OFF TO THE FRONT.
The friends and relations of Mr Harold Boreham entertained him at a social held at his half sister's residence, Richardson street, St. Kilda, last evening. During an interval in the programme Trooper Richardson took the opportunity of presenting trooper Boreham on behalf of his friends and relatives with a wristlet watch and patent shaving outfit. Trooper Richardson said it afforded him great pleasure to present Trooper Boreham with this small token of the esteem of his friends, who trusted he would return safely after the enemies of civilisation had been as soundly whipped on the battlefield as Trooper Boreham's father had whipped the Australian draughts players. Songs, recitations, and the usual indoor games made an enjoyable social evening. -Evening Star, 24/2/1916.
Word has been received by cable that Private Harold Boreham has been awarded the D.C.M. for conspicuous bravery on the field. Private Boreham was born in Oamaru, and is the youngest son of Mr J. A. Boreham, champion draughts player of Australasia. He was under twenty when he enlisted, and left with the 10th Reinforcements. He received his education at the Kaikorai School, and the Otago Boys' High School, where he was very popular, as lie was also in sporting circles, representing Otago in the Southland Boxing Championships, and there gaining a gold medal. -Press, 18/2/1918.
On the 27th, again attacking in great strength against the greater part of the Fifth Army front and against the French, the enemy continued to gain ground. An unfortunate retirement to beyond the Bray-sur-Somme-Albert line on the previous day precipitated a withdrawal further south, and the great railway junction of Amiens, towards which the German wedge had been driven to a depth of over 40 miles from the starting point, became imperilled. At the close of the day of the 27th the approximate line held at this point was the defence of Amiens. -Official History of the Otago Regiment.
Mr J. A. Boreham has been advised by the Defence Minister that his son, Private Harold Boreham, D.C.M., had been severely wounded on March 29, and that he is now in hospital in France. Private I Boreham left with, the Tenth Reinforcements. He got his D.C.M. on Christmas Day, and was wounded on Good Friday. -Evening Star, 8/4/1918.
PRIVATE H. BOREHAM, D.C.M.
The particulars of the gallant action for which Private M. Boreham, of the Otago Regiment — a son of Mr J. A. Boreham, of Dunedin — received his Distinguished Conduct Medal are given in the following terms in the London Gazette: — "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When a number of the enemy were seen outside our parapet, he went out with a patrol, engaged the enemy with bombs, and dispersed them. He pursued them as they retired and captured a prisoner. By his initiative, pluck, and gallant conduct he obtained valuable information, and set a splendid example to his comrades." -Otago Daily Times, 12/8/1918.
RED-CAPS AGAIN
The Boring of Boreham
Dunedin R.S.A. Expresses Indignation.
(From "Truth's" Dunedin rep.)
Lance-Corporal Boreham has the distinction of being a really decent fellow. That is how his C.O. described him to "Truth's" rep. Further, he wears the Distinguished Conduct Medal awarded to him for an act of gallantry on the field. Boreham D.C.M. has not fully recovered from severe shrapnel wounds received m the shoulder, and is, in consequence, an out-patient at the Dunedin Hospital. About half-past five on the evening of December 14, Boreham was walking along the street, having his hand in his pocket to
SUPPORT HIS WOUNDED SHOULDER, when two military policemen, neither of whom was a D.C.M., approached. Boreham was told to take his hand out of his pocket, and, as any D.C.M. or any decent soldier would do, he expressed his opinion of his tormentors without regard to the ethics of New Zealand militarism. He was immediately arrested and carted off to the detention barracks, where a military person (who was not a D.C.M.) called Major Moller, sentenced him to seven days' detention. Three days later he was released, a doctor having found, in the meantime, that he was medically unfit to undergo detention (which is the military term for imprisonment). On the day of Boreham's release the Dunedin branch of the Returned Soldiers' Association held a meeting, and the matter was brought up. Members were righteously indignant at this, the latest piece of persecution, and they stood up and said things about military policemen in general, which were as uncomplimentary as they were vehement. As a result of the discussion the following resolutions were carried:
(1) That the attention of the Minister of Defence be called to the injustice done to Lance-Corporal Boreham, D.C.M., and to Driver Dawson, who was "crimed" for smoking while talking to a Territorial officer (Lieut. Bracks), although the officer had given him permission to smoke;
(2) That the Minister's attention be also drawn to the fact
THAT ALMOST INVARIABLY the military police interested in these cases are Corporal A. Latimer and Pvt. G. S. Geddes;
(3) That the Minister be asked to state the reasons why Sgt.-Mjr. Crowther, of the military police, was transferred from Wellington to Christchurch, and then from Christchurch to Dunedin;
(4) That all military policemen who are not returned soldiers be given a month's notice, and that returned soldiers be put in their places.
