34871 Private Jonathan Keast, 4/1/1895-8/10/1918.

MIDDLEMARCH notes. 

MIDDLEMARCH, October 31

Three times last week were the flags hoisted at half-mast on receipt of the news of the death of local lads on active service. Lieutenant D. M. Moriarty left with the 8th Reinforcements as sergeant, and was wounded at the Somme during September, 1916. Thereafter he gained a commission and subsequently visited New Zealand on duty, returning to France with the 36th draft. Corporal A. G. Scoular, who was a resident of Pukerangi, left with the 37th Reinforcements, and could have seen but little service. Private J. Keast was a member of the 20th draft, and served constantly in France, until the time of his death. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved relatives.  -Otago Witness, 6/11/1918.

MEMORIAL SERVICE AT MIDDLEMARCH.

On Sunday evening a memorial service was held in the Presbyterian Church, Middlemarch, there being a large congregation.  The pulpit was draped with the Union Jack, while memorial wreaths occupied prominent positions. Mr C G Wilcox preached an able and thoughtful sermon from the text: ''They shall fight, because the Lord is with them."  At the conclusion of the address, Mr T. W Wise moved a resolution of sympathy with the relatives of Lieutenant D H Moriarty, Corporal A. G Scoular, Private J. Keast, and Fireman J. H. Hanson (transport service), news of whose death had lately been received. This was carried by the congregation standing in silence while the "Dead March" in "Saul" was played by the organist.  Otago Daily Times, 8/11/1918.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.  DCC photo.

IN MEMORIAM.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast (20th Reinforcements), who was killed in action near Lesdain on October 8, 1918, dearly loved twin son of John and Mary Jane Keast, of Middlemarch, in his 24th year.

Missed, sadly missed. 

We know he is gone to that beautiful land, 

And humbly we bow to God's will; 

But oh, for the touch of a loving hand

And the sound of a voice that is still. 

— Inserted by his loving parents, sisters, and brothers.

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private J. Keast, who was killed in action in France on October 8, 1918.

To memory ever dear. 

— Inserted by his loving brother, sister-in law, and nephew, Middlemarch. -Otago Witness, 14/10/1919.

KEAST. — In loving memory, of Private Jonathan Keast (20th Reinforcements), who was killed in action at Lesdains, on October 8, 1918, dearly loved twin son of J. and M. J. Keast, of Middlemarch, in his twenty fourth year.

So loved, so mourned. 

And with the morn those angel faces smile, 

Which I have loved long since and lost awhile. 

— Inserted by his loved ones, Middlemarch. 

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast (20th Reinforcements), killed in action "Somewhere in France," on October 8, 1918. "Ever remembered." — Inserted by his loving brother and sister, Mount Highlay, Hyde. 

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast, who was killed in action in France on October 8, 1918. "To memory ever dear." — Inserted by his loving brother, sister-in-law, and little nephew, Jackie, Middlemarch.  -Otago Daily Times, 8/10/1920.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE. 

IN MEMORIAM

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast (20th Reinforcements), killed in action near Lesdain, on. October 8, 1918, dearly loved twin son of J. and M. J. Keast, Middlemarch; in his twentyfourth year. 

Missed, sadly missed. 

All loving memories as we journey on, 

Longings for vanished smiles and faces gone. 

— Inserted by his loved ones. 

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast (29th Reinforcements), killed in action, “Somewhere in France.” on October 8, 1918. 

— Inserted by his loving brother and- sister-in-law, W. and D. Keast. 

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast, who was killed in action, ”Somewhere in France,” on October 8, 1918. To memory ever dear. — Inserted by his loving brother, sister-in-law, little nephew and niece.  -Otago Daily Times, 8/10/1921.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE

IN MEMORIAM

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast (20th Reinforcements), killed in action near Lesdain on October 8, 1918, dearly loved twin son of J. and M. J. Keast, Middlemarch; in his twenty-fourth year. “So loved, so mourned.” 

All loving memories as we journey on,

Longings for vanished smiles and a face that has gone. 

