22353 Private James McGimpsey, (4/3/1890-25/6/1917). "uphold the fine record"

OTIAKE NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent) 

We have been called upon to part with another of our young men, Private James McGimpsey of the Sixteenth Reinforcements, who is at present on final leave. A very large number gathered from all parts of the district — some even coming from as far as Oamaru — to bid Private McGimpsey farewell and to wish him a safe return to Otiake. Mr Jefferis on behalf of the residents presented the guest of the evening with a wristlet watch and a pocket wallet, suitably inscribed, and said that though the war looked brighter in every way, it was still necessary to keep the reinforcements up and wished Private McGimpsey a safe return to Otiake. 

Mr Rodman (Oamaru) on behalf of the Oamaru Bible Class of which Private McGimpsey, while in Oamaru, was a member, presented the guest of the evening with a very handsome silver-mounted pocket book, and spoke of the sterling qualities of Private McGimpsey. Mr Rodman said he was sure while at the front he would uphold the fine record he had had in New Zealand.

"For he's a jolly good fellow," was then sung and three very hearty cheers were given for the guest of the evening, after which a verse of the National Anthem was sung.

Private McGimpsey then thanked the residents for their handsome gifts, also the Bible Class, and told them how highly he appreciated them, he also thanked the Red Cross for the parcel Mr Jefferis had just handed him, and said he thought Otiake Red Cross was doing very good work,

Songs were sung during the evening by Miss Ross (Otekaike), Messrs Martin and Densem (Kurow), and a pianoforte duel was given by Miss Eileen Hill and Miss McIlroy (Oamaru). Mr Richardson supplied the music in his usual manner, being assisted by Mr W. McGimpsey, while Mr John Sherriss made a very obliging M.C. Supper was handed round by the ladies and much appreciated by all. Dancing was kept up till a late hour, when the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" brought an enjoyable evening to a close.  -North Otago Times, 24/7/1916.

Mr Jas. McGimpsey, killed in action at the Battle of Messines, was an active and earnest young worker in the Young Men's Bible Class and Christian Endeavour Society, who enlisted as soon as he arrived at military age. The Session wish to assure the relatives of their deep sympathy with them in their bereavement, and pray that the Heavenly Father may comfort and sustain them in their great sorrow. Our Honour Roll now holds 65 names.  -Notrh Otago Times, 9/8/1917.

DROPS OF HERO BLOOD.

It will comfort many a stricken heart to-day to take solace in the thought that the gallant soldier whom they mourn, was called to that high dignity of making the supreme sacrifice in the desperate endeavour of duty nobly done. The epic narrative of the undying glory won by 'the brave sons of New Zealand in the bogs of Flanders thrilled us with admiration at the grit and heroism which the New Zealanders showed in the terrible ordeals during the month which has just passed into history. The men who have fallen have gone into a silence more majestic than life itself, for the memory of their heroic efforts "lives on, woven into the stuff of other men's lives.'' The lengthening casualty lists remind us of the stern struggle in which the great and small nations are engaged. During October, according to official figures, our troops in Flanders suffered 5302 casualties. The earlier lists announced over four thousand casualties. Of these, 950 were killed and 3052 wounded. To this heavy toll paid in the fighting between the 4th and 30th October must be added 1300 new casualties which are published this morning. These losses will be made good out of our accumulated reserves, while a large proportion of the wounded will recover. It is interesting to note, in this connection, that Dr Wood Hutchinson, lecturing before the Royal Society of Medicine, states,  so says a cable message this morning, that of the wounded who survive for six hours, ninety per cent. recover, while the proportion is as high as ninety-eight per cent. if the wounded reach the hospitals, owing to the masterly anti-infection control. "Despite the colossal increase in the instruments of slaughter, this war," Dr Wood Hutchinson claims, "is one of the least deadly yet fought in comparison to numbers engaged." Almost since the outbreak of war New Zealand has been sending forward reinforcements drafts of 2500 every month hence, despite the heavy casualties, the New Zealand Division and Rifle Brigade need not fall below strength. Our brave sons went forward to do their duty in trying to win the world for righteousness and cleanse it of its shame. They tarried not to count the cost, and with their faces to the foe, hundreds of them are giving back to England the golden gift of life that future generations may have peace and hope. The broadening shadow which the losses suffered in this titanic struggle against the bestial enemy of civilisation, have cast across this fair land, will not shake our inflexible determination to see this thing through to victory. Before the world-resounding boom of war has died away, every true Britisher will fight on to ensure that the crusaders in the cause of Right shall seal the doom — the final full and everlasting doom — of brutal Might. There are huge gaps in the ranks to-day which must be filled; there are five thousand rifles which have fallen from the hands of our. brothers. Whatever the cost, the people of this peaceful and prosperous country will not falter. This is our fight, and having put our hand to the plough we shall not turn back. The seed has fallen on good ground; the crop is ripening to the harvest, and we are sure we shall not fail for lack of reapers:

No drop of hero-blood e'er runs to waste, 

But springs eternal, Fountain pure and chaste, 

For cleansing of men's souls from earthly grime. 

