57410 Private Sydney Bernard Speedie, (14/6/1896-27/11/1918). "one loved so well"

Sydney  Speedie was chosen by ballot to join the Army in mid 1917. Shortly after his joining, a Wasserman blood test demonstrated "a strongly positive reaction" to the presence of syphilis. He had been under treatment for the disease in Dunedin before his being chosen to serve. 

He was admitted to the Quarantine Hospital at Trentham and became one of the many victims of the Spanish flu epidemic.

MILITARY FUNERALS.

There have been quite a number of military funerals in the city since the outbreak of the influenza epidemic, the victims being returned men. 

On Saturday three took place, the deceased soldiers being Private David Thomson Fraser, Private Speedie, and Private James Hendrick. The remains of Private Fraser were buried in the Northern Cemetery, and those of the other two at Anderson's Bay. The Rev. W. A. Hay officiated at the first, and the Rev. R. Scott Allan at the two latter.  -Otago Witness, 4/12/1918.

 SPEEDIE. — In loving memory of Sydney Bernard Speedie, who died of pneumonia at Dunedin on the 27th November, 1918, aged 27 years. 

God knows how much we loved him, He counts the tears we shed; 

And whispers: "Hush, he only sleeps. Your loved one is not dead." 

Inserted by A. and M. Hudson. 

SPEEDIE. — In loving memory of Sydney Bernard Speedie, who died of pneumonia at Dunedin on the 27th November, 1918, aged 27 years. 

Two years have passed and none can tell The loss of one I loved so well, 

But while he lies in peaceful sleep, His memory ever dear I'll keep. 

Inserted by J.H.   -Evening Post, 29/11/1922.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

8/254 Private Peter John McGill, (6/7/1894-29/111918). "those angel faces"

 Died from Sickness.

The death occurred at Dunedin on Friday of Private Peter John McGill, whoso parents reside at City Road, Roslyn. He was the eldest son of Mr John McGill (a member of McGill, Ltd, millers, formerly in business at Milton) and Mrs Isabella McGill. Private McGill was educated at Toko. High School. He was a prominent oarsman, and a member of the Otago Rowing Club and the Invercargill Rowing Club. He enlisted with the Main Body, but was a victim to enteric fever, was invalided home, and had been an inmate of Dunedin Hospital at intervals since his return to the Dominion. The remains were interred at Anderson's Bay Cemetery yesterday. The pall-bearers and firing party were supplied by the Returned Soldiers' Association, and the band of the Fourth Regiment was in attendance.  -Bruce Herald, 2/12/1918.

Peter McGill was invalided home with typhoid but seems to have died of pneumonia as a result of Spanish flu.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE

McGILL. — In loving memory of 8/254 — Peter John McGill (Main Body), the best of sons and brothers, who fell asleep, November 29, 1918; aged 24 years. 

And with the morn those angel faces smile, 

Which we have loved long since, and lost awhile.  -Otago Witness, 2/12/1918.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

26/593 Rifleman Lancelot Douglas Miller, (22/11/1888-19/2/1919). "an insult to myself"

Advice has been received from Medser, Dunedin, that Rifleman Lancelot Douglas Miller, a discharged soldier, died at the Dunedin Hospital on Thursday, February 20th. He was thirty years of age, and single, his next-of-kin being his brother, William James Miller. Orchard Leigh, Main road, Green Island.  -NZ Times, 22/2/1919.

MILITARY funeral. 

The Friends of the late 26/593 Rifleman LANCELOT DOUGLAS MILLER (and Family) are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave the Dunedin Hospital (Cumberland street entrance), THIS DAY (SATURDAY), the 22nd inst., at 1 p.m., for the Anderson's Bay Cemetery. 

HOPE & KINASTON, Undertakers, 56 St. Andrew street.  -Otago Daily Times, 22/2/1919.

The remains of the late Rifleman Lancelot Douglas Miller, who died in the Hospital on Wednesday, were accorded a military burial at the Anderson's Bay Cemetery on Saturday afternoon. Captain McCormack represented the local military authorities, and the firing party was supplied by the Returned Soldiers' Association. The Rev. Mr R. R. Sutherland conducted the service at the grave. The deceased soldier was the youngest son of the late Mr J. C. and Mrs Annie Miller, of Tomahawk.  -Otago Daily Times, 24/2/1919.