Even if the last request be favorably received, it is doubtful if it will be efficacious, as it Is not likely that many returned soldiers will chase such a job, unless driven to it by starvation. -NZ Truth, 28/12/1918.
BRAVE DEEDS
PRESENTATION OF DECORATIONS WON IN THE FIELD.
"For bravery," "Gallant conduct," "Coolness and courage" were a few of the phrases describing the deeds of the men who were presented with decorations by the Minister of Defence at the Drill Hall on Saturday afternoon. And after "Killed in action" followed the reading of a brave man's action, and the next of kin stepped up to receive the medal. One D.C.M. was given to Lance-corporal Harold Boreham, of Dunedin, who was often associated in action with Richard Travis, V.C. -Evening Star, 5/5/1919.
A CHARGE DISMISSED.
The case against Harold Boreham of wilfully breaking a pane of glass valued at £7 17s 11d, the property of the Dunedin Drapery Supply Company, was continued, defendant having previously pleaded not guilty. Sub-inspector Murray prosecuted, and Mr B. S. Irwin defended.
Constable O’Connor said that, a fire occurred in the shop at about 8.20 on March 10, and when he arrived on the scene he saw Boreham break the window. Boreham told witness ho broke the window, but could not get in on account of the smoke.
Mr Irwin said Boreham was walking along the street with a girl cousin in the direction of the Grand Pictures, when he noticed the fire in the shop. Two men were trying to open the iron gate. Boreham opened the gate at once, and, stepping in broke the window with the idea of getting in to put out the fire. On several previous occasions accused had put out fires, and when quite young had saved - horse from a burning stable. He also won the D.C.M. at the front. Counsel submitted that, even if accused had committed an error of judgment, he should be discharged.
Harold Boreham, in evidence, said his intention in breaking the window was to get in to put out the fire.
Evidence was also given by Adelaide Boreham and Jas. Alfred Boreham.
His Worship said the question was whether it was a malicious act on the part of the accused or whether, on the outbreak of fire, he did something to combat the flames. The question, whether it was a judicious act did not need to enter into the case. It seemed that the defendant committed an act which he thought was a proper one. The information would be dismissed. -Evening Star, 8/4/1921.
AFTER HOURS.
For being found on the of the Gladstone Hotel after hours, John Taylor, who did not appear, was fined 40s, with costs. Harold Boreham, charged with a similar offence, pleaded not guilty, and said he went to the hotel to see if he had left his football “togs” there. — After hearing Constable O’Connell, His Worship said there was no evidence in this case of liquor having been asked for, but in these cases a great many curious excuses were given. Defendant would be fined 20s, with costs. -Evening Star, 1/8/1921.
STREET FIGHTING.
William John Lee and Harold Boreham, who were charged with fighting, pleaded guilty and not guilty respectively. — Constable Jones said he had found the men fighting in Maclaggan street on Tuesday night. Boreham had hit Lee above the eye. — Boreham said he was talking to his brother and another man, when Lee, “this gentleman here,” came along and “butted in" and would not go away. Witness crossed the road, but Lee followed and grabbed hold of him. Witness pushed Lee away. — Seniorsergeant Quartermain (to Boreham): You’re a peaceful, law-abiding citizen? —Witness; Generally, Sir. — Lee said he had had a few drinks and might have been the cause of the trouble. Boreham was not responsible for the mark above witness’s eye. That was done on Saturday. They were not fighting. It was more of a wrestle than anything else. — Lee was fined £2, in default seven days’ imprisonment, and Boreham was fined 20s, in default three days’ imprisonment. -Otago Daily Times, 25/2/1926.
DRUNKENNESS.
A first offender was lined 20s, in default forty-eight hours. John Patrick Sullivan, whose previous offence was on the day before yesterday, was fined £20s, in default forty-eight, hours. —Senior-sergeant Qaartcminin said he had come to town with a big cheque, and was cutting it out fast.
Harold Boreham, convicted twice previously within the last six mentis, was described as qualifying fast for the island, and was fined £2, in default seven days' imprisonment. -Otago Daily Times, 17/4/1926.