Life knows no waste. The Reaper toils in vain, 

In vain piles high his grim red harvesting —

His dread, red harvest of the slain!

God's wondrous husbandry is oft obscure, 

But, without halt or haste, its course is sure, 

And His good grain, must die to live again. 

From this dread sowing, grant us harvest, Lord, 

of Nobler Doing, and of Loftier Hope, — 

An All-Embracing and Enduring Peace, — 

A bond of States, a Tact of Peoples, based 

On no caprice of royal whim, but on 

Foundation mightier than the mightiest throne — 

The Well-Considered Will of All the Lands, 

Therewith — a simpler, purer, larger life,

Unhampered by the dread of War's alarms,

A life attuned to closer touch with Thee, 

And golden-threaded, with Thy Charity

A sweeter Earth, — a Nearer Heaven — a World

As emulous in Peace as once in War, 

And strlving ever upwards towards the Goal.

So, once again, through Death shall come New Life;

And out of Darkness, Light.

A concert in aid'of patriotic funds and for funds for farewelling soldiers from the district was given in the Otiake Hall last night by Mr D. H. Thomson's concert party. The hall was crowded, and every item was enthusiastically received, encores being frequently demanded. The programme, which opened with the New Zealand Athem sung by the whole audience, consisted of songs by Miss Collett and Miss Beth Colett, Messrs. H. Grenfell, Donaldson, A. Glass, H. G. Deal, T. L. Steel, and D. H. Thomson; duets by the Misses Collett; violin solos by Mr J. L, Steel; and quarfettes and glees by the party. The latter part of the programme was made up of plantation songs and melodies, interspersed with the customary jokes and local "gags," which greatly delighted the audience. The accompaniments were played by Miss Glen. The party was motored out by Messrs Patterson, Wilson, and Thomson, and were entertained at tea by Mrs. James McGimpsey and Mrs Robert Hill. At the conclusion of the concert votes of thanks were enthusiastically carried to the performers and to the gentlemen who had provided the motor cars. A dance followed, to which a large number remained.  -North Otago Times, 2/11/1917.

Hakataramea Cemetery.

4/427 Sapper Robert McGimpsey, (27/6/1893-20/9/1916). "worthy of the name"

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.

Hakataramea Cemetery.

8/1447 Private James Dasler, (4/3/1890-25/6/1915). "engaged on his father's property"

PERSONAL NOTES

Mr Louis Dasler, of Tokarahi, has received word that his son, private James Dasler, has been killed in action at the Dardanelles on the 25th June. Private Dasler joined the 3rd Reinforcements at Gisborne, but was afterwards transferred to the Otago Battalion. He was 25 years of age, and was engaged on his father's property up to two years ago, when he went to Gisborne. He was unmarried. Another brother is in the Main Expeditionary Force, while a step-son of Mr Dasler's is at present in the training camp. -Oamaru Mail, 12/7/1915.

James Dasler was killed during a relatively quiet period on Gallipoli for the Otago Infantry Regiment, though all places, front line or back line, were under Turkish guns.

Hakataramea Cemetery.

Thomas Herbert Johnston, (3/1914-13/8/1915). "in a well"

A particularly sad accident was discovered to-day, when the body of Thomas Herbert Johnston, aged 17 months, was found in a well at Kurow. An inquest will be held to-morrow.  -Oamaru Mail, 13/8/1915.

Our Hakataramea correspondent writes — A rather sad drowning fatality occurred here on Friday morning in which a little boy named Johnston, aged seventeen months, lost his life. The mother left the little fellow at the back of the house while she attended to some household duties and when she returned she found him lying in a shallow well nearby. Mr Hugh Barclay did all in his power to restore life by means of artificial respiration, but when the doctor arrived he pronounced life extinct. The sympathy of all is extended to the parents in their sad bereavement.  -Oamaru Mail, 16/8/1915.

Hakataramea Cemetery.

34893 Private Donald Roderick McKenzie, (-21/9/1916). "in camp about a month"

SICKNESS IN CAMP.

A DEATH AT TRENTHAM. 

The Defence authorities announced yesterday that Private Donald Roderick McKenzie, D Company, Twentieth Reinforcements, had died in Trentham Hospital in the early morning. The cause of death was pneumonia, following measles. 

Seven cases of meningitis are still on the serious list, but the improvement mentioned in previous reports is being maintained. The health of the troops is generally good, and the number of patients in the military hospitals is decreasing owing to the reduction in the number of cases of colds, influenza, and measles.  -Dominion, 22/9/1916.

ROLL OF HONOR.