 A MILITARY FUNERAL. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — In your issue of the 24th inst you published a reference to the funeral of the late Rifleman Miller, a returned soldier, who died in the Dunedin Hospital last week, and who was accorded a military funeral last Saturday. I should like to know who was responsible for the military arrangements. I saw no Defence representative; there was no firing party; no bugler sounded "The Last Post." Had it not been for the presence of a band there would have been very little of the military character about the funeral.— I am, etc., Interested. Dunedin, February 25.

[We understand that the Defence Department undertakes to supply a military representative and a gun carriage in the case of military funerals, but does not undertake to supply a firing party. This is usually provided by the Returned Soldiers' Association. In this case the association was communicated with immediately the department was notified of Rifleman Miller's death, and undertook, if possible, to supply the firing party. About an hour and a-half before the time arranged for the funeral to leave the Hospital a communication was received from the association stating that on account of the unsuitable hour it could not provide a firing party. A representative of the Defence Department — Captain McCormack — was present at the funeral. — Ed. O.D.T.]  -Otago Daily Times, 27/2/1919.

TO THE EDITOR. 

Sir, — If the Defence authorities knew one hour and a-half before the time of starting of the funeral of the late Rifleman L. D. Miller, that no firing party could be procured, why did they not, for decency's sake, acquaint the relatives of the fact? Instead, the cortege was kept waiting at the Hospital for the firing party to turn up, till the Defence Department's own representative (Captain McCormack) had to telephone headquarters, to find out that no firing party was available. Rifleman Miller went into camp on October, 1915, and returned home in January, 1919. He had over three years' military service, was wounded and gassed, twice, and returned home practically in a dying condition. Surely the Defence authorities could at least show some little respect for his memory. They were acquainted three days ahead with the time arranged for the funeral and it met with their approval. I should like to ask if it is not a fact that only one firm of undertakers in Dunedin is recognised by the Defence Department, although no effort is made by it to let relatives know until other arrangements are made and it is too late to fall in with its plans, and whether this had not something to do with the poor showing of the authorities at the late, rifleman's funeral?

— I am, etc, One Who Would Like to Know. February 27.   -Otago Daily Times, 1/3/1919.

A MILITARY FUNERAL. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — With reference to the funeral of. the late Rifleman L. D. Miller I take it as an insult to myself and all his relatives if it is to be taken as an example of the way the military authorities are going to act in future with the lads who have done their duty and returned home to die. Is it true that one firm of undertakers has the monopoly of the burial of returned soldiers? Why should not the relatives be at liberty to choose their own undertaker, leaving the military honours to be arranged for by the Defence Department? The authorities should be compelled to ignore distinctions, or the fathers and brothers of those lads who have done their "bit" will demand satisfaction — equal honours for the privates and the officers. I was advised by the Returned Soldiers' Association and the Defence Department that a proper military funeral would be arranged; but what was the result? No firing party was present, as we were led to expect Why was this arrangement carried out? Both the Returned Soldiers' Association and the Defence Department were notified three days beforehand, and so had plenty of time to arrange everything satisfactorily. Was this neglect because the Miller family chose their own undertaker 

— I am, etc, D. Miller. Dunedin, March 3. 

[We are informed that the Defence Department has a contract with a firm of undertakers, but there is nothing to prevent the relatives of deceased soldiers from entering into any private arrangement they may choose, for the employment of undertakers. As has previously been explained, the absence of a firing party on the occasion of the funeral which is the subject of this correspondence was due to the fact that intimation by the Returned Soldiers' Association of its inability to supply a party was not received by the department until it was too late for it to make the necessary arrangements. — Ed. O.D.T.]  -Otago Daily Times, 5/3/1919.

A MILITARY FUNERAL. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — My attention has teen drawn to a letter regarding the funeral of the late Rifleman W. D. Miller, which appeared in your issue of even date. In this letter and the footnote attached to it, statements are made from which the general public may assume an entirely erroneous view of the case Mr Miller's statement that he was told by the Returned Soldiers' Association that "a proper military funeral would be arranged" is not in accordance with fact. He may have been told so by the Defence Department, but I certainly made no such statement, and I do not know of any member of the Association who did so. I may state that this association has nothing whatever to do with the arrangements for a military funeral beyond finding, when practicable, firing parties and pall-bearers. In this case the association was requested to find these parties, and it was agreed to comply with the request if found possible, but I then pointed out that, as the hour at which the funeral was to leave (1 p.m.) was particularly awkward for men who were working on Saturday morning, it would be extremely doubtful as to whether a party could be found. The Defence Department was notified early on that morning that this association could not supply the party. Whenever requested by the Defence Department to do so, this association does its utmost to provide firing parties and pall-bearers for the funerals of returned soldiers; but in view of all the circumstances I fail to see how this association can be saddled with the responsibility for the non-appearance of these parties at the late Rifleman Miller's funeral.