— Inserted by his loving parents, sisters, and brothers. 

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast, who was killed in action in France on October 8, 1918. “To memory ever dear"

— Inserted by his loving brother, sister-in-law, and nephew and niece, Middlemarch.  -Otago Daily Times, 7/10/1922.

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast, killed in action on October 8, 1918, at Lesdain, dearly loved twin son of J. and M. J. Keast, Middlemarch, in his twenty-fourth year. 

All loving memories as we journey on, 

Longing for vanished smiles and a face that has gone. 

— Inserted by his loved ones. 

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast, who was killed in action somewhere in France on October 8, 1918. 

"Fondly remembered."

— Inserted by his loving brother, sister-in-law, nephew, and niece.   -Otago Daily Times, 8/10/1923.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE.

IN MEMORIAM.

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast (20th Reinforcements), dearly-loved twin son of J. and M. J. Keast, Middlemarch, who was killed in action near Lesdain on October 8, 1918; in his twenty-fourth year. 

All loving memories as we journey on 

Longings for vanished smiles 

And a face that has gone. 

— Inserted by his loved ones. 

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast, who was killed in action, “Somewhere in France,” on October 8, 1918. 

“To memory ever dear.”— Inserted by his brother, sister-in-law, nephew, and niece.  -Otago Daily Times, 8/10/1924.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE.

IN MEMORIAM.

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast, 20th Reinforcements, who was killed in action near Lesdain on the 8th October, 1918, dearly loved twin son of J. and M. J. Keast, Middlemarch, in his twenty-fourth year. "Sadly missed.” 

Nothing but memory 

As we journey on. 

Longings for vanished smiles 

And a face that is gone. 

— Inserted by his loved ones. 

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast, who was killed "Somewhere in France” on October 8, 1918. "Ever remembered.” 

— Inserted by his brother, sister-in-law, nephew, and nieces.  -Otago Daily Times, 8/10/1926.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE.

IN MEMORIAM.

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast, 20th Reinforcements, who was killed in action near Lesdain on the 8th October, 1918, dearly loved twin son of J. and M. J. Keast, Middlemarch, in his twenty-fourth year. "Sadly missed.” 

Nothing but memory 

As we journey on. 

Longings for vanished smiles 

And a face that is gone. 

— Inserted by his loved ones. 

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast, who was killed "Somewhere in France” on October 8, 1918. "Ever remembered.” 

— Inserted by his brother, sister-in-law, nephew, and nieces.  -Otago Daily Times, 8/10/1927.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE.

IN MEMORIAM.

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast, 20th Reinforcements, who was killed in action near Lesdain on the 8th October, 1918, dearly loved twin son of J. and M. J. Keast, Middlemarch, in his twenty-fourth year. "Sadly missed.” 

Nothing but memory 

As we journey on. 

Longings for vanished smiles 

And a face that is gone. 

— Inserted by his loved ones. 

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast, who was killed "Somewhere in France” on October 8, 1918. "Ever remembered.” 

— Inserted by his brother, sister-in-law, nephew, and nieces.  -Otago Daily Times, 8/10/1928.

The same notice was repeated for the years 1929, 1930, 1932.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE.

KEAST. — In ever-loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast, 20th Reinforcements, who was killed in action near Lesdain on October 8, 1918, dearly-loved twin son of J. and M. J. Keast, of Middlemarch; in his twenty-fourth year. "So loved, so mourned.” 

And with the morn, Those angel faces smile, 

Which we have loved long since, And lost awhile. 

— Inserted by his loved ones.  -Otago Daily Times, 7/10/1933.

IN MEMORIAM

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE

KEAST. — In loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast, 20th Reinforcements, dearly loved twin son of J. and M. J. Keast, of Middlemarch, who was killed in action near Lesdain on October 8, 1918; in his twenty-fourth year. 

All loving memories as we journey on, 

Longings for vanished smiles, and a face that is gone. 

— Inserted by his loved ones.  -Otago Daily Times, 8/10/1934.

