403463 Sergeant Pilot James Frederick Lewthwaite, (2/11/1918-5/1/1942). "first pilot to leave"

AIRMAN HONOURED 

The Duvauchelle hall was filled to overflowing when a social was given in honour of Sergeant Pilot J. F. Lewthwaite, the first pilot to leave the district for seryice Overseas. Members of the Duvauchelle Home Guard and returned soldiers were present. Mr E. A. Pettigrew, on behalf of the residents of the district, wished the guest of honour Godspeed and presented him with a gold wristlet watch and a parcel from the Duvauchelle subcentre of the Red Cross Society. Mr C. Dalbeth. president of the Peninsula Returned Soldiers’ Association, also expressed good wishes. Dance music was played by Reynish’s band, and extras by Miss Bailey.  -Press, 9/4/1941.

ENGAGEMENTS

The engagement is announced of Kathrine Margaret, twin daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel J. B. Mawson, headmaster of St. Andrew's College, and Mrs Mawson, to Sergeant Pilot James Frederick Lewthwaite, R.N.Z.A.F., only son of Mr and Mrs F. A. Lewthwaite, Duvauchelle, Banks Peninsula.  -Press, 19/4/1941.

James Lewthwaite served with 40 Squadron, RAF, based on Malta and flying Wellington bombers. In support of Commonwealth forces in North Africa, 40 Squadron bombed Italian airfields and ports and would also send individual planes on nuisance raids which would keep workers awake with the guns firing at them.

It seems that it was on one of those lone flights that James' plane was shot down over Sicily.  He and his crew are buried in the Catania war cemetery.

BANKS PENINSULA PILOT

BELIEVED KILLED IN AIR OPERATIONS

Mr and Mrs F. A. Lewthwaite, of Duvauchelle, have received advice that their only son, Sergeant Pilot James Lewthwaite. who was reported missing from Malta on January 5 of this year, is now listed as missing, believed killed. The Red Cross has also advised that the Rome radio stated that Sergeant Pilot Lewthwaite was killed in an air raid over Sicily. 

Sergeant Pilot Lewthwaite was the first Banks Peninsula airman to qualify as a pilot in New Zealand, and he left for England on Anzac Day, 1941. After his arrival in England he was engaged in air operations over enemy territory during September and October, and was then transferred to Malta. Sergeant Pilot Lewthwaite was educated at the Akaroa District High School and the Christchurch Boys’ High School. Before enlisting, he was a pupil of the Christchurch Training College, and was also taking the engineering course at Canterbury University College. At the time of his death he was 23 years of age.  -Press, 3/7/1942.

Regret at the death in action of Mr James Frederick Lewthwaite, a former student of the Christchurch Training College, and Mr Bertie O’Brien, formerly sole teacher at the Koiterangi School, was expressed by the Canterbury Education Board yesterday.  -Press, 19/7/1942.

Duvauchelle Cemetery.  Photo from "Find a Grave."

John Charles Le Compte, (1878-5/4/1906). "not thought advisable to shift him"

A BOILER EXPLOSION.

G WILSON'S KUMARA MLL BLOWN UP. 

One man Killed Instantly. 

Another Fatally injured.

 Two Others Receive Serious Injuries. 

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.] [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] KUMARA, This Day. 

A bad accident happened at Kumara Junction at 10 o'clock this morning, when the boiler at Wilson and Coy.'s mill is said to have been blown to pieces, wrecking the mill. A sawyer named Bull, who lately worked at Hokitika, and is a married man with a wife and six children, was killed on the spot. Le Compte, another employee, was very seriously injured and is not expected to live. A younger brother of Wilson, proprietor of the mill, had his leg broken in two places and is internally injured. Batty, the engine driver, is also seriously injured. Doctors McKay and Mandl are on the spot attending to the men, who are being removed to the Kumara hospital.

FULL PARTICULARS OF THE ACCIDENT. 

ANOTHER MAN SINCE DEAD. 

(Our Own Reporter). KUMARA, This Day. A frightful accident occurred at the Kumara Junction this morning at ten minutes to 10. 

The boiler at Wilson and Gillies' sawmill blew up, injuring four men, three of them seriously and one slightly. 

One of them, James Bull (the sawyer) died about half an hour afterwards. He is a married man, with six children, ranging in age from 2 to 12 years. He hails from Southland. 