— l am, etc., Geo. M. Skits, Secretary, Dunedin Returned Soldiers' Association. Dunedin, March 5.  -Otago Daily Times, 7/3/1919.

Lancelot Miller's lungs gave him trouble through his Army service.  His record shows treatment for chronic bronchitis and admission to hospital at the end of 1918 with pleurisy.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

8/1552 Private John Henry Wilfred McIlroy, (20/10/1894-13/6/1919). "had also suffered a great deal from his wounds"

A RETURNED SOLDIER'S DEATH

(BY TELEGRAPH. — PRESS ASSOCIATION.) DUNEDIN, This Day. 

John Henry Wilfred McIlroy, aged 22, a returned soldier, was found dead oh the steps leading to his home in Duncan street. He left with the 3rd Reinforcements when eighteen, and was wounded. He returned in December last, and was two weeks in hospital suffering from valvular disease of the heart and lung. He had since been an out-patient at the hospital, and yesterday complained of feeling unwell. The body was found last night at 7.30 o'clock. It is thought that McIlroy was overcome with weakness after climbing a large number of steps.  -Evening Post, 14/6/1919.

INQUEST.

An inquest was held this afternoon before Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M., concerning the death of John Henry Wilfred McIlroy, who was found dead last evening on the steps leading to his home at No. 7 Duncan street. Constable Kelly represented the police. Evidence was given to the effect that deceased had been wounded in France, and had suffered from a weak heart. He was an inmate of the Hospital for two weeks, and had been an outpatient since. He had been subject to slight fainting fits and giddiness. He had also suffered a great deal from his wounds, the effects of gas, and shell shock. Dr Eugene J.  O'Neill said that on examining the deceased he found evidence which pointed to a fracture of the base of the skull, he had ascertained that deceased was under treatment for organic disease of the heart and  and lungs. The cause of death was fracture of the base of the skull. From the history of his case, it was quite evident he had had a heart seizure when walking up the steps leading to his home, and the subsequent fall caused the fracture. The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.   -Evening Post, 14/6/1919.

The Official History of the Otago Regiment has this to say about January 2, 1917, the day that John suffered shell shock: "In accordance with the reorganisation of the 1st and 2nd Infantry Brigades, the 2nd Battalion of the Regiment, on New Year's Day, 1917, marched out of its reserve billets in the Rue Petillon and took over the Cordonnerie sector in relief of the 2nd Battalion of Wellington, Relief was completed about 12 noon, and one hour later the enemy bombarded the whole area with projectiles of various calibre, including lachrymatory gas shells. Casualties amounted to one killed and six wounded, and the front line and communication trenches suffered badly. There was a recurrence of this hostility at 9 o'clock on the following morning, when about 60 minenwerfer shells were hurled against a front of about 100 yards, adding considerably to the damage of the previous day. By 11 a.m. the situation had quietened, but at 6 p.m. the area was subjected to further violent shelling for a period of over 40 minutes, and additional casualties resulted. Prompt retaliation by our artillery now followed, and a heavy fire was put down over the enemy's front and support lines."

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

3/2670 Lance corporal George Thomas Alley McCleery, (22/11/1889-28/7/1919). "don't go so fast"

SUDDEN DEATH

DUNEDIN, July 28

A returned soldier, named George Thomas McCleery, a Main Body man, who returned to New Zealand three weeks ago, died suddenly this afternoon while walking from the Normanby tram terminus to Port Chalmers. Deceased had gone only about 200 yards from the car when he collapsed and died in a few seconds.  -Hokitika Guardian, 30/7/1919.

SOLDIER'S SUDDEN DEATH

THE INQUEST.

An inquest on the body of George Thomas McCleery, who died suddenly at Upper Junction on Monday afternoon, was held before Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M., sitting as coroner, at the morgue yesterday afternoon. Deceased was 31 years of age, and had returned to the Dominion only three weeks ago. Sergeant McKenzie represented the police. 