The above notice was repeated for 1935.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE

KEAST. In ever loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast, 20th Reinforcements, who was killed in action at Lesdain, on October 8, 1918; dearly loved twin son of Mr and Mrs John Keast, of Middlemarch. 

And with the morn, those angel faces smile, 

Which we have loved, long since, but lost awhile. 

— Inserted by his loved ones.  -Otago Daily Times, 8/10/1936.

The above notice was repeated for 1937, 1940.

IN MEMORIAM

IN THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE

KEAST. — In ever-loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast, 20th Reinforcements, of Middlemarch, killed in action near Lesdain on October 8, 1918. “To memory ever dear."

— Inserted by his loved ones.   -Otago Daily Times, 9/10/1941.

FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE

In Memoriam 

KEAST. — In ever loving memory of Private Jonathan Keast, 20th Reinforcements, killed in action near Lesdain on October 8, 1918. "Ever remembered."

— Inserted by his loved ones, Middlemarch.   -Otago Daily Times, 8/10/1942.

68905 Rifleman William Speid 14/7/1897-8/10/1918

Mr E. Speid yesterday received word that his son. Private William Ernest Speid, was killed in action on October 8th. Private Speid left with the 36th Reinforcements, little over a year ago. He had been in England since July, and on September 2nd was still, in but was expecting shortly to go to France. He must have met his death within a few days of entering France. He worked with Mr Clarke, the grocer, for some time, and latterly with his father in the carrying business. The late Private Speid was of a peculiarly winning disposition, and numbered many friends in Oamaru.  -Oamaru Mail, 26.10/1918.

Oamaru Old Cemetery.

ROLL OF HONOR.

IN MEMORIAM. 

SPEID.—In loving memory of William Ernest Speid, dearly beloved son of Catherine and Ernest R. Speid, 36th Reinforcements, killed in action, Somewhere in France, on October 8th, 1918; aged 21 years. 

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. 

A lonely grave in a far-off land, 
A grave we may never see, 
But while life and memory live, 
We will remember thee. 

-Inserted by his loving father and mother, sisters, and brother.  -Oamaru Mail, 8/10/1919.

27115 Lance-sergeant Robert Marshall Smith 9/10/1889-5/10/1918

Robert Smith was a miner from Roxburgh, working for the Ladysmith Gold Mining Company, when he joined the NZ Rifle Brigade in 1916.  He was a member of the Roxburgh Defence Rifle Club so had some experience in military matters.

He was wounded in action on April 21st, 1918, a shrapnel wound to his right hand.  The Brigade's Official History reports heavy shelling on their sector for that day.  Robert spent a week in hospital then returned to the war.

At the beginning of October, the Brigade was with the Allied armies up agains the Hindenburg Line.  The German army knew that, if they could hold their well-prepared defences, they might still win the war - or at least not lose it.  The "Great War" had long since become one of attrition - each side doing its best to bleed the other dry of men and resources.  If the cost of breaking the Hindenburg Line could be made high enough, the allies might offer armistice terms acceptable to Germany.

The Brigade's Official History describes the actions around October 5th: "On October 1st a great advance was made in the St. Quentin sector, many villages as well as the town of St. Quentin being taken by the French and Australians. In the Cambrai sector, our 1st Brigade took Crevecoeur after forcing the passage of the Escaut Canal, while the 3rd Division captured Rumilly. North of Cambrai the Canadians exploited their successes of the previous day, cleared the high ground west of Ramillies, and entered Blecourt.

"By a series of minor operations the battle was completed on October 5th, by which date the right of the Third Army was able to cross the canal and occupy the Hindenburg Line to the east of it, thus greatly simplifying arrangements for the next great attack."

Robert Marshall Smith's death in action was, it would seem, part of a "minor operation."  For sure his wife, Lucy, and his father who had already lost a son, it was anything but minor.

Roxburgh Cemetery.