The second man is well known in Kumara, John Le Compte by name, a tailer-out. He is married, but has no family. He is seriously injured, and it is not thought advisable to shift him, as the doctor does not think he will live to reach Kumara hospital. He has one arm broken, and has a terrible gash extending from over the right eye for about eight inches around the right side of the head. Evidently the skull is badly fractured. He has other injuries, but those cannot be guaged until after examination. He is between 25 and 30 years of age, and a native of Akaroa, Canterbury.

Joseph Batty, the third man, was engine driver. He is badly scalded and is otherwise injured. He is a single man and comes from Coal Creek. 

George Wilson, from Camerons, a brother of the proprietor of the mill, is about 25 years of age. He was breaking down at the big saw. He has his leg broken in two places and is badly cut about the groin. The full extent of his injuries are nut known. 

Ziegler escaped with a few slight scratches.

All the other men about the mill escaped injury, some of them seemingly by a miracle. 

THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. 

The cause of the accident cannot be ascertained at present, as the awful suddenness of the disaster seemed to stupify even those who witnessed it. 

THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT. 

A visit to the scene showed that the boiler had burst in two, blowing the fire box about two chains away out under the shed and across the tramway, striking a hut on its way, and leaving nothing but the end of it standing. It was twisted almost out of shape. The other part of the boiler was blown across the saw bench, in front of which Bull was standing, and, close to him, Le Compte. It carried saws, pulleys, bench bolts; and a huge beam, eighteen by eight, smashing it in two, and splintering the ends to match wood, and burying young Wilson underneath, from which he had to be extricated by the aid of two iron jacks. In its course it evidently struck Bull and Le Compte, inflicting fatal injuries in both cases. 

Word has just arrived that Le Compte died going up in the coach. 

In exploding the boiler made a complete wreck of the mill, smashing the beams and scattering the iron off the roof in all directions, blowing pieces of timber and iron in all directions. In a word, the place is one tangled mass of broken woodwork, twisted and broken iron, with belts, pulleys, and saws and all manner of thing's scattered in inextricable confusion.

The disaster has cast a gloom over the whole district, as all the men were well known and very highly respected.

MEDICAL ATTENDANCE. 

Drs Morkano and Mandl were very quickly on the scene and did all that could be done. Wilson has been removed to the Kumara hospital. 

LE COMPTE ALSO DEAD. 

Le Compte died on the way up. 

NARROW ESCAPE OF THE OTHERS. 

The accident, happened while the men were oiling up and sharpening the saws. Had it occurred three minutes earlier probably three more men would have been involved, as they were working in the mill and had been ordered elsewhere just before the accident.

Among the marvellous escapes was that of a young man named Grey, who had only just left the hut and was only a few yards away when the fire box crashed into it, and made matchwood of it. Another was only a few yards from the course of the fire box unloading a trolley. Neither Bull nor Le Compte ever regained consciousness after the accident.

Batty is not badly injured. The man killed outright, named Bull, was well known in Greymouth, and was a member of the Star of the West Lodge of Druids. He leaves a young family, we fear none too well provided for. 

Batty, who attended to the engine, and who is injured but not seriously, is the eldest son of Mr Batty, farmer, of Coal Creek. 

The mill that has been destroyed was close to the Kumara railway station, on the western side of the line, and right opposite the main road going to Kumara. 

Mr Gillies, who is part owner of the sawmill, left Greymouth immediately the news was received to do all that was possible for the injured

(Received at 4 o'clock.) G. Wilson, who was hurt in the accident to-day, is now in a very critical condition. The inquest will be held to-night at 7 o'clock at Kumara Junction.  -Greymouth Evening Star, 5/4/1906.

KUMARA JUNCTION FATALITY

MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE

Numerous messages of sympathy have been received in connection with the recent fatality at the Kumara Junction, including one from the Premier, and one from Mrs Seddon to the Mayor (Mr Murdoch), and are as follows: 

“It is with profound regret that I learn of the sad accident through boiler exploding at Kumara Railway Junction. Kindly convey to the bereaved relatives and sufferers my warmest and heartfelt sympathy. — R. J. Seddon.” 

“Sorry hear sad accident. Please convey to sufferers and relatives my deepest sympathy. — Jane Seddon.” 