McKENZIE, on 21st September, at the Trentham Military Hospital, Private Donald Roderick McKenzie (20th Reinforcements), second son of Mrs M. and the late Donald McKenzie, "Table Top," Hakataramea, aged 33 years. "For Home and Country." The funeral will leave Kurow at 2 o'clock on Tuesday, 26th September, for the Hakataramea cemetery.  -Oamaru Mail, 25/9/1916.

The death is announced of Private D. R. McKenzie, of the Twentieth Reinforcements, of measles and pneumonia, at Trentham Hospital. He had only been in camp about a month. The late Private McKenzie was a prominent and active member of the Waitaki Collie Dog Club and the Kurow Jockey Club. He was the second son of the late Mr Donald McKenzie, of Table Top, Haka, and was in charge of a sheep station for the past thirteen years.  -Press, 26/9/1916.

An impressive ceremony was performed at Hakataramea yesterday, when the remains of Private D. R. McKenzie, of the 20th Reinforcements, who died at Trentham from an attack of measles and pneumonia, were interred with military honors. The cortege left the Kurow Presbyterian Church, where a service was held, and the funeral was one of the largest seen in the district, friends and relatives of the deceased soldier and his family attending from far and near. A number of Territorials comprised the firing party, and the gun carriage and drivers were supplied by the Royal New Zealand Field Artillery. Captain Redmond, N.Z.S.C., represented the Defence Department. At the graveside Rev. Mr Bews conducted the burial service, and the "Last Post" was sounded.  -Oamaru Mail, 27/9/1916.

Hakataramea Cemetery.

9/29 Bombardier David (24/8/1883-17/9/1916) and 9/28 Trooper James (29/7/1886-5/8/1915) Dow. "beside his brother"

 

PERSONAL NOTES. 

Trooper James Dow was the younger son of Mr and Mrs John Dow, Dunedin, and only brother of Trooper David Dow, who is also in action at the Dardanelles. He was educated at the North-east Valley School, and served his apprenticeship as a blacksmith, later discarding his trade in favor of farming, which occupation he followed in the Wanaka district up till the time of his enlistment with the Main Expeditionary Force. Some time ago he had the misfortune to lose his left eye, but notwithstanding this he enlisted immediately after the outbreak of hostilities. Trooper Dow was a quiet, unassuming fellow, and greatly respected by all with whom he associated. So far neither date nor details of his death have come to hand, but from letters received it is known he had been in action previous to his last engagement, and was fighting beside his brother.  -Evening Star, 2/9/1915.

In the Empire's Cause.

Trooper Dave Dow, reported died from wounds received in action, is another young man who, although not a native of Cromwell, was looked upon as one of the community by reason of several years residence in the district prior to enlisting. He was a son of Mr J. Dow, Dunedin, a gentleman well-known throughout Central Otago, where for some years he travelled in connection with his particular line of business. Trooper Dow signed on in one of the earlier reinforcements, and took part in the Gallipoli campaign, where he was put out of action temporarily, and was later engaged in transport work in Egypt. In the western campaign he sustained wounds which added his name to the honored list of those who have laid down their lives in the great cause. He is the second son of the family to pay the extreme penalty, his brother James, also a resident of the Upper Clutha district, having fallen in the Gallipoli campaign. Like his brother who fell earlier, Trooper Dave Dow was a cheery and industrious young fellow, extremely popular with all who made his acquaintance, and from these the deepest sympathy goes forth to his bereaved parents in their great sacrifice for King and country.  -Cromwell Argus, 30/10/1916.

Bombardier David Dow was wounded during the Battle of the Somme, with shrapnel (or gunshot wounds) hitting him in the chest and knee. He sustained his wounds on September 13 and died in a Casualty Clearing Station on September 17th.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

30352 Matron Lucille Emily Souness RRC, (1897-12/7/1960). "lifetime of service"

OBITUARY

Matron L. E. Souness 

Matron Lucy Emily Souness, Royal Nursing Corps, who died in Dunedin recently, spent a lifetime of service in the nursing profession in New Zealand, reports the Press Association from Dunedin. 

She will be remembered by many soldiers who trained in New Zealand before service overseas in the Second World War. Between 1943 and 1953 she worked in military hospitals throughout the Dominion, including camp hospitals at Taiaroa Heads, Narrow Neck, Papakura, Raventhorpe and Waiouru, where she was matron-in-chief for three years. 

In 1954, after retiring from active Army service, she was appointed matron of a Wellington hospital for returned servicemen. In 1956 Miss Souness accepted the position of matron of the Caccia Birch Hospital in Palmerston. 

She retired a few months ago at the age of 63.  -Evening Post, 14/7/1960.

"RRC" stands for the Royal Red Cross, first awarded in 1883 and bestowed on Matron Souness by Queen Elizabeth II in 1954.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.