The Princes Lubecki of Poland

There is a Polish Prince buried in Dunedin's Southern Cemetery.  In fact, there are two.  (There's a Russian Princess at Anderson's Bay, too - but that's another story.)

Prince Alois Konstantin Lubecki was a descendant of Prince Rurik, a Norseman or Viking whose family ruled what became the Kingdom of Russia from the 9th to the 17th century.  Prince Alois descended from a branch of the family which had settled in Lithuania and, after the union with Poland, effectively became a Pole.

The Lubeckis held large estates in the east of Poland and Alois put everything at risk when he supported the attempt by many Poles to establish some kind of independent state in the 1830 November Uprising.  Poland had been divided up between its three large neighbours - Austria, Prussia and Russia - by the end of the 18th century, and had briefly known a kind of independence under Napoleon.  Russian Poland had a constitution - but that was little more than a document and Russia's rule was becoming more and more dictatorial.

Alois was a General in the Polish National Army and, with the collapse of the uprising, left his homeland for Dresden in Saxony.  After a period of serious illness, he moved to France and then to England.  There he met and married Laura Duffus in 1836 and, possibly inspired by his brother in law Reverend John Duffus, sailed with him to Sydney, Australia, arriving in October 1838 and settling in Parramatta.  Their first child, Jean Konstantin, was born soon after arrival but their fortunes did not prosper and Alois was unable to find work.

The Lubeckis opened a school for young ladies in 1840 at Gough House in Parramatta.  The young ladies were taught the basics and, for an extra fee, could be taught pianoforte, singing, drawing, French or dancing.

The school flourished and so did the Lubecki family - Alois Duffus Lubecki was born in 1841.  But at the end of that year there was a depression and the school was broke by March, 1842.  Alois suffered a nervous breakdown and the family moved to Sydney.

Two daughters were born in Sydney and the family shortly moved to Melbourne where Alois worked as a confectioner while Laura taught.  Alois Junior joined the Victorian Civil Service as a trainee telegraph operator in 1862.  In June, 1863 the family sailed for New Zealand and settled in a house on the corner of George and Union Streets in Dunedin.  Alois senior died the next year after several years of bad health and his son Jean inherited the title of Prince.  Jean died the next year and was buried next to his father and so the title went to Alois junior.

Alois and Jean in the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.  Photo: Allan Steel.  The headstone has recently (2021) been restored.

Madame Lubecki, as she continued to be known, opened another school for young ladies in Dunedin and followed that profession until 1895 when she moved to Nelson.  She died, aged 86, in 1901.  "Princess Lubecki (wrote the papers) of late had not, by reason of her age, been able to lead an active life, but in earlier years it was her pleasure and wont to be engaged in good works, and her goodness of heart and charity were such that to hear ill spoken of anyone was to her painful."

Eden Bank House, demolished 1966.  Hocken Library photo.

Alois Junior became Officer-in-charge of the Dunedin telegraph office in 1865 and worked at his post for thirty years.  He was instrumental in the arranging of the first telephone call in New Zealand - between Dunedin and Milton on February 2nd, 1878.  Alois' superior, who gave the order for the call was named Charles Lemon and Dunedin's telephone poles were inevitably called "Lemon trees" by its citizens.

Dunedin Telegraph Office - photo from "Transpress NZ"

Alois' later life was described by a friend, Judge Sir Frederick Chapman, after Alois' death in 1926:

"One of my first acquaintances when I arrived in Dunedin in August 1872, was Mr. Lubecki. He was then chief official in the Telegraph Office, where he commenced and ended his official career. I had taken a keen interest in Polish affairs ever since the rebellion of 1863, when I was at school, an interest which I have never lost. Since then I have written many articles on Polish affairs, but I am bound to say that few read them. I never met anybody in New Zealand, save Mr. Lubecki, with whom I could discuss such matters. Between us the fate of Poland in the past was a matter which we frequently discussed, without however, a glimpse of daylight to the future.

"Having retired from the Government service, Mr. A.D. Lubecki paid a visit to Poland. He told me that he enquired whether it was possible to recover any of his father's property. The answer was 'No'. The property of a Polish insurgent which was forfeited by the Imperial Government has never been restored. In less material matters he received much attention. At the Consulate in London, whither he went to have his passport signed, he was treated as a Russian noble.