The following reply was sent by the Mayor; —

“Your kind messages conveyed by me personally to relatives and sufferers. Please accept their warmest thanks. Am sending you full particulars.” 

On enquiry to-day we learn that Joseph Batey is progressing as well as can be expected.

FUNERAL OF THE VICTIMS. 

This afternoon the funeral of the late John Le Compte took place at Kumara. The cortege started from the residence of his mother-in-law, Mrs Bell, thence proceeded to Holy Trinity Church, where Rev. Mr Smythe conducted the Anglican service in the presence of a large concourse of mourners. The cortege reformed outside the Church, and wended its way to the Kumara cemetery, where the last sad rites were performed, both by the Rev. Mr Smythe and representatives of the Friendly Societies. From far and near mourners came in very large numbers to attend the funeral of one so well known, so esteemed and respected The members of the Kumara Masonic Lodge, the Foresters and the Oddfellows and visiting brethren were present in large numbers. 

To-morrow the funerals of two of those who were killed — Messrs George Wilson and James Bull —will take place at the Greymouth cemetery. Arrangements have been made for a special train from Kumara. It will leave Greymouth for Kumara at 1 p.m., and Kumara for Grey at 2.15 p.m., returning to Kumara at 6 p.m., and leaving there for Greymouth at 7 p.m. Ven. Archdeacon York will conduct the funeral service over the remains of Bull, and the Rev. R. Stewart over those of Wilson.

The members of the Druids’ Lodge are requested to assemble at the lodge room Hospital street, at 12.30 to-morrow, and proceed to Kumara by the special train to attend the funeral of their late brother, James Bull.  -Gerymouth Evening Star, 7/4/1906.

The inquest on the deaths produced the verdict:  "That James Bull, John Le Compte and George Wilson met their deaths through the accidental explosion of the boiler at Wilson and Company's mill at Kumara Junction on April 5th 1906, and that no blame is attachable to anyone as every reasonable precaution had been taken to avoid accident. The jury recommend that an inspector of machinery be stationed at Hokitika or Greymouth, whose duty it shall be to make more frequent examinations of boilers and machinery than is possible under the present system."

Duvauchelle Cemetery.  Photo from "Find a Grave."

11/861 Trooper Malcolm William Bruce, (7/8/1888-27/8/1915). "there has been a big stir"

TROOPER M. W. BRUCE. 

Trooper Malcolm William Bruce, who has been missing since August 27, is the second son of Mr J. D. Bruce, of Akaroa, and is 27 years old. He was educated at the Akaroa District High School. Until he enlisted in the 4th Reinforcements he was farming with his brother, John Bruce, in Taranaki.   -Sun, 25/9/1915.

AKAROA BOYS AT THE FRONT.

Writing from the Zeitoun Camp, under date August 11th, to his mother, Mrs J D. Bruce, Akaroa, Trooper Malcolm Bruce expresses his pleasure at his company being ordered to Gallipoli.  "We, of the 4th Reinforcement, received word to day to hold ourselves in readiness to get out, which means that we will be equipped tomorrow night, or Saturday morning, so that the next letter you get will probably be a service PC, which sounds rather Irish, doesn't it? There has been a big stir in the Dardanelles the last week, but we can't got any particulars much except that there has been a big advance. There have been two or three train loads of wounded brought into the hospitals here the last couple of days. The Egyptian papers have had nothing in for a fortnight on account — partly anyway— of the religious feasts with which they finish the fast month of Ramidan — today is their Xmas day. We are all pleased at getting away together. Gee Spooner is going at the same time. We went for a good ride last night towards the Nile through what, I suppose, is the richest land in Egypt. It looks very quaint and beautiful in the dark with the natives working in the cotton and rice fields or coming home from work with their donkeys loaded with melons, dates, etc. In the evening, looking through the palms, it looks just what you would imagine Egypt was like; but daylight shows up a shortage of soap amongst the people. The letter ends with the usual appeal that letters should be sent regularly.

A letter from Trooper G. Spooner, dated August 15th, also sent to Mrs Bruce must have been written as their troopship left. He speaks of the advance made at Gallipoli, and expresses the hope that there will be some bayonet work left for them.   -Akaroa Mail, 5/10/1915.

Malcolm Bruce died on a day of furious fighting, in which the Canterbury Mounted Rifles, with other units, tried to take Hill 60.  It was a costly success but did not win the campaign.