The "island" above-mentioned was Pakatoa, in the Bay of Islands, run at the time by the Salvation Army as a drying-out hospital for the impossibly thirsty.
POLICE COURT
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21. (Before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M.)
THE FORGOTTEN SONG.
Harold Boreham pleaded not guilty to a charge of drunkenness, but his explanation of his conduct on Saturday evening was not accepted by the magistrate, who inflicted a 20s fine.
Constable Jenney’s story was to the effect that, he had come upon Boreham about 7.15 p.m. outside the Grand Hotel. He was silting on the footpath singing. Witness told him to go away, hut he refused, and was arrested for drunkenness.
Defendant: What was I singing? — I couldn’t sav what the song was.
You ought to know; it’s your business to remember. What tune was it?
His Worship: It is not always possible to recognise a song, you know.
The constable added that he heard a noise coming from defendant, also a lot of words, but he could not remember what was sung or said. Defendant was certainly drunk.
Senior-sergeant Quartermain, who saw defendant half an hour after he was brought in, said Boreham was silly drunk then.
Defendant, sworn, said he had been to a picnic, at which he had played football. When the policeman came along witness was showing a friend named Paterson how he had been collared during the game. The explanation involved sitting down for a moment and getting up again. He did not sing, and all the drink he had that day was three whiskies and two long beers at the picnic.
The Magistrate said there was no doubt defendant had been drunk. He had been before the court several times before, “Why don’t you lake out a prohibition order. Boreham?” he asked.
Defendant said he did not think it necessary.
His Worship; Very well. Fined 20s, in default twenty-four hours’ imprisonment. -Evening Star, 21/2/1927.
“A PERFECT DAY.”
AN ANZAC DAY CELEBRATION.
An Anzac Day celebration, which, apparently, was carried a little too far, resulted in Harold Boreham and Walter Clark appearing before Mr J. R. Bartholomew. S.M., at the City Police Court on Thursday on a charge of being drunk and disorderly in Princes street on Wednesday night. “Under provocation, Mr Bartholomew, under provocation,” was Clark’s dignified response when asked how he pleaded.
Boreham was undecided. “To tell you the truth,” he said, “I just don’t know how to plead.”
Evidence was given by Constable Buchanan that the two accused were in Princes street about 9.15 on Wednesday, evening behaving in a disorderly manner. Both were drunk and were making a nuisance of themselves to passers-by. Witness warned them to behave themselves, but they paid no heed, and about 10 minutes later he arrested Clark, another constable taking charge of Boreham.
Asked if he had any questions, Clark at once launched into a vigorous denial of the charge. Constable Buchanan attempted in vain to get a words in, but the accused silenced him with the gentle reproof, “You should not have interfered with Harold and I.” The court orderly stopped further argument for the moment.
Here Boreham broke in and wanted to know why the constable got behind him and pushed him, but Clark, with a wary eye on the court orderly, soothed his mate with “Ssh, Harold.”
Constable Callaghan corroborated the previous witness’s evidence, and Clark again drew the wrath of the court by his continual interruptions. Witness went on to state that Clark had attempted to interfere when Boreham was arrested, but apparently Clark’s memory was faulty on this point.
“I beg yours,” he protested in a horrified tone.
At this stage the Magistrate thought it well to point out to Clark that his interjections were beginning to pall, but the latter was determined to have the last word.
“I just want to tell you, Mr Bartholomew_____” he began.
“I don’t want you to tell me anything,” interrupted the bench. “If you have any questions to ask the constable, ask them, otherwise keep quiet.’’
‘‘Well, then,” proceeded the accused to the constable, “Did I interfere when you arrested Mr Boreham?’’
On receiving an unqualified affirmative to this query, Clark murmured, “’Nuff said,” and subsided.
Boreham’s explanation was that, being a returned soldier, he looked on Anzac Day as a soldiers’ day and, having met a number of friends, they celebrated. “Everybody knows me,” he declared, “I’m a very popular young man about town.”
His Worship: It seems a pity that your friends did not take better care of you then.
Senior Sergeant Quartermain. said that nothing was known against Clark, but Boreham, when he was drinking, was apt to become rowdy. When sober, he was all right, and for some time past he had behaved himself well.
Again Boreham intimated that Anzac Day was a soldiers’ day — a day on which solders could do anything.
“It was hardly the day to go on a jag,’ though, was it?” inquired the Senior Sergeant.
“It was just bad luck,” your Worship, said Boreham — “The end of a perfect day.’’