"At Warsaw, Mr. Lubecki on one occasion received a visit from a Russian noble who had called by order of the Czar, Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias, to tell him that a command had come from his Imperial Majesty to General Gourko, Governor of Poland, to make an official call on the New Zealander and to intimate the Emperor's cousin who resided in Warsaw, would also call on 'Your Highness'. The modest civil servant from the nether world tried to disclaim this form of address. 'Your Highness cannot disclaim your title when in His Imperial Majesty's Dominions.' was the reply. After that 'His Highness' had to accustom himself to the honour. The Russian Governor, by the Emperor's orders, placed a carriage at his disposal and every sort of attention was used to reconcile him to the situation. He visited many of the great Polish families penetrating even into Austrian Poland, and was everywhere warmly received and duly accorded his rank as a Polish noble. The Herald's College at Warsaw presented him with an official pedigree, showing his descent from the great Ruric. Many years afterwards he revisited Poland, travelling far out to the east where one of his cousins held a great estate. He lived to see his father's native country restored to freedom and independence."  -New Zealand Herald.

Alois Duffus Lubecki died at Helensville on July 25th, 1926.  With him died the line of the Princes Lubecki of New Zealand.

The Lubecki grave at Wakapuaka Cemetery, Nelson.

48855 Private Charles Cecil Halstead, 6/6/1894-10/2/1918.

Charles Halstead was a brought up in Pleasant Point, South Canterbury, and was a farm worker at Fairlie, just up the road, when he was enlisted in the Canterbury Infantry Regiment.  He appealed his call-up on February 6th, 1917, stating that the farm could not run without him but his appeal was dismissed.

He left New Zealand in June, 1917, and joined the 1st Battalion, CIR, on December 19th at Howe Camp near Rouen in France.

His record states that Charles was killed in action.  But the Canterbury Infantry Regiment's Official History doesn't show them as being in action on that day.  The closest reference before Charles' death is that on the night of the 8/9th of February the 1st Battalion relieved units of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade in the Polygon Wood area of the Paesschendaele sector.

Pleasant Point cemetery.

IN MEMORIAM

HALSTEAD — In loving memory of our dear son, Charles Cecil Halstead, who was killed in action in France, February 10th, 1918. 

One less at home. 

The charmed circle broken — a dear face 

Missed day by day from its accustomed place. 

But cleansed, and sacred, and perfected by grace. 

One more in heaven, One less on earth. 

Its pain, its sorrow and toil to share, 

One less the pilgrim's daily cross to hear, 

One more the crown of ransomed saints to wear, 

At home in heaven. 

— Inserted by his loving parents and sister.  -Timaru Herald, 10/2/1919.

15272 Corporal William Williamson, 7/7/1889-10/2/1918.

THE CALL TO ARMS

RATANUI SOLDIERS FAREWELLED. 

A farewell concert was tendered to Private William Williamson (now Corporal), of the 15th Reinforcements, on July 20. Although the weather was anything but favourable, a large number assembled in the school to bid him farewell and God-speed. A musical programme having been gone through, Mr E. Davis presented the departing soldier, on behalf of those present, with a wristlet watch, suitably inscribed. Private Williamson in a few appropriate remarks thanked all present for their kindness to him. After supper had been partaken of the floor was cleared for dancing, which was kept up for a few hours." - Clutha Leader, July 18, 1916.

Williamson left New Zealand for Europe in November, 1916, enrolled in the Otago Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, D Company.

The Official History of the Otago Infantry Regiment describes the 1st and 2nd Battalions as returning to the front on February 8th, 1918, at Polygon Wood.  They were engaged in strengthening their defences for the next few days, especially putting up barbed wire.  On the 12th, enemy artillery gave them some attention.  On the 10th, William was killed.  He was 28.

Waitati Cemetery, photo by Allan Steel

WILLIAMSON.— In loving memory of 15272 — Corporal William Williamson, who was killed in action in Belgium on February 10, 1918. 

His King and Country called him, 

That call was not in vain, 

On Britain's roll of honour 

You'll find our hero's name. 

- Inserted by his loving father and mother, sisters and brothers.  -Otago Witness, 12/2/1919 and ODT, 10/2/1919.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE

WILLIAMSON — In loving memory of Corporal William Williamson,15th Reinforcements, killed 10th February, 1918, at Ypres, the dearly beloved second son of William and Mary Williamson, Waitati (late of Ratanui, Catlins). 

We miss you most who loved you best.

 — Inserted by his loving father and mother.  

WILLIAMSON — In loving memory of our dear brother, Corporal Wm. Williamson, who was killed in Belgium on February 10, 1918. 

In a distant land he lies 

At rest in a soldier's grave; 

His battles fought, his name enrolled 

On the scroll of the deathless brave.

