4/956 Rifleman Alfred Howe, (8/8/1883-30/8/1918). "the enfilade fire"

Alfred Howe served with "A" Company, 1st Battalion of the NZ Rifle Brigade during the liberation of German occupied France which followed the failed German spring offensive of 1918.

"A" Company (Lieut. R. J. Grant) was on the right, astride the Cambrai Road leading from Bapaume through Fremicourt; "D" Company (Capt. P. E. A. Salmon) on the left; "C" (Lieut. M. A. Stedman) to support; and "B" (Capt. G. P. O'Shannassy) in reserve. The leading companies were extended over a line 1,000 yards in length, lying due north and south about 1,500 yards west of Fremicourt. "D" Company had been detached to the 2nd Battalion as reserve during its latest fighting, and owing to some misunderstanding, two of its platoons were still absent engaged as carrying party. They rejoined their company in the thick of the fight, thanks to their own pluck and perseverance and to the excellent leadership of Sergeant W. L. Free.

At 5 a.m. the artillery and machine-gun barrage opened, and after six minutes advanced due east by lifts of 100 yards every three minutes. Both the attacking companies met with stiff opposition from machine-gun posts established in the huts of the rest-billets on both sides of the road just beyond the line of the first barrage. These, enclosed within the usual thick earth banks built up as a protection against aeroplane bomb splinters, formed ready-made strong-points and gave considerable trouble. They were, however, smartly outflanked, and the line was able to move steadily forward with the barrage. The trench behind the billets was cleared at the point of the bayonet, and our men were within touch of Fremicourt.

In accordance with instructions, each of the leading companies skirted the village, leaving its mopping-up to the support company. "A" Company progressed steadily, clearing without serious difficulty some isolated buildings and a trench system running round the south of the village, and then, pressing forward up the slope, carried the final position with a rush. Except for some stiff fighting in the sunken road marking its left flank, and a sharp struggle about a dug-out position confronting the centre when half-way up the rise, this company, during the concluding stage of its advance, nowhere found the enemy's direct resistance sufficiently stubborn to cause a check, but as they approached the crest the men fell fast under the enfilade fire coming in from the right.  -Official History of the NZ Rifle Brigade.

Mr and Mrs T. Howe received word that their son, Rifleman Alfred Howe, was killed in action August 30th. He left with the 26th Reinforcements and is one of three sons who have gone to France.  -Timaru Herald, 12/9/1918.

ROLL OF HONOUR.

HOWE. — In loving memory of Rifleman Alfred Howe (4/956) killed in action at Bapaume, France, August 30, 1918.

Greater love hath no man than this 

That a man lay down his life for his friends. 

Inserted by his loving father, brothers and sisters.  -Timaru Herald, 30/8/1920.

IN MEMORIAM.

HOWE. — In loving memory of Rifleman Alfred Howe, killed in action at Bapaume, August 30, 1918. 

He did not shirk when duty called. 

— Inserted by his loving father, sisters and brothers.  -Timaru Herald, 31/8/1922.

Timaru Cemetery.

45926 Lance-Sergeant William Robert Potts, (3/9/1893-30/5/1918). "his loving girl"

 Mr F. Potts, 88 King Street, has received advice that his eldest son, Lance-Corporal W. R. Potts, died on May 30th. Lance-Corporal Potts left New Zealand with the 26th Reinforcements.  -Timaru Herald, 13/6/1918.

IN MEMORIAM.

POTTS. — In loving memory of Lance-Corporal William Robert Potts, eldest son of Mr F. Potts, Timaru, who died from effects of gas on May 30th, 1918, Somewhere in France. 

Died of sickness says the cable, That's all the tale they tell, 

Of the brave young lad who left us, Of the lad we loved so well. 

A lonely grave in a far off land, A grave we may never see, 

But while life and memory lasts, We will remember thee. 

— Inserted by his father, sisters, and brothers. 

POTTS. — In sad but loving memory of my dear boy, Lance-Corporal W. R. Potts, of the 26th Reinforcements, who died in France, May 30th, 1918.

You are gone; dear Will, but not forgotten, And as it dawns another year 

In my quiet hours of thinking, Thoughts of you are near. 

— Inserted by his loving girl, O. H. Mann.  -Timaru Herald, 30/5/1919.

William Potts' Army record states that he died of a heart attack, "condition aggravated by effects of active service," and has no mention of gas.  Both the Army and his family may have stated the truth.

Timaru Cemetery.

58635 Private Albert Victor Whitley, (1897-20/12/1917). "gone west"

Mr and Mrs J. Whitley, Bank street, Timaru, have received word that their second son, Private A. V. (Vic.) Whitley, has been killed in action. Private Whitley, who was 20 years of age was born in Timaru, and educated at the Timaru Main School. On leaving there he joined the firm of Beckingham, Ltd., where he served his time as an upholsterer. On reaching the age of 20 he enlisted and left New Zealand with the 29th Reinforcements. He was recently a member of the 8th South Canterbury Mounted Rifles Band.  -Press, 3/1/1918.