35667 Rifleman Benjamin Gibbs 25/2/1886-5/10/1918

Mrs J Gibbs has received word that her son, Ben, was killed in action in France on October 5. The late Gunner Benjamin Gibbs received his education at the Pleasant Point school, and was engaged in farming for others and on his own account up till about five years ago. Prior to his enlistment he followed the occupation of a dealer at Kurow. He enlisted with the reinforcements from Timaru, but did not sail from New Zealand till the 23rd Reinforcements left. He was well known about the district.  -Timaru Herald, 22/10/1918.

Benjamin Gibbs joined the army in September, 1916 and embarked for the war the following April.  He spent some time sick in hospital in September and was back with his unit in October, 1917.  Ben was sent for two weeks in August, 1918, to a Lewis Gun training school then had two weeks' UK leave in September.  He was back with his unit on the 22nd.

At the beginning of October, 1918, allied forces were in front of Germany's Hindenberg Line and knew they had to break it to make any further progress.  They knew that their enemy had taken much time and effort to perfect their defences.  They also knew that the German Army was aware that, in February's Spring Offensive, it had used its last chance of victory before the weight of American troops and material would be felt.  At this time in the war, Germany's defeat could be averted only by a miracle.  The end of the war was inevitable, it was just a matter of time.  But many men would die before that end.

The Official History of the NZ Rifle Brigade describes its actions on October 5th, the day Benjamin died, and in particular "A" Company, Ben's Company:

"Along our Brigade front the enemy was found to be very alert, but at 9 a.m. on the morning of the 5th, 2nd Canterbury reported unmistakable signs of the slackening of his hold on the eastern bank of the canal in the sector to the south of us. Major Barrowclough passed on the information to Brigade Headquarters and at once proceeded to essay the crossing on his own front. His left company, "C," under Capt. D. W. McClurg, was already on the eastern side, holding a position immediately south of Crevecoeur. "A" Company (Lieut. H. S. Kenrick) was on the western bank in occupation of two bridge-heads, while "D" and "B" were in support and reserve, respectively. On receipt of orders Lieut. Kenrick promptly commenced the forward movement, sending. 2nd Lieut. C. W. Rule's platoon against the northern bridge, while 2nd Lieut. V. R. Bernard was instructed to force that to the south. It was at once evident that if the enemy had really commenced a withdrawal it was not his intention to retire to any great distance. Rule's men crossed with comparative ease. Bernard's platoon, however, was confronted with a machine-gun post established in the lock-keeper's house, but this was successfully dealt with, and the garrison of eighteen men with their two machine-guns was captured and sent to the rear. The initial stage thus successfully completed, the leading platoons, followed by the third (for at this time the company, being only ninety strong, was organized in three platoons) pressed on with the object of gaining a footing in Masnieres Switch, a strongly-wired trench running due south from Crevecoeur, and lying from 1,000 to 1,500 yards to their front. They had not gone far before intense machine-gun fire opened up from Masnieres Switch, as well as from vantage-points at the Factory by the railway-sidings to the north and at Bel Aise Farm to the south; and to this fire "D" Company, following in support under Capt. A. E. Brown, was also subjected as its foremost sections reached the bridges. Nevertheless the advance proceeded well, and, with the support of Capt. McClurg's men, who co-operated by working down the trench from the north, the leading lines effected an entry into the Switch at various points. On the right, however, the position was far from satisfactory, for the Canterbury troops, who had also crossed, were not in touch, and a counter-attack from the south appeared to be imminent. To meet this danger, Lieut. Kenrick took his supporting platoon up the sunken road leading to Bel Aise Farm, and with them formed a defensive flank, strengthening this with a platoon drawn from Capt. Brown's company.

