assisted by Mr Naughton, carried out the duties of M.C. in a most satisfactory manner, while Mr A. Munro contributed a few highly-appreciated extras on the pipes. One of the best functions ever held at Springbrook was brought to a close by the singing of Auld Lang Syne. Mr Drinnan very kindly waited upon Private Webb and his parents with his motor car, and conveyed them to and from the social. -Timaru Herald, 7/9/1917.
James Webb died of pneumonia (possibly due to Spanish flu) in Timaru Hospital.
NOTICE
A MILITARY FUNERAL will be given the late Private Webb, leaving the Public Hospital THIS AFTERNOON at 2.30 p.m.
Returned Soldiers will form the firing party and act as pall-bearers.
Members are requested to inform Messrs Goodman, Clark, Buckley, or myself, if they can parade.
Employers are asked to assist the Association to honour their late comrade by permitting their returned soldier employees to attend.
Members will parade at Drill Shed at 1.45 p.m. sharp.
F. D. YOUNG, Hon. Sec. S.C.R.S.A. -Timaru Herald, 29/11/1918.
A handsome headstone in Carrara marble has been erected in the Timaru cemetery over Private James A. Webb, of Springbrook, by the parents and friends of the deceased. The monument is a striking one, stands over six feet high and on the face is carved a gun and folded flag, emblematical of the cause for which the soldier gave his life. The inscription runs. "In loving memory of our son, Private James A. Webb, 7th Reinforcements, died November 27th, 1918, aged 24 years. Greater love than this no man hath that he giveth his life for others. Erected by his parents and friends." The work was executed and carried out by the firm of S. McBride, monumental masons, Timaru. -Timaru Herald, 29/7/1919.
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