The Berwick School memorial gate. The Great War.

45245 Rifleman John James Shennan, (9/9/1895-23/4/1918). "in action in France"

SHENNAN. — On April 23. 1918, died from wounds received while in action in France, Rifleman John James Shennan, dearly beloved only son of Robert and Ellen Shennan, Berwick; aged 22 years.  -Otago Daily Times, 10/5/1918.

John Shennan was fatally wounded by a bullet in his abdomen during an attack by German forces at the height of their Spring offensive. He died at the 3rd Canadian Stationary Hospital and is buried in the cemetery at Doullens, France.

West Taieri Cemetery. DCC photo.

63432 Private Robert Cyril Shaw, (8/6/1894-24/8/1918). "a lonely grave"

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.

DEATHS. 

SHAW. — On August 24. killed while in action "Somewhere in France," 63432 — Private Robert Cyril Shaw (32nd Reinforcements), clearly beloved third son of Samuel and Jessie H. S. Shaw, "Pleasant View," Berwick; aged 24 years. Deeply mourned. 

In a distant land he lies, At rest in a soldier's grave; 

His battle fought, his name enrolled, On the scroll of the deathless brave. 

A lonely grave in a far-off land, A grave we may never see; 

But while life and memory last, We will still remember thee.  -Otago Daily Times, 25/9/1918.

Robert Shaw was with the 2nd Battalion of the Canterbury Infantry Regiment when it assaulted the German-occupied French town of Bapaume. The German Army had had plenty of time to prepare its defence and the cost of liberation was high.

49283 Private Frederick James Jackson, (18/1/1891-12/1917). "mothers will be looking"

IN MEMORIAM.

JACKSON. — In loving memory of Frederick James Jackson, killed in action somewhere in France, 11th December, 1917; aged 26 years. 

When he left us with his comrades, 

He nobly went to take his chance. 

We little thought how soon 

He’d be lying in a soldier’s grave 

On the battlefield of France. 

But the saddest part is yet to come: 

When our heroes all return, 

Mothers will be looking for their darling boys. 

But our son will ne’er return. 

— Inserted by his loving mother and sister.  -Evening Star, 11/12/1918.

Frederick Jackson was killed in action during a relatively quiet period for the Otago Regiment in the front line.  There were no attacks on or by the enemy, but barrages of German shells were frequent.