A fine of 10s, in default hours’ imprisonment, was imposed on each of the accused. -Otago Witness, 1/5/1928.
“A BIT TOO OFFICIOUS.”
DISTURBANCE AT THE MONUMENT.
BOREHAM BROTHERS IN COURT.
CHARGE OF DISORDERLY BEHAVIOUR.
When Stephen William Lancelot Boreham and his brother, Harold Boreham, were charged in the City Police Court yesterday with disorderly behaviour in Princes street on August 25, both entered an emphatic plea of not guilty, and explained that the constable responsible for their arrest was "just a little bit too officious.” In fact, Stephen alleged that the constable was quite capable of coming to the court and telling lies under oath, to back up his officious behaviour.
Harold Boreham's contribution to a defence was the statement that if their names had been anything but Boreham they would not have been molested by the police.
Constable Smyth stated that on the evening of August 25 he saw the defendants standing near the Monument in the Triangle. Between 20 and 30 men were standing round them at the time, and the defendants were calling out to them in a very loud voice, and making a great noise. Both the men were under the influence of liquor. Witness went up to them and asked them to stop the noise and move on, but they refused to take any notice of him. They shouted at the top of their voices and continued to block the pedestrian traffic between the Bank of New Zealand corner and the Stock Exchange. People walking in that direction were compelled to go out into the roadway, where trams and motor cars were passing all the time.
Both the defendants took advantage of the opportunity granted them by the magistrate to question the constable, Stephen remarking that the sergeant at the watchhouse had not considered them drunk and had allowed them to go. When it came to a discussion of the incidents at the Fountain, the defendants became quite voluble in their references to what they called the officiousness of the constable. At one stage Stephen Boreham made an impassioned appeal in terms of his rights of citizenship. He asked whether a man under the British flag was not allowed a bit of freedom in life without being bounced off the street in the manner that he and his brother had been ordered to go home. According to the defendant’s story, the constable had arrived on the scone like a car of Juggernaut, pushing aside all impediments to his progress. In his eagerness to get to the scene of the disturbance, he pushed someone rather heavily against Harold, and for this he was taken to task by the amateur cross-examiners. Heated discussion took place as to who it was who spoke first to the constable when the pair were ordered to move on. Among other things, the defendants blamed the Salvation Army for attracting the crowd, and Stephen, in his evidence, said it was his usual custom to go and listen to the band on a Saturday night. It was after the band had gone, with the crowd still around the Monument that the constable decided to round up himself and his brother and accuse them of having created the disturbance. Stephen reiterated at various intervals his allegations of officiousness against the constable, and also accused that officer of slamming the door of a taxi on his foot, which had not yet followed his body into the car. When the constable stated that the accused were reading from a paper in a loud voice, Stephen said he could not remember whether he had a paper or not. At the close of their defence, Harold Boreham affirmed that if their names had not been Boreham they would not have been arrested, but the rejoinder of Stephen. "That’s a moral,” did not impress the magistrate, who remarked that had they been wise men they would have gone off home when they were given the chance.
The magistrate said he saw no reason to question the constable’s evidence. Each of the defendants would be fined 20s and costs. -Otago Daily Times, 11/9/1928.
CONVICTED AND DISCHARGED.
“If he is prohibited we are prepared to let it go at that,” said Senior-sergeant Quartermain, when Harold Boreham appeared on charges of being found drunk, and of being found unlawfully on licensed premises. “I think the time has come tor a prohibition order to be taken out,” remarked the magistrate, as he convicted and discharged the defendant on each charge, conditional on an order being taken out. -Evening Star, 26/4/1930.
The prohibition order was not effective. Harold Boreham saw the court room several more times before ceasing to appear. The following stories shed some light on his wartime experiences and his peacetime behaviour, as does his Army record. He was an unruly soldier, though not seriously, and was one of a band of experts in patrolling between trenches at night selected by Richard Travis, the "King of no-man's-land." Their work was invaluable and their otherwise unsoldierly conduct largely tolerated. It seems that Harold found it very difficult to adjust to civilian life after the war. He was certainly not alone in this.
SERGEANT “DICK” TRAVIS
Sir, — As one of Travis’s team, I was amazed at some of the statements made by your article, There are not many of us left, and they would not care to be called “cutthroats.” I have never heard them called that, but No Man’s Land was known as "Travis's farm." and we were his ”labourers."