— Inserted by his loving sisters and brothers, Ratanui. -Otago Witness, 17/2/1920.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE.

IN MEMORIAM. WILLIAMSON. — In loving memory of Corporal William Williamson (15272), beloved second son of William and Mary Williamson, who was killed in action in Belgium on February 10, 1918. 

A light is from our household gone,

A voice we loved is stilled;

A place is vacant in our home,

Which never can be filled.

— Inserted by his loving father, mother, sisters, and brothers.  -Otago Daily Times, 10/2/1921.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.

IN MEMORIAM. 

WILLIAMSON — In loving memory of Corporal William Williamson, (15th Reinforcements), who was killed in Belgium on February 10, 1918, beloved second son of William and Mary Williamson, Waitati. 

Four years have passed, our hearts still sore, 

As time rolls on we miss him more. 

His welcome smile, his loving face; 

No one can ever fill his place. 

— Ilnserted by his loving parents, brothers, and sisters. -Otago Daily Times, 10/2/1922.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE. 

IN MEMORIAM. 

WILLIAMSON — In loving memory of 15272 Corporal William Williamson, who was killed near Ypres on February 10, 1918. 

Oh! for the touch of a vanished hand, 

And the sound of a voice that is still.  -Otago Daily Times, 11/2/1925.

61174 Private John Stewart Anderson, 2/4/1891-9/2/1918.

John Anderson grew up on Duke Street, North Dunedin.  He was a leather merchant when he enlisted and, for some reason, was enlisted in the Auckland Infantry Regiment.  He shipped out in November of 1917 and on February 7th, 1918 he was reported as "died from sickness."  His records state that the cause of death was cerebro-spinal meningitis.  He died at Tidworth Hospital near the large Army training centre on Salisbury Plain, England.

He was 26.  His estate was worth 997 pounds.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.  Photo:  Allan Steel

55101 Rifleman Victor Hannah Colin McDonald Thurston, 2/5/1897-5/2/1918.

Victor Thurston grew up on Lees Street in Oamaru as a foster child, the youngest child of eight from Gore and became an ironmoulder, working for the company of J G Finch in Oamaru.  He was called up for the army in February of 1917 and reached Britain, joining the New Zealand Rifle Brigade.

This is all that the Official History of the NZ Rifle Brigade has to say about the day that Victor died:  "On February 4th, in retaliation for the enemy's bombardment on the 2nd, our artillery carried out a heavy and prolonged shelling of the enemy's sector on our front. The Germans responded with a steady bombardment of our lines with "sneezing-gas" throughout the 5th, and supplemented this with a series of "shell-storms" on the 7th."

"Sneezing gas" seems to be a compound called diphenylchloroarsine, known to the Germans as "mask breaker" in the belief that it could penetrate most gas masks and force their removal.  This would make the wearer vulnerable to whatever other gas was being sent over to them or other gasses in a mix with the "sneezing gas."  As a morbid aside, it was regarded as more useful to injure than to kill a soldier in this way - a dead soldier was buried.  A wounded soldier had to be carried behind the lines with a useful effect on manpower and morale.

So there he is, Victor Thurston.  At twenty years old, another "killed in action," in an action which was not worth the reporting.  As dead as any hero or coward.  Another waste of a young life who should have survived to work, play, love and live.

Instead he lies in the Polygon Wood Cemetery at Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.

The Calderwood family grave, Oamaru Old Cemetery

         

17304 Gunner Trevor Greek Lane, NZFA, 24/4/1890-4/2/18.

Trevor Greek Lane was the son of Josiah Pearce Lane, the owner of Lane's soft drink company.  After his education at High Street school, Dunedin, he became a commercial traveller, first for Sargood, Son and Ewing of Dunedin and then as the North Island representative of F H King and Co, Warehousemen.

High St School Memorial Gate

                                     

In June of 1916 he enlisted in the New Zealand Field Artillery and was shipped out to the UK, arriving in January of 1917.  He was in action at the Battle of Messines, serving on the crew of an 18-pounder gun.  He experienced a lot of retaliatory fire from German lines during the Messines Battle  and also during the Battle of Passchendaele later in 1917.