Right on time the men jumped from the trenches. It seemed no distance to go, probably sixty yards, but every yard of ground was swept by enemy shrapnel and high explosives. Casualties were fearful, but the line reached the first trench and disappeared into it. It seemed minutes, but was probably some seconds only, before they reappeared. A short rush and they were over the second trench and into the third on the top of the hill. But mortal man could go no further. In each trench there had remained many Turks in spite of the heavy bombardment from the Anzac guns. These were now killed and their bodies, together with those who had been slain by the bombardment, literally filled the trenches.  -Official History, CMR.

Malcolm Bruce's death was made official by the findings of one of the many Courts of Enquiry convened in Egypt after evacuation.  He has no known grave.

Akaroa Cemetery. Photo from "Find a Grave."

Lois Catherine Brocherie, (1923-20/7/1937). "developed a cold"

BROCHERIE — The Funeral of the late Lois Catherine Brocherie will leavef Lamb and Hayward’s Chapel, 292 Cashel street, on Thursday, July 22 at 8 a.m., for St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Akaroa. Requiem Mass 10.30 a.m., and thence to the Akaroa Catholic Cemetery. Lamb and Hayward Ltd.  -Press, 21/7/1937.

OBITUARY

MISS LOIS CATHERINE BROCHERIE

The many friends of Mr and Mrs James Brocherie, French Farm, were shocked to learn of the death of their only daughter, Lois, which took place in Christchurch on Tuesday. Lois, who was aged 14, attended the Girls' High School Christchurch, and came home for the week's' holiday, 12-19 July in excellent health. On the following Saturday she developed a cold and then medical aid was sought as serious symptoms showed themselves. She was taken to Christchurch in the ambulance on Monday, but survived only a few hours after being admitted into hospital. Lois was a fine looking girl, popular with all her schoolmates, and her death comes as a great shock to many relatives and friends. The deepest sympathy is felt with her parents in their sad loss. 

Funeral The funeral was held yesterday, Requiem Mass being held at St. Patrick's Church, Akaroa at 10.30 a.m. Later the funeral was held at the Catholic Cemetery, Akaroa when Rev. Father Brown officiated at the graveside. 

The pall bearers were Messrs V. Brocherie, H. and Justin Le Lievre and J. McNabb. 

The following forwarded wreaths: Mother, Daddy and Terence; the Murray family, Nell, Jim, and the boys; Mr and Mrs R. Donovan, Mr and Mrs G. Cochrane, Mrs M. Gill, Uncle Felix, Auntie Min and family, Auntie Anna, Uncle Robert and family, Mr and Mrs W. Giddens, Members Duvauchelle Women's Institute, Rodney and Derek, Brian and Rona, Teacher and pupils of Barry's Bay School, Mr, and Mrs H. Haylock and family and her little friend Nell, Charles Sealey and staff, the girls at Acland House, Christchurch Girls' High School,. Mrs R. Stewart, Mona, Mac and Bert; Miss P. Clark Principal Girls High School, (Christchurch), Mrs E. T. Forbes (Christchurch), J. Stewart, Girls of Modern Form, Girls High School, Christchurch, Miss E. Gomyns, Mr and Mrs Roy Rhodes (Tikao), Miss E. and Mrs J. G. Le Lievre, Auntie Vie and Mrs Roll, Mr and Mrs Ayres and Betty, R. Anderson (Christchurch), Dorrie and William Weir, Uncle Pat, Auntie Madelaine and little cousins, Mrs Weir, Teddy and Doreen, Mr and Mrs W. H. Taylor and Betty.  -Akaroa Mail, 23/7/1937.

Akaroa Cemetery. Photo from "Find a Grave."

7/1184 Gunner Lincoln Frederick Armstrong, (2/12/1894-3/9/1918). "a fine hockey player"

 

ROLL OF HONOUR.

ARMSTRONG — On September 3, died of wounds received August 29, Gunner Lincoln Frederick Armstrong, youngest son of George Armstrong, Akaroa, in his 25th year. 

For King and Country.  -Akaroa Mail, 10/9/1918.

