57317 Lieutenant George Marshall Don, (17/4/1884-25/8/1918). "now called to rest"

The Hindenburg System.

In the whole of the sweeping operations in which the Regiment had become engaged since its discovery of the first German withdrawal on the morning of August 14th, the tactics employed were almost essentially those of open warfare. Trench-to-trench fighting had suddenly given place to a war of movement. Within a month the Division had advanced to a depth of close on 20 miles. Many villages of size and a great area of country had been liberated. The whole machinery of war, the cogs of which had long been stationary, was working swiftly and with telling effect. The enemy, now withdrawing everywhere, had been thrown off his balance. On the one side, terrific artillery barrages delivered by guns massed almost wheel to wheel, the infantry, flushed with victory, exerting relentless pressure or in full pursuit, an ever-increasing toll of prisoners and enemy dead, piles of booty, and, as a spectacle never to be forgotten, a bewildering and enormous stream of men, guns, tanks, ammunition supply, transport, and all the vast essentials of a great Army, ceaselessly rolling eastward; on the other side retreat, stubborn rear-guard actions, counter-attacks to save time and artillery or in a vain endeavour to snatch back a vital position, the abandoning of guns and material, the blowing up of roads and bridges, disorganisation, and the lowering moral that comes of defeat. It was the debacle of March over again, but with the positions reversed.  -Official History of the Otago Regiment.

Mr Jas. Don, of Windsor, has received word that his second son, Lieutenant George Marshall Don, died of wounds on August 25th. The late lieutenant was a member of the 33rd Reinforcements, and had seen four months' service in France. Prior to going into camp he was engaged in farming in the Tapui district. He was educated in the Ngapara and Waitaki Boys' High Schools. When seventeen he enlisted in the Sixth South African Contingent, and went as far as Christchurch, where he was rejected on account of his height. Some time later he paid his own passage to Sydney and joined the Second Scottish Horse, then being recruited in Australia by the Marquis of Tullibardine. On peace being declared he joined the Maxim gun detachment of the Natal Border Police, and served a year with them. Returning to New Zealand he took up farm work again. He was connected with the Volunteers in this district for many years, and was a sergeant instructor in the Territorial Forces for some time, being stationed at Mosgiel. Shortly after leaving this, he gained his commission in the 5th Otago Mounted Rifles. Another brother, James, made the supreme sacrifice on November 21 the last year, while Alec was severely wounded last January and is expected to go back to France any time now.  -Oamaru Mail, 3/9/1918.

George Don died during the fiercely-contested advance, from a shrapnel wound to his head.

ROLL OF HONOR.

DON — Died of wounds on August 25th, Lieutenant George Marshall Don, second beloved son of James and Hughina Don, Windsor, aged 34 years.

He did his duty.   -Oamaru Mail, 3/9/1918.

IN MEMORIAM.

DON. — In loving memory of Lieutenant George Marshall Don, who died from wounds near Bapaume on August 25th, 1918, second son of Hughina and the late James Don. 

This day brings back our memory fresh of him now called to rest, 

And the ones who think of him to-night Are the ones who loved him best. 

— Inserted by his loved ones.  -Oamaru Mail, 25/8/1919.

16371 Trooper James Stewart Barr, (1/5/1880-20/11/1944). "Imperial Camel Corps"

James Barr enlisted with the Otago Mounted Rifles in 1916. Arriving in Egypt, he was transferred to the Imperial Camel Corps. At the end of March, 1918, he was severely wounded in the head during an attack on the town of Amman, which was not successful.

He spent several months in a Cairo hospital before being invalided home.

James Barr was a grocer's assistant when he enlisted and carried on the trade on his return home.

BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENT.

WE wish to Notify the Public that after AUGUST 2nd Next the BUSINESS of W. Smith and Co., Grocers, 188 Princes street, will be Carried On by Mr J. S. BARR. 

We take this opportunity of Thanking you for your support in the past, and ask for a continuance of same in the future. 

W. SMITH. 

J. S. BARR.   -Evening Star, 1/8/1930.

DEATHS.

BARR. — On November 20, 1944, at Dunedin, James Stewart, beloved husband of Ellen Lavinia Barr, of 25 Jones street, and brother of Elizabeth Minnie Barr. Private interment from his residence, 25 Jones street, on Wednesday, the 22nd inst., after a service commencing at 10.45 a.m., for the Southern Cemetery — Hugh Gourley Ltd., funeral directors.  -Evening Star, 20/11/1944.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

17/59 Private Albert William Fountain, (1890-16/7/1927). "permanently disabled"

 

PRIVATE BERT FOUNTAIN. 