"In the meantime the 1st Battalion, in the centre, and the 3rd, on the left, had joined in the thrust forward. Under cover of patrols sent out by "A" Company, 1st Battalion, then on the forward edge of the village, two platoons of "D" Company advanced to attack a strong enemy position about the Old Mill of Lesdain, some 300 yards to the east. This was on a slight eminence with a double escarpment, the first of which was successfully taken and held. Attempts were made to blind the position with smoke bombs, but it proved impossible to reduce materially the steady machine-gun fire, and the advance here was definitely hung up. The two platoons suffered 30 casualties. An attempt was now made to secure Lesdain, a village on the other side of the Escaut River to the south-east, with its nearer outskirts not more than 700 yards from those of Crevecoeur. For this task "A" Company was detailed. One platoon, under 2nd Lieut. W. Williams, worked down a small valley leading to Lesdain and took up a covering position. Two platoons then followed and were making ready to deploy for the rush forward through them, when a wounded runner crawled back with a message that 2nd Lieut. Williams and several of his men had been killed, and that the remainder were unable to move in any direction owing to the intense machine-gun fire which had suddenly opened up from the high ground to their right. Investigation showed that the platoons intended for attack could now do nothing but cover the retirement of their comrades, and even this latter operation could not be completed until after dark."

Pleasant Point Cemetery.

IN MEMORIAM

GIBBS —In- loving memory of Gunner Benjamin Gibbs, killed in action, October 5th, 1918. 

Killed in action say the cables,

That is all the tale they tell 

Of' the brave young lad who loved us, 

Or the lad we loved so well.

 —Inserted by his loving mother. 

GIBBS.-—In loving memory of Gunner Benjamin Gibbs, killed in action, Battle of Lille, 5th October, 1918, Late of Pleasant Point.

In a far off grave our hero lies, 

His loving face we miss,

He's gone, but not forgotten 

By those who love him best. 

—Inserted by his loving sister, brother-in-law and family. 

GIBBS.—In loving memory of Gunner Benjamin Gibbs, killed in action, October 5th, 1918. 

He died, that we might live in peace,

He fought for freedom, not for fame. 

Yet on New Zealand's Roll of Honour 

Stands inscribed our hero's name

—Inserted by his sister and brother-in-law, Mr and Mrs R. Wright.  -Timaru Herald, 4/10/1919.

ROLL OF HONOUR.

GIBBS. In loving memory of out clear son and brother. Gunner Benjamin Gibbs, killed in action, in France, 5th October, 1918. 

Two years to-day, but ever in memory dear. 

Thy loving name we breathe and shed a silent tear, 

Time cannot alter our love so true, 

This day brings back our grief anew, 

—inserted by his loving mother and sister May. 

GIBBS.—-In loving memory of Gunner Benjamin Gibbs, killed in action, Battle of Lille, 5th October, 1918. Late of Pleasant Point.

In a far off grave our hero lies, 

His loving face we miss, 

He's gone, but not forgotten

By those who love him best.

 —Inserted by his loving sister, brother-in-law and family.  -Timaru Herald, 5/10/1920.

61509 Private Henry James Bowie 8/5/1897-29/9/1918

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Private Henry Bowie was home on final leave this week and returned to camp on Thursday morning. 

Don't be anxious, little mother! 

All your needless fears dispel; 

Tho' your darling seems to smother 

In the morning she'll be well. 

If you keep her warm and cheerful, 

And all home-made dopes adjure — 

Don't be timid, tired and tearful: 

Give her Woods' Great Peppermint Cure.

Yesterday's casualty list...   -Tuapeka Times, 1/9/1917.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Before returning to camp last week Private Henry Bowie was presented by the Lawrence Patriotic Committee with a pocket diary as a slight token of appreciation from the citizens of Lawrence.  -Tuapeka Times, 8/9/1918.

Lance-Corporal C. Brent: I am just sending a few lines to thank you for your most welcome parcel which arrived safe and sound. Any eatables are welcome here as our rations are not too large and we can only buy lozs of cake or biscuit per day, and sweets are unobtainable. The socks were most welcome, too, as winter here in England has been very cold and wet. Have met quite a number of boys from Otago Central among whom were P. Hocking, Jack Orr, Ted Holloway, Henry Bowie, and Pat Mooney. They were all looking quite well and fit. Peter Hosking has since gone to France. Pat Mooney and I have visited some of the villages round here and a few Sundays ago we had tea with Jim Beattie who is in the Anzac Police. He was looking very well. The 33rds have arrived here but I have not seen anyone yet, as they are camped a few miles from here.  -Cromwell Argus, 22/4/1918.