Gunner Lincoln F. Armstrong, died of wounds, was the youngest son of Mr G. Armstrong, Mayor of Akaroa. Gunner Armstrong was 24 years of age, and before leaving with the 6th Reinforcement was engaged in farming on his father's property at Stoney Bay. He was a keen sport and a fine hockey player, being captain of the Akaroa Club in 1914, in which year his team won the open seven-a-side tournament in Christchurch. Mr Armstrong's second son, Vernon, died of sickness on Gallipoli in 1015.  -Sun, 11/9/1918.

Much sympathy is expressed all over the Akaroa district with Mr and Mrs G. Armstrong in the loss of their youngest son, who died from wounds on August 26. Gunner Armstrong, with another brother, Vernon, left with the Sixth Reinforcement and saw service at Gallipoli,. Egypt and France. Beyond a period of sickness, he had so far escaped and was looking forward to his return. He was educated at the Akaroa District High School, and worked on his father’s farm. He was an active member of the Akaroa Boating Club and rowed in regatta and club races. The other brother died at Malta from sickness early in the campaign.   -Lyttelton Times, 13/9/1918.

Lincoln Armstrong enlisted in the Canterbury Mounted Rifles and was transferred to the New Zealand Field Artillery to serve as a driver.  He was fatally wounded on an active day against the retreating German Army in the closing months of the war - the Germans were retreating but made a stand at the French town of Bapaume.  The action was described by the Official History of the NZFA:

The country was swept by a heavy thunderstorm at 9 p.m., and rain continued to fall all night. After a conference with the infantry brigade commander, it was decided to push the 2nd Brigade batteries forward towards Favreuil, on the western side of the Bapaume-Sapignies Road. Two of the batteries, the 2nd and 6th, were to be in action by 6 a.m. on the 26th to support an attack on the railway line running north-east from Bapaume.

The continuance of the unfavourable weather conditions on the 26th did not contribute to freedom of movement, but batteries limbered up again and advanced a little nearer to Bapaume. Before dawn the enemy commenced to shell forward and rear areas with all calibre guns and howitzers, and between 4 and 5 a.m. he put down a heavy concentration on battery positions and the valley between Biefvillers and Favreuil. During the morning New Zealand infantry reached the road running from Bapaume to Beugnatre, but as the division on the left was unable to get through or round this latter village, the advance was temporarily held up. It was then decided to bombard Beugnatre, and so from 1.15 p.m. to 1.30 p.m. the village was intensely shelled, after which the place was taken, and a line established on its eastern outskirts. The 3rd Brigade batteries moved forward to positions east of Biefvillers, and at 6 p.m. all guns fired in a creeping barrage to enable the New Zealand infantry to go forward to the line of the railway running north of Fremicourt. This was successfully accomplished, except at one spot, which was very strongly held with machine guns.

While supporting this attack some batteries of the 3rd Brigade came under heavy and accurate fire from enemy 5.9in. batteries. The 4th Battery had four guns put out of action, several men killed, and eleven wounded, including the battery commander. The 13th Battery also suffered some casualties. Both batteries kept their guns in action, despite this sustained and destructive shelling, the gallantry displayed by officers and men of the 4th Battery under trying circumstances being of a high order.

Lincoln Armstrong died of head wounds in a French hospital.

Lincoln Armstrong commemorated at Akaroa Cemetery.

Lincoln Armstrong's grave at St Sever Cemetery, Rouen.  Both photos from "Find a Grave."

18992 Private John Neill, (1914-11/12/1941). "nothing short of death"

 

Obituary. — Private John Donaldson Neill, whose death from wounds has been reported in Libya, was well known in this district. Prior to being called up he was manager for Messrs A. Horne and Son, Middlemarch, in conjunction with which business he ran the rural delivery. Mr Neill is the first Strath Taieri boy who has given his life for his country in the present struggle, and much regret has been expressed at his death.   -Otago Daily Times, 21/1/1942.

-Evening Star, 12/1/1942.