18-pounder gun in action "somewhere in France"

Trevor Lane's death would seem to have been described in the Official History of the NZ Field Artillery - it seems that the incident below was the only one of note at that time:

"Events in February followed their course without notable change, except that the much-discussed German offensive was regarded as being increasingly imminent, and every precaution was taken to detect signs of unusual activity behind the enemy lines. When it was ascertained that the trenches opposite the Divisional sector were held by a German division newly transferred from the Eastern Front, it was decided to accord it a reception calculated to increase the disfavour with which these transferred divisions were said to regard service on the Western Front. This took the form of a creeping barrage, fired by the Divisional Artillery in co-operation with the heavy artillery and the guns of the 66th Division on the left. Fire was maintained for forty minutes, and so far as could be judged the results were considered to have been very satisfactory.

"The enemy, who invariably made good use of his observation balloons when conditions were favourable, effectively engaged some of the battery positions during this shoot. At the 11th Battery's position he secured a direct hit on one gun just as the battery was firing its last round, completely destroying the gun and killing all five members of the gun crew."

Trevor Lane was 28 years old.

Lane Family grave, Southern Cemetery, Dunedin

36597 Sergeant John Gilks, 23/7/1897-21/1/1918.

John Gilks grew up in Montgomery Avenue, Dunedin, just up the Leith from the Otago University.  He went to the nearby primary school in Albany Street and was made Dux in 1910.  He then attended Otago Boys High School then worked as a clerk for the shipping company H L Tapley and Co.

John Gilks, thanks to Susan Madden, OBHS

He left Dunedin for the Great War on the 26th of April, 1917 as part of the 25th Reinforcements for the NZEF.  He spent some time as a drill instructor at Sling Camp, the New Zealand depot on Salisbury Plain.  On October 17, 1917, his application for front line service was granted with drafting to the First Battalion of the Otago Infantry Regiment.

On January 20th, 1918, the Otagos returned to the front line.  Improvements to trenches they took over - especially drainage - could not be done due to the wet weather.  German raids took place on the evening of the 21st  and, according to the Official History of the Regiment:

"At 1.30 on the following morning the enemy was encountered in considerably greater strength. A total of approximately 100, in four parties, attempted a raid on the left of the line held by 8th Company of the 2nd Battalion, under cover of a preliminary bombardment. Only one of the four parties succeeded in getting through the wire, and none of them reached out trenches, the attack being beaten off by Lewis gun, rifle fire and bombs, aided by the artillery and machine gun barrages which came down promptly in response to a call from the line. In this action the combined bombing efforts of Sergt. Travis and Sergt. A. Maclean, the latter of whom remained at his post though severely wounded, assisted very materially in effecting the repulse of the raiders. There were eight enemy dead in front of our wire, and our casualties numbered one killed and three wounded."

It is very possible that the "one killed" was twenty year old John Gilks, died of wounds "somewhere in France."

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin

The loss felt by his family was expressed in following years, beginning on the first anniversary of his death:

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE. 

IN MEMORIAM. 

GILKS. — In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Sergeant John Gilks, who died of wounds, "Somewhere in France," on January 21 1918.
No one you loved was by your side,
To hear your last faint sighs; 
Or whisper just one loving word 
Before you closed your eyes. 
But the saddest part is yet to come, 
When our heroes all return; 
Mothers will be looking for their darling boys, 
But our Boy will ne'er return. 
— Inserted by his sorrowing parents, sister, and brother. 

GILKS. — In loving memory of our dear cousin, Sergeant John Gilks, who died of wounds, "Somewhere in France," on the 21st January, 1918. 
We looked for his safe return, 
And longed to clasp his hand, 
But God has postponed the meeting — 
Twill be in a better land.
 — Inserted by his loving grandma, E. Gilks, cousins Laura and Henry Simpson (Maungatua). 

GILKS. — In loving memory of our dear cousin, Sergeant Jack Gilks, who died of wounds, "Somewhere in France," January 21, 1918. 
As long as life and memory last, 
We will always think of thee. 
— Inserted by his cousins, Leslie, Stanley, Winnie, and Edna Hey.


Memorials continued to be placed in Dunedin newspapers up to 1929.  In 1928:

GILKS. — In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Sergeant John Gilks, who died from wounds in Belgium on January 21, 1918. 
A light is from our household gone, 
A voice we loved is stilled, 
A place is vacant at our hearth 
Which never can be filled. 
— Inserted by his loving mother, father, sister, and brother. 

and in 1929:

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE. 

IN MEMORIAM. 

GILKS — In loving memory of our dear son and brother. Sergeant John Gilks,who died from wounds in Belgium on January 21, 1918. 
There is someone who misses you sadly. 
And finds the years long since you went; 
There is someone who thinks of you daily. 
But tries to be brave and content. 
— Inserted by his loving mother, father, sister, and brother,