IN MEMORIAM. 

WHITLEY. — In loving memory of my dear brother, Albert Victor (Vic.) who was killed while on outpost duty at Polygon Wood, France, on December 20th, 1917. 

So dearly loved, so sadly missed. 

— Inserted by his loving sister, 

A.V. WHITLEY. —In loving memory of our beloved son and brother, Albert Victor (Vic.) 29th Reinforcements, killed while on outpost duty, Polygon Wood, France, on December 20th, 1917. 

"'Gone West' - with the glory of setting, sun. 

To an endless day of a well-earned rest; 

For another hero's part is done, 

And another soul "Gone West." 

— Inserted by his loving father, mother, sister and brothers, Bank Street.   -Timaru Herald, 20/12/1918.

ROLL OF HONOUR.

WHITLEY — In loving memory of Albert Victor (Vic), killed in action in France, December 20th, 1917, aged 20 years. 

His actions speak though his voice is still. 

Forget him? No, we never will; 

Memories of his upright ways 

Will linger with us, all our days. 

— Inserted by his loving father, mother, brother and sisters 52 Church Street. Timaru. -Timaru Herald, 20/12/1920.

IN MEMORIAM.

WHITLEY. — In loving remembrance of Albert Victor, (Vic.) killed in action in France, December 20th, 1917. 

He sleeps beside his Comrades, 

In a Grave far o’er the Foam; 

But his name is written in letters of Gold, 

In the Hearts he left at Home. 

Inserted by his loving Parents, Brothers, and Sisters.  -Timaru Herald, 20/12/1922.

IN MEMORIAM.

WHITLEY. — In loving memory of Albert Victor (Vic.) killed in action in France, December 20, 1917. 

In Memory Ever Dear. 

— Inserted by his loving parents, sisters and brothers.  -Timaru Herald, 20/12/1923.

ROLL OF HONOUR.

WHITLEY. — In loving memory of Albert Victor (Vic) A, killed in action in France, on December 20, 1917. 

To Memory Ever Dear. 

— Inserted by his loving parents, sisters and brothers.  -Timaru Herald, 20/12/1924.

IN MEMORIAM.

WHITLEY. — In loving memory of Albert Victor (Vic), killed in action in France December 20th, 1917. 

“To Memory Ever Dear.”

— Inserted by his loving parents, of Church Street, Timaru.  -Timaru Herald, 21/12/1925.

Timaru Cemetery.

6/338 Private Thomas John Bradford Grieg Robb, (18/7/1889-7/7/1915). "severely felt"

PERSONAL ITEMS

Private Thomas G. B. Robb, among those reported wounded at the Dardanelles, is a son of Mr T. Robb, of Hampden street West. He left as a member of the Bearer Corps.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 10/6/1915.

PERSONAL ITEMS

Mr T. Robb, of Hampden-st West, received a telegram from the Defence authorities yesterday, stating that his son, Private Thomas Robb, who was wounded at the Dardanelles, was still dangerously ill.  -Nelson Evening Mail, 17/6/1915.

Thomas Robb's Army record shows that he was admitted to the Hospital Ship "Gascon" with gunshot wounds to the spine and chest on June 1, 1915. On June 7 he was admitted to a hospital in Alexandria, Egypt, and died one month later.

Private word was received in Nelson last evening that Mr Thomas Robb, a retired employee on the Nelson section of railways, had passed away at Timaru yesterday afternoon. Mr Robb, who was very well known in Nelson and the district served by the railway, severed his connection with the Railway Department on account of ill-health, and had been living in retirement. Accompanied by Mrs Robb he about three weeks ago proceeded South for the benefit of a change of air. It will be remembered that a short time since Mr Robb received word of the death of his son, one of New Zealand's Ambulance Corps at Gallipoli, and the loss was severely felt by him. Deceased was greatly respected, and his geniality and courtesy won for him a host of friends, who will sincerely mourn his loss.   -Colonist, 9/1/1916.

12443 Rifleman Stanley Herbert McIntosh, (5/6/189428/3/1918.) "his all"

Stanley McIntosh was an unruly soldier, to say the least. His Army record shows a number of offences for which he was punished.  In July, 1916, he forfeited seven days' pay for disobeying an order. A similar punishment was handed out a month later.

In February, 1917 he was affected by gas, and spent time in a hospital in England. While there, he lost two days' pay (out of bounds), two more (AWOL), 96 hours' detention (conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline), and in July, 1917, was the subject of a Court of Enquiry that found him absent without leave for a month, and also deficient of kit to the total value of L7 8s 10 1/4d. Thirty six days' detention was the punishment for that, but it was reduced to 8 days by the Brigadier, plus forfeiture of 45 days' pay; presumably he was AWOL for that period.