John Neill was with the 23rd Infantry Battalion when it made its advance on Italian positions at  Gazala at the end of 1941.  News had arrived that Japan and the USA had entered the war and the prevailing attitude was to "get on with it."  And so they did. Sergeant J Harper described the charge of the Italian trenches:

"…So steady was the advance that the (Italian) gunners could not range quickly enough with the result that the shells were bursting behind our line, though to me it seemed that several direct hits were made on the right flank but the boys came out of the smoke and dust still in line, never faltering. It was a magnificent sight to see that thin line moving steadily forward into a hail of lead, with shells of all sizes…bursting all around….the fact that the ground was sandy saved more casualties….One more dash brought us to within bayonet reach. We crossed the ground swiftly, some of the boys shouting encouragement to each other. From my position on the left flank, I could see our line, straight enough to bring joy to any bayonet instructor, stretching away to the right flank. Roaring “Forward!”, I came up ready for the final dash. It made the blood sing to see the boys leap forward, a steady line of gleaming steel backed by grim faces. Nothing short of death could stop them now."

The 23rd consolidated their position and faced off an Italian counter-attack, which was described in the diary of Private Len Diamond:

"A slight pause and then the counter-attack, shot and shell, mortar and Breda make the ridge a red hot hell, a very determined counter-attack it seemed. Eyeties 50 or 60 yards off as thick as flies, and no support in sight for little old C Company. We grabbed their Bredas and used them. We give them everything, and then the unexplainable happened, they chucked it in, simply left their guns and hopped it towards Derna. There's no accounting for them. Through the action of aggressive, high spirited men, a mere company of us put to flight at least a battalion of sawdust cæsars. We captured two hundred odd prisoners, a large number of Bredas, Fiats, mortars, etc. But you ought to have seen the Eyeties that got away.

"Our fellows marched in 11 Italians including an officer. Nearly got a Hun, too. This is dinkum. When our fellows approached them, the 'Hun' wanted to have a crack at us, with the help of the 'Eyeties' of course, but the Italians didn't agree with the Hun, so to ease the situation they shot the Hun."

For the23rd, the day was a contrast to their recent experience on the island of Crete - facing Italian troops instead of the crack German paratroops and the skies full of British aircraft instead of the Luftwaffe.

Their relatively light casualties included 25 dead, including John Neill.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE 

In Memoriam

NEILL. — In fond remembrance of Private John Donaldson Neill, died of wounds, Libya, December 11, 1941. 

Gone from us that smiling face, Those kind and pleasing ways, 

The heart that won so many friends In happy, bygone days. 

— Inserted by Bill and Helen.  -Otago Daily Times, 11/12/1945.

Port Chalmers Cemetery.

1190 Trooper Frederick Armstrong, (1874-14/4/1904). "equal to the regular troops"

 

 Welcome to Trooper Armstrong. — As will be seen elsewhere, a public meeting is called on Tuesday night at 8 o'clock in the Oddfellows' Hall for the purpose of welcoming Trooper Armstrong on his return from the Transvaal War. All are cordially invited to attend, and no charge will be made for admission.  -Akaroa Mail, 1/2/1901.

WELCOME TO TROOPER ARMSTRONG.

The gathering in the Oddfellows' Hall on Tuesday night to welcome Trooper Fred. Armstrong on his return from the Transvaal was very well attended indeed, a great many Indies and children being On the platform was His Worship the Mayor, the Revs Smyth and Jamieson, the iown Clerk, and Mr J. D. Bruce.

Proceedings commenced with as overture very nicely played by Miss J. Lelievre.

His Worship the Mayor then said — "Ladies and Gentlemen, — We are assembled here to-night to welcome Trooper Armstrong on his return from South Africa to his native town. People may think we are rather late in our welcome, but it was possible to hold it earlier, and it is very gratifying to see such a large gathering. Most of those present had known Trooper Armstrong longer than he had — no doubt some of them had been at school with him — but he, though only a recent acquaintance, had been much struck with his quiet unassuming manner. As most of them knew Trooper Armstrong went out with the Second Contingent. He went away quietly without any fuss and he had come back in the same way. Had there been an opportunity no doubt he would have had a royal send off like the others. When he went matters in South Africa looked very black indeed. The British had sustained severe reverses, and there was no doubt that hard fighting had to be done, and no chance of its being over on his arrival. There was therefore all credit to him for going at such a crisis (applause). He went into the midst of the fighting on his arrival and suffered many and severe privations, and eventually his career was cut short by an attack of that enteric fever which had caused the death of so many of his comrades. He was invalided home and was, after a short rest, going back again to the front (applause). He (the speaker) had learnt more from conversation with Trooper Armstrong in half an hour than he had from all the newspaper articles and books on the war that he had read and he advised those present to have a talk with him if they possibly could. He had given him vivid impressions regarding the guns and the hospitals, the effect of lyddite shells and the 4.7 guns that had saved Ladysmith. He had also given him the opinion of the troops regarding the Imperial generals and the officers of the New Zealand contingents. He was glad to hear Trooper Armstrong's emphatic denial of the rumours that had been spread that Colonel Robin was a bib of a cocktail. He declared on the contrary there was no braver officer with the New Zealand forces (applause). They had not come there, however, to listen to him, but to welcome their returned fellow so he would not waste their time and begged to move — "That this meeting accoid a hearty welcome to Trooper Armstrong on his return from South Africa, where he has been nobly assisting to uphold the honour of the Empire."