Our headgear was the only headgear suitable for the job we did; also the carrying of a gas mask would impede a man, especially going through wire or crawling. We received permission to work without one.
Now, Sir, each man carried a revolver, two Mills bombs at least, and perhaps a silent weapon which would be small but handy to use. The job required quietness in work and not rifles and bayonet. Should your first correspondent’s letter catch the eye of A. Swainton, R. Conway, H. Boreham, and Alex. Macdonald, from South Dunedin, something may be started.
— I am, etc., Bill Keogh. New Brighton, August 21.
Sir, — As a footnote to my criticism of your article you state as a justification for the article, “It may be added that the article was based on information supplied by one who was closely associated with Sergeant Travis on active service." My justification for questioning the accuracy of some of the statements is in the fact that I happened to be one of Travis's Scouts until the battle of Passchendaele, after which I was no longer actively interested in the war.
— I am, etc., J. W. K. Milton, August 20. -Otago Daily Times, 23/8/1947.
Vivid Memories Of Dick Travis, V.C.
'NO-MAN'S LAND' PATROL SURVIVOR
INVERCARGILL, Today (PA) —
One member of the "no-man's-land" patrol picked by Sergeant Dick Travis, New Zealand's most famous soldier of the First World War, is living in Riverton. He is Mr. Harold Boreham, one of the seven men chosen by Travis at Armentieres, France, as suitable for night patrolling up to the German trenches. The others picked by the Victoria Cross winner in 1916 were Privates T. Barber, A. Campbell, J. McGregor, J. McGregor, J. Nicholson, T. Powelly and R. Fitzgerald.
Mr. Boreham believes all are now dead.
A memorial service will be held on Anzac Day at the side of the grave of Travis, who was killed in France on July 25, 1918.
Travis, V.C., D.C.M., M.M., Croix de Guerre, was buried in a cemetery above Couin where his grave is tended to this day.
The object of Travis's little band was to take over "no man's land" in front of the 2nd Battalion, Otago Regiment.
Expert group
It was thought that a small group of experts, whose sole task it was to patrol and who were exempt from all other duties, could better carry out the job.
That they did so is now history.
Since his return, Mr. Boreham has worked in the bush and coal mines in many parts of New Zealand, but mainly in Southland.
However, he has been unable to do heavy work since he broke his right upper leg in the bush 21 months ago. He had a steel rod inserted.
"I would like to go to France to lay a wreath on Dick Travis's grave," he said. "It was a pleasure to have known Dick. He was a fine man, calm and cool all the time." -Evening Post, 30/3/1965.
Dying Man Left Lying In Street
(New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, December 8.
“I do not think that I have heard of anything more callous in this context,” Mr J. D. Murray, S.M., said in the Magistrate’s Court today in declining an application for bail by Mr J. B. Robertson on behalf of William Robert Thompson.
Thompson, aged 54, a machine operator, pleaded guilty to charges of aiding and abetting Viti Vou, the driver of a car, who failed to render assistance to an injured person after an accident, and failed to ascertain whether any person had been injdrbd.
Sergeant A. C. Reid said that at 10.25 p.m. on November 29 Thompson was a passenger in a car driven by Vou, travelling south along Princes Street in the Exchange area. Near the High Street intersection, the car struck an elderly pedestrian, who was thrown on to the bonnet of the car and carried as far as the Chief Post Office.
Thompson was then seen to get out of the car and slide the pedestrian off the bonnet of the car on to the roadway. The accused got back into the car, which then drove off. As a result of the accident, the pedestrian, Harold Percy Boreham, died. When interviewed by the police, Thompson said that he had seen “a fellow” on the bonnet of the car, and Vou had stopped straight away. He had not noticed any blood on his hands after he shifted Mr Boreham, he said.
Sergeant Reid said that in removing Mr Boreham from the bonnet Thompson had to untangle Mr Boreham’s legs, which were caught in the aerial of the car. Thompson got blood on his hands and clothes. The accused had been drinking from 4 p.m. in the afternoon until shortly before the accident, Sergeant Reid said.
Thompson was convicted and remanded in custody to Monday for a probation report and sentence. Vou (Mr P. T. Finnigan) entered pleas of not guilty on two charges arising from the accident, and elected trial by jury. On two further charges of failing to ascertain if anyone was injured after an accident, and failing to render all practicable assistance to the injured person, Vou pleaded guilty. He was remanded on all charges to Friday. Bail was renewed. -Press, 9/12/1969.