Hugh McCleery, father of deceased, said his son's name was George Thomas Alley McCleery. Before going to the war with the 6th Reinforcements the deceased had been a mill hand. He enlisted in Dunedin. The deceased returned by the Prinzessin about three weeks ago, and obtained his discharge. He was lancecorporal, and was away three years and 552 days. He seemed to be in good health when he returned. Witness had been told by deceased's wife that be had complained of a pain, in the left side, and had complained of the same thing in England. He married in England. He had written, saying he had been gassed, and had said he had been wounded in the right side. Witness was very much surprised to hear of his death. He never heard of heart trouble in the family. Deceased was born at Outram.

Dr Evans, in reply to the coroner, said he had not yet made a post-mortem. The Coroner said he would later adjourn the inquest. 

Charles Hume, n returned soldier, said he met deceased for the first time on Monday morning. The two had been to the Repatriation Board to get a job on the Westmoreland. Finding that they could not get a train to Port till evening, they arranged to go to Normanby by tram and walk over the hill. They left town at 1 o'clock. They had one drink at the hotel at Normanby. After the tramcar and going about 200 yards up the hill deceased said: "Don't go so fast. I've got a pain in my chest." He seemed to be short of breath, he said his heart had never troubled him. He also said he had not been gassed. They took matters very steadily, and took several rests. Deceased seemed to get better, if anything. Just after pausing the school near the Junction, deceased said: "Come into the side of the road. I feel bad." He fell down into the water channel. He groaned slightly, and his breath was labored for a few seconds, but he never spoke. A. man came along in a vehicle, and witness got his assistance, to prop deceased up against a bank. Deceased became quite still. Somebody on foot came along and felt deceased's pulse, and tried his head, and said: "You can do nothing. The man's dead." Witness had been to a house to see if he could get some spirits to revive deceased, but no one was in. Two men in an express waggon came along, and they brought the body down to Normanby, where the local constable took charge. Deceased was quite cheerful, and in good spirits on the way.

The inquest was adjourned till 3.15 this afternoon at the courthouse.

The Coroner, speaking to Mr Hume, said: "We wish to thank you for your attention to this man at the time, afterwards, and all the way through."  -Evening Star, 30/7/1919.

The funeral of Lance-corporal George Thomas McCleery, who died on Monday, took place to-day. The remains were interred at Anderson Bay Cemetery, Chaplain R. Fairmaid, assisted by Chaplains R. S. Watson and Hopper, conducted the service at the home and the graveside. Lancecorporal McCleery left with the 6th Reinforcements, and after serving three years and 352 days, returned to New Zealand three weeks ago.  -Evening Star, 31/7/1919.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

35039 Rifleman James Parker, (25/8/1883-2/10/1919). "loyal and faithful"

A very nasty accident befell a man named James Parker at Tuapeka Mouth on Saturday. He was working on the stack at Mr Geddes' farm during thrashing operations, and preparatory to sliding down off the stack, threw his fork to the ground. The fork, in falling, turned over and fell back on Parker as he reached the ground, the prongs entering his groin inflicting a severe wound. He was attende iby Dr Stenhouse who ordered his removal to Dunedin Hospital, and is now progressing as well as can be expected.  -Bruce Herald, 2/10/1919.

ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS

FATAL FARM ACCIDENT. 

James Parker, aged 35 years, single, who was admitted to the Dunedin Hospital on the 27th ult. suffering from a wound in the groin, died in hospital this morning. The injury was the result of an accident which happened to the deceased while he was working on a. haystack at Mr William Geddes’s farm at Tuapeka Mouth. He slipped and fell, and his fork, which he held in his hand, pierced his groin, inflicting a bad wound.   -Evening Star, 2/10/1919.

A FATAL FALL.

INQUEST ADJOURNED. 

James Parker, who was admitted to the Hospital on September 28, suffering from a wound in the groin, died in the institution yesterday morning. Deceased slipped off a haystack at the farm of Mr William Geddes, Tuapeka Mouth, and the fork he was holding pierced his groin. An inquest was held at the Hospital by Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M. (coroner), yesterday afternoon. 

Dr G. P. Fitzgerald (house surgeon) gave evidence to the effect that deceased had been admitted to the Hospital on September 28, and was immediately operated upon. It was found that the abdominal parts had been severely injured by being perforated by some such instrument as a fork — in fact, deceased had said that he had fallen on a fork. Deceased improved for a couple of days, but his condition became serious, and he had to be again operated upon. It was then found that peritonitis had set in, and he died in the Hospital that morning, the cause of death being heart failure following upon injury to the abdominal parts, and perforation of the bowels. 

