An Otiake correspondent, writes: — Quite a gloom was cast over Otiake when news was received to-day that Sapper Robert McGimpsey had been killed in action. He was born at Otiake, and attended the local school, afterwards going to Waitaki (five years), and then to college in Christchurch. He subsequently studied engineering and surveying under Mr Freeman. Sapper McGimpsey was a very keen sport, distinguishing himself as a rower at Waitaki as well as on the football field. He was also a member of the Oamaru Boating Club. He enlisted with the Engineering Corps of the Main Body, and saw active service on Gallipoli, where he was invalided to England. For some months he had been in the trenches in France. Deep sympathy is extended to Mr and Mrs James McGimpsey in the loss of their son, who was remarkably popular. He was 23 years of age. A brother, Private James Mcgimpsey is with the 7th Reinforcement. -Oamaru Mail, 9/10/1916.
LATE SAPPER R. McGIMPSEY
OFFICERS' TRIBUTES
Regarding the death in France of Sapper R. McGimpsey, late of Otekaike, the following letters have been received by the relatives of the late soldier from officers of his unit, and bear touching touching testimony to the courage of Sapper McGimpsey and also to his popularity among the men.
"It is with sincere regret that I write these lines to express to you our sorrow at the loss of your son Sapper R. McGimpsey. He was killed in action near the front line during the recent heavy fighting, He was always a brave soldier and I had personally recommended him for a commission as an officer. He was popular with every body and the officers, n.c.o.'s, and men desire me to express to your our deepest sympathy with you in your sad loss. We erected a cross over his grave and I will endeavour to obtain a photo for you when the British line advances —Yours truly, D. R. GIBBS, Captain N.Z.E., officer commanding 3rd Field Company, New Zealand Engineers."
"I am writing as lieutenant, in charge of your son's section of engineers to send you a word of sympathy in your sad loss, and to add a note of appreciation of the good services that he did for his King, his country and his company. He was a sapper worthy of the name in every way and a true soldier and comrade sadly missed, by all members of the company. Sapper R McGimpsey volunteered for special duty required to be done by my section on the night of 20th September for which four men were required to assist the infantry in securing a newly-taken position against counter-attack which was expected. He and his mates went forward and carried out their job and working with the infantry (N.Z.) succesfully repulsed repeated attacks at night by the Prussian Guard who endeavoured to retake this important position at all costs. Thanks to the combined efforts of the New Zealand troops there the German attacks were completely beaten off and they were not able to retake any of the captured ground from the New Zealanders. Further, the Germans lost heavily on that occasion. Unfortunately Sapper McGimpsey was amongst those of our men who fell that night and he was carried back by his mates and died on the way to the dressing station very soon after being hit. He is buried peacefully in a grave marked by a substantial cross made by our boys and engraved with his name and you would no doubt be able to obtain the exact location after the war, should you so desire. Again I offer sincere sympathies and remain — Yours truly, S. CORY. -North Otago Times, 19/12/1916.
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