Henry was in the 2nd Battalion of the wellington Infantry Regiment.  Here is the official account of the Battalion's actions on the day he died:

It was fine and misty on the 29th, when the First Brigade's share in the attack was launched by 2nd Wellington on the right, and 1st Auckland on the left. The operation was carried out with splendid dash by all ranks. Shortly after 5 o'clock, our men were down in La Vacquerie Valley and pushing up the slopes of Bonavis Ridge. One of 2nd Wellington's companies being held up by machine-gun fire at close range, Lieut. D. G. B. Morison crawled along a sap and threw bombs into the enemy post, and so enabled his platoon to advance above ground and capture the enemy gun and crew, although he himself was wounded.

PAGE 299

The First Brigade front was now re-organised for, owing to the darkness and unexpected swiftness of the advance, battalions were a good deal intermingled and disorganised. The two original assaulting battalions (1st Auckland and 2nd Wellington) assumed responsibility for the front line and pushed out strong patrols to the St. Quentin Canal. Later in the morning, Hawkes Bay and Taranaki Companies of the 1st Battalion were sent forward to fill up a gap between the two front line battalions and remained there until relieved during the evening. By noon on the 29th September, the whole of our gains were well consolidated.

After the objective had been reached, it was discovered that a party of nine of our men had pushed forward and was practically surrounded by the enemy. On his own initiative, Corporal T. R. Crocker worked his way forward and reached the party of which he took command, and, on his way back, mopped up such of the enemy as came in his way, capturing four, killing three, and inflicting heavy casualties on the rest.

It had been a day of wonderful success for the First Brigade. Our fellows practically over-ran the enemy to a depth of four thousand yards. 2nd Wellington alone captured 285 prisoners, 20 field-guns and 29 machine-guns while its casualties were only 43. Two officers in Lieuts. J. R. Taylor and D. G. B. Morison had been wounded, and Lieut. W. Carruthers, who had returned to the battalion with his commission only a fortnight before, had been killed.  -The Wellington Regiment (NZEF) 1914-1919.

Private Henry Bowie's life was part of the butcher's bill paid for "a day of wonderful success."

ROLL OF HONOUR.

PRIVATE HENRY BOWIE. On Monday morning Mrs Bowie, Hill street, received the sad tidings that her oldest son Private Henry Bowie, who left with the 30th Reinforcements, had been killed in action in France on the 29th September. The deceased who was 21 years of age, was born in Cromwell, and with his parents came to Lawrence some years ago when his father took over the business previously conducted by Mr A. S. Askin. He attended the Lawrence District High School where he finished by passing the Public Service Entrance examination, subsequently accepting a position in the Education Department, Wellington. He was a fine manly youth with a pleasant and likeable disposition, and during his residence in Lawrence popular with all who knew him. In their sad bereavement Mr and Mrs Bowie and family have the sincere sympathy of this community and of Otago Central where the family have been so long resident and arc so highly esteemed.  -Tuapeka Times, 16/10/1918.

BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING.

The ordinary meeting of the Lawrence Borough Council was held on Monday night. Present—The Mayor (Mr Winn), Crs. Leary, Christie, Thompson, Munro, Arthur, and Edie. Apologies were received for the absence of Crs Simpson, Finlayson and McKinlay. 

SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCE. 

On the motion of the Mayor, it was resolved to record on the minutes the Council's sympathy with Mr and Mrs Bowie on the loss they had sustained through the loss of their son Private Henry Bowie, news of whose death on the battlefield had just been received.  -Tuapeka Times, 16/10/1918.

 The Empire’s Cause.

Extreme sadness was again cast over the town on Monday last on receipt of the news that another well known local family—Mr and Mrs H. Bowie—had suffered the loss of their eldest son, Priv. Henry Bowie, in the great struggle on the West front. The deceased soldier was born at Cromwell, and received his earlier education at the Cromwell Public School. Later, with other members of the family, he resided at Lawrence and was a pupil of the Lawrence High School. Following school days he accepted an appointment with the Education Department at Wellington, and enlisted on attaining military age. Of late years he was the only member of this esteemed family who has not been intimately associated with the town of his birth, but was always spoken of in the highest terms by those who had his acquaintance. As a mark of respect flags were flown on the public buildings in the town. We join with the community in extending our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family.  -Cromwell Argus, 21/10/1918.