Advice has been received by cable by Mr and Mrs A. C. Fountain, Ann street, Roslyn, that their son, Private A. W. (Bert) Fountain, is seriously ill in a hospital in France. His leg had to be amputated. Private Fountain went into camp with the main body. Transferring to the N.Z.V.C., (Veterinary Corps) he sailed with the Second Reinforcements. After landing in Egypt, he met his eldest brother, Private Ernest Fountain, of the main body, who took part in the famous landing at Gallipoli and was killed two days later. After receiving news of his brother's death Private Fountain was very keen to join the infantry, but was informed that his services in the Veterinary Corps were needed. After spending 15 months in Egypt Private Fountain and 14 of his comrades were transferred to France. In July last he was informed that his request to be transferred to the infantry was granted. On reporting at Headquarters in England he was granted two weeks' leave before proceeding into Sling Camp, so he decided to visit his mother's birthplace (Aldershot), where he received a warm welcome from his relatives. Private Fountain's brother Leslie and a young brother-in-law also volunteered, and are on active service. Another brother (Clarence) enlisted on attaining his 20th birthday a few weeks ago.  -Evening Star, 20/10/1917.

The friends of Private A. W. (Bert) Fountain will be pleased in hear that he is progressing favorably in No. 2 New Zealand General Hospital, Oatlands Park, Weybridge. Private Fountain left with the 2nd Reinforcements, and was wounded on 4th October last. He expects to have an artificial leg fitted next June or July, and he hopes to leave for New Zealand early next summer.  -Evening Star, 19/4/1918.

The death occurred on Thursday of Private Albert William Fountain, second son of Mr A. Fountain, of Macandrew Bay. The deceased was born at Roslyn, and was educated at the Clyde School. He was employed in Dunedin when war broke out, and enlisted with the Main Body, New Zealand Expeditionary Force. He was seriously wounded while on active service, and was invalided to New Zealand permanently disabled. He was an inmate of the Montecillo Convalescent Red Cross Home for some time.  -Otago Witness, 21/6/1927.

DEATH.

FOR KING AND COUNTRY.

FOUNTAIN. — On June 16, 1927, at Dunedin, 17/59 Private Albert William (Bert) Fountain, Main Body, N.Z.E.F. (permanently disabled), dearly beloved son of Albert and Amy Fountain, of Macandrew’s Bay (and late of Roslyn). Deeply mourned. — The friends are invited to attend the Funeral, which will leave the residence of his sister (Mrs Berryman), 4 Granville terrace, Belleknowes, on Sunday, the 19th inst., at 2.30 p.m., for the Anderson's Bay Cemetery. — R. McLean and Son, undertakers.  -Evening Star, 17/6/1927.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

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.

2/2622 Gunner Edward Joseph Gibson, (5/4/1890-11/5/1920). "considerable service"

FOR KING AND COUNTRY.

DEATH. 

GIBSON. — On May 11th, at his parents’ residence, 33 Bridgman street, Kensington, Gunner 2/2622 Edward Joseph Gibson, First Samoan and Ninth Reinforcements, N.Z.F.A., beloved husband of Carrie Gibson, and eldest son of Edward A. and Margaret Gibson; aged 28 years. At rest.  -Evening Star, 11/5/1920.

MILITARY FUNERAL. 

THE Friends of Edward Alexander and Margaret Gibson are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of their late son, Edward Joseph Gibson, which will leave their residence, 33 Bridgman street, Kensington, on THURSDAY, the 13th inst., at 11 a.m., for the Anderson Bay Cemetery.

HOPE AND KINASTON, Undertakers, 36 St. Andrew street.  -Evening Star, 11/5/1920.

LODGE IVANHOE U.A.O.D.

THE MEMBERS of above Lodge and Sister Lodges are respectfully requested to attend the Funeral of their late Brother Edward Joseph Gibson, which will leave his residence, 33 Bridgman street, Kensington. TO-MORROW (Thursday), the 13th inst, at 11 a.m., for the Anderson's Bay Cemetery.

G. F. McCLUSKEY, Arch Druid. 

MILITARY FUNERAL

THE Friends of Edward Alexander and Margaret Gibson are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of their late son, Edward Joseph Gibson, which will leave their residence, 33 Bridgman street, Kensington, TO-MORROW (Thursday), the 13th inst., at 11 a.m., for the Anderson's Bay Cemetery. 

HOPE AND KINASTON. Undertakers, 36 St. Andrew street.  -Evening Star, 12/5/1920.

The remains of the late Gunner E. J. Gibson were interred at the Anderson's Bay Cemetery yesterday morning. Gunner Gibson saw considerable service. He went away with the advance party to Samoa, and afterwards left with the 9th Reinforcements for France. He was gassed and returned to New Zealand invalided, and died on Tuesday. The Central Battery provided the gun carriage, and the military party was in charge of Lieutenant W. A. Gustafson. Bugler Napier sounded the Last Post. The burial service at the grave was conducted by Captain-chaplain Bryan King. Deceased was a member of Lodge Ivanhoe, U.A.O.D., which body was well represented at the funeral.  -Otago Daily Times, 14/5/1920.

Edward Gibson was one of the many New Zealand soldiers who died of tuberculosis after his return home.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

The MacLeans and Betsy Ewing - something of a mystery.

 In Dunedin's Andersons Bay Cemetery is a grave containing four people. Elizabeth Ewing died on May 1st, 1915; Agnes Alexandrina MacLean died on December 19, 1929; Norman MacLean died on February 2nd, 1933; Sarah MacLean died on March 6, 1963.