The Rev. T. J. Smyth had much pleasure in seconding the resolution. He was glad indeed to welcome the wanderer back from the dangers of bullets sniping and enteric fever to the bosom of his family and friends. He also had learnt more from a conversation with Trooper Armstrong about the war than he had from other sources. Their returned friend was one of many who had shown deep devotion to the honour of his King and country, and as long as England had such soldiers she would never be afraid to face her enemies. (Applause.) He was a fine specimen of the men they had sent from Akaroa in twos to meet the enemies of Britain; the Armstrong's, Perhams, Knights and others — all these had fought nobly, and some had died for England. All there were jubilant at Trooper Armstrong's return, and when he returned he would carry back the best wishes and prayers of all. He wished him long life to fight for his country, and a safe return covered with victory. (Applause.) The resolution was then put, and carried with much enthusiasm.

Mr McCullough, accompanied by Miss Lelievre, sang "The Brave Old British Flag," and was encored. 

Trooper Armstrong, who was received with immense applause, said that, as most of them were aware, he was no orator, and they hid all read the papers, and must know a great deal more of the war than he did, for soldiers at the front had little chance of knowing what was going on elsewhere. Besides the game was not finished, so it was unfair to ask him to tell the story now, but perhaps if he returned safe and sound at the end of the war he would try to tell them all about it. (Applause.) He thanked them most heartily for their great kindness in giving him Buch a cordial reception, and would only say in conclusion that he could assure them that the Boer ladies were not half so charming as those of Akaroa. (Loud applause.) 

Those present, led by the Mayer, then, sang, "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." 

The Rev. D. Jamieson said that be had another resolution to propose, which was — "That this meeting congratulates the parents and relatives of Trooper Armstrong on his safe return." 

There were some special reasons why the toast was entrusted to him» notably that he was the near neighbour and good friend of the parents of Trooper Armstrong. No doubt that spirit which had caused him to be distinguished in the battlefield was heriditary, for his father before him had done many a brave deed during the Maori War. Captain Armstrong had been anchored in the Wanganui River, when he noticed a white man pursued by two Maoris. The white man, closely pursued, leapt over the precipitous bank of the river and held on to the rocks, and other Maoris with guns were running fast to make an end of him. Seeing the state of affairs, Captain Armstrong did not hesitate, but launching a boat went to the rescue, and by sheer bravery and strength of arm brought the man back safely under a hail of ballets. It was such a deed as to make them all proud that its chief actor was a member of their own community. He did not get the Victoria Cross though he had so nobly deserved it, but, on the contrary, some breach of red tape had been made, and his only reward was being placed in durance, from which, after great trouble, he was eventually released. In telling him the story Mr Armstrong, senr., had said, "But if I have not the Victoria Cross on my breast I have it in my heart." It was men like this who infused their spirt into their sons and bred typical soldiers. He had seen the armies of most of the countries of Europe, amongst them Bismarck's famous cuirassiers, but he had never seen finer soldiers than those New Zealand had sent to the aid of the Empire. (Applause) He was glad to welcome back their guest safe and sound, and was sure that on his return to the front he would do his duty in such a manner as to make all he left behind him proud of his valour. (Applause.) 

Mr Sims said he had much pleasure in seconding the resolution. He often thought that parents who parted with their beloved sons in order that they might fight the battles of the Empire were entitled to their warmest thanks. It was a hard task indeed to part with those dearest to us — not to defend our own shores — but to go thousands of miles away and encounter a hundred hardships and dangers. With little or no shelter in a bad climate — in rags for weeks with scanty clothing they had suffered uncomplainingly. When they read of the entry into Pretoria on the 5th of June — in rags and tatters — they could estimate the suffering of their soldiers and the pangs felt by those parents who had sent their sons — perhaps their only son — to the Transvaal War (applause).

