39245 Private James Bevington Jeffreys, (1896-28/4/1918). "Little Jeff"

Holding the Line.

On the morning of the same day the 1st Battalion of the Regiment moved forward from its point of bivouac near Hedauville, through Mailly Maillet, and took up a line in relief of the 1st Battalion of the Rifle Brigade, extending along the ridge in front of Englebelmer and Mailly Maillet, and along the east and north-east of Auchonvillers, representing a total frontage of approximately 3,000 yards. These positions were maintained over the 28th, when the enemy artillery, apparently searching for our batteries which had now taken up positions in the villages in rear, became much more pronounced in its activity. It was during this shelling of Colincamps that the Headquarters of the 3rd (Rifle) Brigade were destroyed, and Brigadier-General Fulton and Major R. G. Purdy were killed and others of the Staff wounded.

Minor attacks were made during the day by the left Brigade in line of the Division; the main success achieved being the capture of the Quarries, immediately south of Hebuterne, a position which commanded a field of fire in a south-easterly direction for a distance of about 3,000 yards. At all points of the line tested the enemy was found to be holding it in strength; and considerable movement was reported to be still taking place across the Divisional front. The weather, hitherto fine, now showed indications of breaking; and in view of the fact that great coats and blankets had been dumped during the forced march from the north, the prospect was not very cheerful.  -Official History of the Otago Infantry Regiment.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.

DEATHS. 

JEFFERY. — On April 28, 1918, killed while in action, Private James Bevington Jeffery (21st Reinforcements), beloved fourth son of Thomas and Alice Jeffery, Douglas terrace, North-East Valley; aged 22 years.  -Otago Daily Times, 18/5/1918.

IN MEMORIAM

JEFFERY. — In loving memory of Private James Bevington Jeffery (Little Jeff), No. 39245, 21st Reinforcements, who was killed in action on April 28, 1918; .aged 22 years. 

In the Pride of his early manhood, Like the dawn, of a beautiful day, 

He fought with the bravest of the brave, In the thickest of the fray. 

Gone and forgotten by some he may be But dear to our memory forever. 

— Inserted by his sister and brother-in-law, M. and W. Wilson.  -Otago Daily Times, 28/4/1919.

IN MEMORIAM.

JEFFERY. — In loving memo 17 of James Bevington Jeffery, No. 39245, killed in action Id France on April 28th, 1918. 

Sunshine passes, shadows fall; 

Love and remembrance outlive all. 

— Inserted by his loving mother, sisters, and brothers.  -Evening Star, 28/4/1928.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.