Officially, Elizabeth Ewing is in a different plot, but is commemorated on the difficult to read gravestone of the MacLeans, who have described her as "a good and faithful friend."  She was the MacLeans' servant.

DEATHS.

EWING - on May 1 at Dunedin, Elizabeth (Betsy) Ewing, late of Borestone, Bannockburn, Scotland, the good and faithul friend of the Longlands MacLean family, with whom she resided for 64 years; aged 81 years. Privately interred yesterday the 3rd inst. A. J. Wynn and Hope, undertakers.  -Otago Daily Times, 4/5/1915.

From the above, we can work out that Betsy joined the MacLean family aged 17.

Norman MacLean's burial record states that he was from Scotland and had been in New Zealand for 50 years when he died, which has him arriving in 1883. His occupation was that of "coal merchant," and newspaper advertisements confirm this.

DEATHS

MACLEAN. — On December 18th, 1929, at the residence of her son (Norman W. Maclean), 45 Norman street, Anderson’s Bay, Agnes Alexandria, beloved widow of Walter Norman Maclean, of Gourock Castle, Scotland; in her 82nd year. “At rest.” Private interment. — R. McLean and Son, undertakers.  -Evening Star, 18/12/1929.

A genealogy site which I have been unable to refind confirms a fascinating detail of Agnes' origins.  The online burial record states that she was a native of Russia and a widow.  The 1980s transcripts from the local Genealogical Society (an outstanding resource which should be digitised) state that she was a Russian princess.

Ancestry.com gives Agnes' name as Annuitia Alexandrina Bakova, (1848-1929), born in Moscow, and states that she and Walter Norman MacLean (1847-1884), born on the Isle of Islay, Scotland, became the parents in 1882 of an Agnes MacLean who died at Dunedin in 1949.

Wikitree states that Agnes married Walter at Gourock, Scotland in 1877 at the age of 30. She was born "about 1848" in Russia, daughter of Bernard Alexander Bakov and Amricia Nasiloff. She appears with the name Agnes Thoms in the British census 1861, resident at Gourock Castle, Scotland.

Annuitia Alexandrina Bakova. Photo from Ancestry.com.

My best guess for all of the above is that Walter Norman MacLean died shortly before Agnes, her son Norman, and their maidservant Betsy arrived in New Zealand in 1883. Further research shows him recorded as dying in 1884 which is close enough.

Also sharing the grave is Sarah MacLean, whose record shows her living at the same address recorded for Agnes and Norman when she died in 1963, occupation: "widow."

37054 Lieutenant Douglas Leslie Robertson MA, (27/5/1889-27/3/1918). "with first-class honours"

During the operation, Wellington-West Coast Company (Capt. A. G. Melles, M.C. attacked an enemy post, killing 14 and capturing I officer and 52 other ranks, Lieut. J. T. Thomas doing great work, and showing a fine personal example. Enemy machine-guns forbade further progress, and 2nd Wellington was obliged to dig in 400 yards short of its objective, the Hebuterne Road. Touch was, however, established with the battalions on both flanks and the gap in the line filled.

Hawkes Bay Company (Captain G. H. Hume, M.C.) which had lain in reserve all day, was now called upon to counter-attack. That company advanced shortly before, 9 p.m.; but, hardly had it gone any distance at all, than it ran into a large party of the enemy armed with machine-guns. 

ln this counter-attack, three officers of Hawkes Bay Company, viz., Lieuts. J. K. E. Jackson, D. H. Donaldson and E. C. Clifton were, wounded, while earlier in the day, Lieut. D. L. Robertson (Wellington-West Coast Company) had been killed. Altogether 2nd Wellington that day had the following casualties; 4 officers, 69 other ranks. -Official History of the Wellington Infantry Regiment.

Lieutenant Douglas L. Robertson, M.A., killed in action on 27th March, was the eldest son of Mr. J. A. Robertson, of the High-street School, Dunedin. He was educated at the Otago Boys' High School, and obtained his M.A. degree with first-class honours at the age of twenty-one. He held positions in the Carterton District High School, the Wellington Technical School, and, at the time of his enlistment, he was day master at the Wanganui Technical College. He was a good athlete, and while residing in Wellington was a member of the Brooklyn Harriers Club and the Star Boating Club. Lieutenant Robertson leaves a widow and one child. His brother, Mr. J. H. Robertson, went to Samoa with the first Expeditionary Force, and is now Collector of Customs and Taxes at Apia.  -Evening Post, 10/4/1918.

The Wanganui "Chronicle" states that the many friends of the late Lieutenant D. L. Robertson, of the Technical College, and Mm. Robertson, will greatly regret to know that Mrs. Robertson passed away at Dunedin on Wednesday evening. Lieutenant Robertson was killed in action on March 27, and this great blow coming upon Mrs. Robertson when she was dangerously ill was too much for her. The late Mrs. Robertson was formerly a teacher in the service of the Otago Education Board, and when Lieutenant Robertson went into camp, Mrs. Robertson, despite delicate health, bravely took up teaching at the Technical College, and for some time at Kai Iwi. One little boy, three years of age, is left to mourn the loss of both father and mother.  -Dominion, 27/4/1918.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.