Mrs A. Lelievre, accompanied by Mrs G. Armstrong, sang "Oh, had I the Wings of a Dove." 

Mr G. Armstrong, jun., replied on behalf of Trooper Armstrong's relatives; He said he was glad to see his brother safely back from the war. The men this Colony had sent had indeed done New Zealand credit, and he was glad that they had fought so gallantly under the old flag, which they all loved. His two younger brothers had gone to South Africa to fight in the cause of freedom against the Boers, and he hoped to see both do credit to the Colony and return safely to their New Zealand home when the war had ended (applause). 

Mr Jacobson moved — "That this meeting congralulates the New Zealand troops now in South Africa on the splendid work they have been doing at the front, and that Trooper Armstrong be asked to convey such congratulations to his comrades when he rejoins his company." In proposing the resolution, the speaker dwelt on the gallant behaviour of the New Zealand contingents under great privations at the seat of war, assured Trooper Armstrong of the deep interest with which the doings of his comrades and himself were watched in the Colony, and asked him to bear to his comrades at the front the love, admiration, and goodwill of the people of Akaroa. 

Mr Bruce, in seconding, spoke of the benefit the sending our men to the war had been to the Volunteers of the Colony. As an old Volunteer he felt very proud of the manner in which those who had gone to Africa from the Volunteer corps of the Colony had proved themselves quite as capable as any of the soldiers of the Empire. They had proved of what good stuff they were made, and in doing so had made it a certainty that the Volunteers of New Zealand would be more warmly appreciated in the future. The Imperial generals had frequently testified to the bravery and intelligence of the Colonial contingents, who, in spite of little training had proved themselves equal to the regular troops on the field of battle, on account especially of being able to think for themselves. They were all proud of the gallant men they had sent from New Zealand to fight the battles of the Empire (applause). 

The singing of "God Save the King " terminated the proceedings.  -Akaroa Mail, 8/2/1901.

Death. — News was received yesterday that Mr Fred Armstrong, son of Mr George Armstrong of Mount Vernon, Akaroa, fell dead in Kaikoura yesterday morning. Mr George Armstrong, jun., set out to try and reach Kaikoura to-day, to be there for the inquest, but we hear that, unfortunately, he was not able to get to Kaikoura in time. The original intention was to bring the body to Akaroa, but it is not unlikely that the deceased will be buried in Kaikoura.  -Akaroa Mail, 15/4/1904.

KAIKOURA, April 14. A man named Armstrong, a member of one of the South African Contingents, committed suicide, by taking poison, in the Adelphi Hotel, this morning. He left a letter stating that life lately had been unbearable, and that he intended doing away with himself.  -Lyttelton Times, 15/4/1904.

F. G. Armstrong, who was found on Thursday morning in a dying state in his room at the Adelphi Hotel, Kaikoura, served with the Second New Zealand Contingent in South Africa, being shot in the abdomen in one engagement. He underwent an operation for appendicitis recently, and had not long been convalescent. At the inquest touching his death (reports the Kaikoura Star) the evidence disclosed pecuniary difficulties of the deceased, a letter stating that he intended to end his life. The jury found that he died from the effects of phenol and chlorodyne self-administered when of unsound mind.  -Marlborough Express, 19/4/1904.

As well as his monetary problems, Frederick Armstrong was likely feeling the ongoing effects of malaria, which he contracted in South Africa.  He was also dealing with an abdominal hernia which the Army regarded as a pre-existing condition.  It is possible that his condition limited his opportunities for work and the Army was not paying him compensation. In April, 1902, notes in his record refer to "the state of the man and the length of time he has been ill."

This followed his appendicitis operation, which itself followed his re-enlistment for the war, as part of the 9th Contingent.  Also in his record is a letter written by Armstrong to Colonel Alfred Robin, describing his condition and referring to the "good deal of expense" to which he had been put in re-enlisting.  He ends his letter with: "Hoping you will see your way to do something for me, I remain..."

Nothing beyond 1902 is found in the Army record.  It can be assumed that his overall condition did not improve.

Akaroa Cemetery.  Photo from "Find a Grave."