Eventually, Stanley returned to his unit just in time for the opening of the German Spring Offensive in early 1918. In late March the NZ Rifle Brigade was hurried into action to plug a five mile gap in the line caused by troops retreating from the advancing Germans.  The Brigade was attacked on March 28th and Stanley was probably caught in a burst of fire from a German machine gun, as his condition is recorded as "gsw (gunshot wounds) multiple." He died of his wounds the following day.

ROLL OF HONOUR.

McINTOSH. — Died of wounds received March 28th, Rifleman Stanley Herbert McIntosh, of the 12th Reinforcements, son of Mr and Mrs J. Mcintosh, 37 Matilda Street. 

He did his bit.   -Timaru Herald, 2/5/1918.

ROLL OF HONOUR.

McINTOSH. — In loving memory of our dear son, Stanley Herbert McIntosh, 12th Reinforcements, who fell "somewhere in France,” on March 29th, 1918. 

He rose respondent to the call 

He gave his best, his life, his all. 

Inserted by his loving father, mother, brothers and sister.   -Timaru Herald, 29/3/1922.

Timaru Cemetery.

7/872 Trooper James Kingsley McIntosh, (6/11/1894-3/6/1918). "the shell shock"

A returned soldier, James K Mcintosh, of Timaru, aged 22 years, was found lying alongside his motor bicycle on the Pareora road on Friday afternoon, suffering from severe injuries to his head. How the man was injured is not known. The motor bicycle was not damaged, and the petrol was shut off.  -Temuka Leader, 28/5/1918.

FUNERAL NOTICE.

THE Friends of the late JAMES KINGSLEY McINTOSH (and late of the 3rd Reinforcements) are respectfully informed that his funeral will leave his parents' residence, Matilda Street (off Church Street), on THURSDAY, June 6th, at 2.30 p.m. for the Timaru Cemetery, via Church Street. W. J. LISTER.   -Timaru Herald, 5/6/1918.

Returned soldiers are asked to parade in full dress uniform at the Soldiers' Institute at 1.30 to-day, to attend the funeral of Trooper McIntosh.  -Timaru Herald, 6/6/1918.

SOLDIER'S UNTIMELY DEATH.

ACCIDENT ON PAREORA ROAD. 

An inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of James Kingsley Mcintosh, returned soldier aged 22 years, who was found unconscious on the Pareora road on the afternoon of May 24, and who died at the Timaru Hospital on June 3, was held in the Timaru Courthouse yesterday before Mr V. CS. Pay, S.M., Coroner.

Dr Cuthbert, of the Timaru Hospital, said that on May 24 deceased was taken to the Hospital in an unconscious state, with symptoms of a fractured base of the skull. He partially regained consciousness on two or three occasions, and recognised his father. He remained in that condition till his death on June 3.

Dr Ussher said that he had found that the only external marks of violence were abrasions of the forehead. The meninges showed signs of septic meningitis. The under surface of the brain on the left side was much lacerated. There was a corresponding injury on the opposite side. The base of tho skull showed a very extensive fracture extending from the left to the right side of the head. A small piece of brain tissue was caught in the fracture. The heart showed marked disease of the aorta valve. He thought that death was due to septic meningitis following on a fractured skull. The injuries might have been caused through deceased falling from a motor cycle. 

John McIntosh, father of deceased, said that deceased was 22 years of age and was a returned soldier. He last saw deceased conscious when he was at Pareora at about 11 o'clock on the morning of May 24. Deceased suffered from shell shock. He left for Timaru on a motor cycle. Witness next saw deceased in the Hospital. He had not known deceased to ride a motor cycle before. 

James McMeakin, salesman, said on May 24 he was returning to Timaru from the south. He saw deceased lying in the middle of the road and a motor cycle lying on one of his legs. He was unconscious, and was bleeding from the nose and mouth. With the assistance of some others he placed deceased in his (witness's) car, and took him to the Timaru Hospital. 

The Coroner remarked that the witness McMeakin had done quite right to pick the injured man up and take him to the hospital. 

John Gibbs, nephew of deceased, said that deceased had ridden a motor cycle for three weeks before the accident. Witness secured the machine afterwards and rode it back to Pareora. It was all right as far as the mechanism was concerned. The left footboard and the front number plate were slightly bent. The petrol was cut off at the handles, but not at the tank. The air throttle was fully open. The road was full of "pot holes." Deceased's right arm used to shake and get powerless sometimes, owing to the shell shock. 

Constable Fotheringham stated that he examined the road at the scene of the accident. About thirteen yards from where the oil had run out of the cycle when it lay on its side, he saw several lumps in the centre of the road. About three yards further on there were marks of something having been dragged along the road for about ten yards. From where the bumps were to the marks of the dragging, was a little to the side of the cycle had swerved on going over the lumps.