Mr Moore (vice-principal of the Training College) identified the body as that of James Parker, who was 35 years of age, and a single man. Deceased was a native of Ireland, and he (witness) had known him well. He had been a member of the Expeditionary Force, and had returned to New Zealand in March. He was considerably weakened as a result of the campaign, but whether the accident was due to that weakness he (witness) could not say. Witness was trustee for deceased, and had his private affairs in hand. Deceased had no friends in New Zealand, but ho had a married sister somewhere in the North of Ireland. 

The inquest was then adjourned to Balclutha, where it will be continued on the 14th inst. The evidence of Dr Stenhouse and those who witnessed the accident will then be taken.  -Otago Daily Times, 3/10/1919.

MR JAMES PARKER.

Quite a gloom was east over the Tuapeka Mouth district by the death of the late James Parker, who was well known and highly respected throughout the whole community. The late Mr Parker (more familiarly known as Jimmy) was a native of County Fermanak, Ireland. He was thirty-five years of age, of a bright and cheery disposition, a genial nature and the acme of moral integrity. The many glowing tributes to deceased's memory both of a public and private nature bear ample evidence of the esteem in which the late gentleman was held. His death was due to an accident that occurred on Mr W. Geddes's mill when working at Clydevale. It appears that deceased (who was in a somewhat weakened state of health due to military service) when descending from the stack slipped, and, being tangled in loose straw was unable to rid himself of his fork, with the result when he reached the ground the fork (handle downwards) points entered his groin. After the accident, which took place on Saturday, September 27th, deceased was removed to Dunedin Hospital where he was operated on, and for a time hopes were entertained for his recovery, but his friends were doomed to disappointment for, in spite of the best medical attention he passed away on Thursday. October 2nd. The deceased had been in New Zealand for a period of something like fifteen years and worked in various capacities, principally agricultural pursuits. To those whom his services were rendered he was loyal and faithful, always fulfilling that obligation which his conscientiousness directed. He enlisted and served with the Expeditionary Forces in France for a period of 2 1/2 years. Consequent upon his service his funeral was a military one, his remains being interred in the Andersons Bay Cemetery. The Anglican clergyman officiated at the graveside. The pallbearers were Messrs J. A. Moore, A. McCorkindale, T. Mc. Drain and J. E. Keenan. After the firing party had fired the three rounds over the grave the the bugler sounded the Last Post. The Clutha Valley footballers at their match on Saturday, 4th inst, at Tuapeka Mouth, wore black bands as a mark of respect to deceased's memory, and at a social in the Coronation Hall in the evening Mr B. Skinner, sen., referred to his death and asked the assemblage to stand in silence. Tuapeka Mouth was practically his home since his coming to this country, and he leaves behind him here many friends who regret his loss. In Ireland his only relations living is ono sister and one brother.  -Tuapeka Times, 15/10/1919.

James' "weakened state of health" would be due to the gunshot wounds he sustained to his right leg, hand and jaw on August 26, 1818. He was well enough to embark for home the following February, but complained of tinnitus in his left ear.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

24/490 Sapper William Keil, (5/10/1889-24/2/1920). "great shock to his relatives"

William Keil was born at Denniston and was working for the Blackball Coal Company when he joined the Army in 1915. He was hospitalised with measles in Alexandria, Egypt, shortly after arriving there. Recovering, he was attached to the Tunnelling Company. Like many soldiers, he caught Spanish flu in 1918. He returned to New Zealand in early 1919.

He died at 8.45pm on February 24, 1920. I have found no cause of death.

News was received yesterday by Mrs. J. McMinn, of Arney Street that her brother, Sapper William Keil, died in Dunedin hospital. The deceased who served four and a-half years on active service had only returned a few months ago on the "Hororata." He was a great football enthusiast prior to enlisting and his death came as a great shock to his relatives and many friends. His mother predeceased him by eighteen months.  -Greymouth Evening Star, 26/2/1920.

DEATHS

KEIL. — On February 24th, at Dunedin Hospital, No. 24/490 Private William. Keil, late of Blackball: aged 30 years. Deeply mourned. Interred this day with military honors. — Hope and Kinaston, undertakers.  -Evening Star, 26/2/1920.

The many friends of Private William Keil, formerly of Blackball, will regret to hear of his death which took place at Dunedin Hospital on February 24th. Deceased, who was only 30 years of age, was greatly esteemed by all who knew him, and his early demise will cause great regret.  -Greymouth Evening Star, 1/3/1920.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.