Cromwell Borough Council

Before proceeding to the business the Mayor referred to the bereavement suffered by one of their members, Cr Bowie, whose eldest son had fallen in battle. He moved — That the council expresses its sympathy with Cr Bowie in the death of his eldest son, Henry Bowie, who has made the supreme sacrifice for his country in France. The motion was acknowledged in the usual manner.   -Cromwell Argus, 4/11/1918.

Cromwell New Cemetery.

UNVEILING OF MURAL TABLET.

IN LAWRENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

On Sunday last, the 30th November, a mural tablet was unveiled in the Lawrence Presbyterian Church, in memory of the soldiers connected with the congregation who fell in the great war. The Church was very full, there being many visitors, including Sir James Allen and party. The preacher was the Rev. Dr. John Dickie, Professor of Theology in Knox College. The hymns chosen were all very appropriate and a full choir led the service of praise very efficiently. The preacher took for his text, Judges v., 2: "The leaders led, the people offered themselves willing.'' After dwelling upon the splendid service of both leaders and people in the war, Dr Dickie went on to speak of the magnificent services of Presbyterians and of the Presbyterian Church to the Empire on account of their devoted loyalty to the Throne and their sturdy independence. In moving terms he spoke of the terrible sacrifices which the war had entailed, and lauded the spirit which the nation, on the whole, had shown. Before unveiling the tablet, the minister of the Church, the Revd. P. C. Durward, made a few remarks, stating that it contained thirty six names of young men either brought up in the Church, or more or less closely connected with it by residence for a period in Lawrence. It was erected in grateful and loving memory of the men who had been faithful unto death in the great war for freedom and righteousness; and their names were engraven in marble that they might be read by many generations of their children, and might speak of service and sacrifice and heroism. As the Union Jack was withdrawn the congregation stood, and the Minister read the inscription on the tablet: "In memory of our Boys who laid down their lives, for King and country in the great war 1914-1918. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." The speaker said that he did not need to read the list of names as they were printed on the hymn sheet put into the hands of each worshipper. The Last Post was then sounded by Mr Perey Browne, a returned soldier, after which Mr Dickie led very solemnly in prayer. The hymns "How Bright These Glorious Spirits Shine" brought to a close a very impressive and touching service. After the service, and in the evening, many people went up to view the mural tablet more closely, and to scan the list of names of Lawrence boys. The tablet is of marble, and is erected on the west side of the Church, in the north or pulpit end, and faces the memorial tablet in memory of the Revd. James Will. It is 5 1/2 feet high and 3 1/2ft broad, and is of very beautiful design. The work was carried out by Messrs Frapwell and Holgate, of Dunedin. Following are the names appearing on the tablet.:— 

Major W. W. Turner. Capt. V. G. Egglestone. Lieut R. Egglestone. Lieut. Wm. A. French. Lieut. R. M. Watson. Sergt. John W. Black. Sergt. Jas. G McKay,. Sergt. James Falconer. Corp. P, C. Durward, M.M. Corp. Clarence Gray. Corp. John French. Corp. James A. Walker. Pte. M. Arbuckle. Pte. Ronald Blackie. Pte. Jas. W. Bennet. Pte. Henry Bowie. Pte. Frank Craig. Pte. Albert J. Craig. Pte. J. Cousins. Pte. John D. Durrant. Pte. Wm. J. Durrant. Pte. David McFarlane. Pte. Gordon Grant. Pte. Jas. A. Grundy. Pte. Gordon G. Hay. Pte. Frank Hendry. Pte. Andrew Hunter. Pte. Peter Johnson. Pte. Alex. Percy. Pte. William Rush. Pte. Wm. Turnbull. Pte. Robt. Jas. Tie. Pte. Belford Wightman. Pte. Jas. W. Stewart. Pte. James Wilson. Pte. W, C, L. Campbell.