The Coroner brought in a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence that death was due to septic meningitis following on a fractured skull.  -Timaru Herald, 6/6/1918.

Timaru Cemetery.

Alfred Finch, (1860-2/1/1912). "his dear familiar face"

 FATAL ACCIDENT

IN A WOOL STORE. 

 ALFRED FINCH KILLED. 

Alfred Finch, an old and greatly respected resident of Timaru, once a Borough Councillor, and who has interested himself in different movements and associations for the public good, met an untimely and painful death whilst employed at his daily task yesterday. Finch, for many years head storeman for the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Ltd., was assisting in pushing a truck loaded with bales of wool from the store on to the outside railway line when a bale, weighing seven hundredweight, caught on the archway and toppled over, falling on the unfortunate man and rendering him insensible. 

The accident occurred at 4.40 p.m., just after the departure of the northgoing express. Finch and a man named John Dawson was shunting the loaded truck out in the usual way, and it seems that the waggon was carrying too high a load. The front portion was got through the doorway, but a bale at the rear of the truck caught on the archway and came down. Finch was on the loft-hand side and Dawson on the right. The bale hit Finch, still in a stooping position, on the back of the head, his head apparently striking the truck, and he fell on his face, the heavy package on top of him. No time was lust in extricating him, and Ambulance Superintendent Foster and several members of the brigade were soon at hand, while medical aid was summoned. All possible was done to save the man's life, artificial respiration being practised until the last, and injections were made to assist the restoration of the heart's action. Perseveringly the ambulance men and two doctors worked, until 6.50 p.m., over two hours, but Finch had passed away. The deceased was injured internally, and it is believed that the severest injury was to his head, while his right leg was also broken. A postmortem examination of the body was made last evening, and an inquest will be held at the Courthouse to-day. 

Deceased, who resided in William street, is survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters. The body is at his late residence.  -Timaru Herald, 3/1/1912.

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

FRIENDS are respectfully informed that the funeral of the late Alfred Finch will leave his late residence, William Street, for the Timaru Cemetery on THURSDAY, the 4th inst., at 2.30 p.m. 

J. RADCLIFFE, Undertaker.  -Timaru Herald, 4/12/1912.

DEATH BY ACCIDENT.

IN A WOOL-STORE.
INQUEST ON ALFRED FINCH. 

An inquest was held yesterday morning into the circumstances surrounding the death of Alfred Finch, who was killed on Tuesday evening through a bale of wool falling on him in the N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency Company's wool-store. The Coroner (Mr Y. G. Day) presided, and Sergeant Bowman conducted the enquiry. Mr A. Barkas represented the Loan Company. 

Dr. Unwin said that on arrival at the scene of the fatality, he found Finch's pulse beating fairly well, and that he was breathing in gulps at intervals. "Witness sent for restoratives, and had artificial respiration practised. Deceased was suffering from a jagged wound to the tongue and upper jaw, which was partly broken. Convulsive gasps were now more frequent, and despite the injection of restoratives, the pulse got weaker, and the breathing less frequent. Dr. Talbot was now called in, and he and decided that it would be useless to proceed further, so weak was the action of the heart. Artificial respiration was kept up for two hours and a half, and at the cessation of this, the heart's action stopped. Witness made a postmortem examination of the body, and found that the right leg was fractured in two places just below the knee. There were no other injuries to the head, other than those named. The spinal cord was broken opposite the third vertebra, this causing paralysis to the respiratory muscles. Death was due to shock and fracture of the spinal cord. 

John Dawson, labourer, said he was alongside deceased, shunting a truck out of the store on Tuesday. The truck was loaded with bales of dumped wool. It was nearly through the archway, and witness, on the left side of the truck, was stooping to grasp the catch at the turntable when something grazed his right leg and he heard a thud. Turning round he saw deceased with a bale on top of him, across his legs. The bale was removed, and the police, ambulance and medical man were called in. The truck contained twenty "dumps," as usual, and the top bale must have grazed the arch. Such loads always ran very close to the arch. The bales were not secured in any way. Witness was only employed two or three days in the store, and deceased had warned him always to watch the top bales when going through the archway.

Alfred James Christmas, labourer who was "braking" the truck, said he felt no obstruction such as would be caused by a bale catching on the archway. Witness had worked in the store for the past two wool seasons and had never a bale catch on the archway, although Finch had warned him always to be on the look-out for such an occurrence. 

Oliver Alfred Finch, son of the deceased, gave evidence of identification stating that his late father, 51 years of age, was employed by the Loan Company for five years.

The Coroner brought in a verdict that deceased died from compression of the spinal cord and shock, accidentally cause by a bale pf wool. From the evidence there was no blame attachable to any person at all.  -Timaru Herald, 4/1/1912.

Timaru Cemetery.