42545 Private Michael Alexander Moynihan, 11/4/1893-17/10/1917.

Private Michael Alexander Moynihan, reported missing on October 17, 1917, but by latest advice now supposed to have been killed in action in France, was the second son of Mr Wm. Moynihan, farmer, of Ngapuna. He was a native of Sutton, and was educated at Sutton and at the Christian Brothers' School, Dunedin. On leaving school he returned to Strath-Taieri, where he worked on his father's farm at Ngapuna till the time of his enlistment. He left New Zealand with the 23rd Reinforcements, and could have been but a short time in Prance, when he was called upon to make the supreme sacrifice. Private Moynihan was very popular and took a keen interest in sport of every kind. At one time he was a member of the Strath Taieri Rugby Football team. He was a dutiful son loyal and dependable in every way and much respected by all who knew him. He was 24 years of age.   -Otago Witness, 29/5/1918.

Michael Moynihan's death was a mystery.  He was with a small group of fellow soldiers behind the front line when they were shelled and he was found missing.  A subsequent Court of Enquiry found him missing but cold not presume him dead due to lack of eyewitness or other evidence.  Eventually his death was presumed and made official.  It is possible that he died from a direct hit from an artillery shell.

For the Empire's Cause

In Memoriam

MOYNIHAN. — In loving memory of Michael Alexander, who was killed in action at Passchendaele, France, October 17, 1917, second son of Wm. Moynihan, Ngapuna. R.I.P. Inserted by his loving father and brothers. 

MOYNIHAN. — In loving memory of Michael Alexander, who was killed in action at Passchendaele, France, on October 17, 1917, second son of Wm. Moynuhan, Ngapuna. R.I.P. — lnserted by his loving uncle, F. Moynihan, Sutton.  -Otago Witness, 23/10/1918.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

24/186 Private Maurice Healey, DCM, 23/5/1884-22/8/1928.

PERSONAL.

At Dunedin on Saturday Sir Jas. Allen presented war decorations to a certain number of men. The D.C.M. was presented to Private M. Healey, brother of Mr J. Healey, Waimate.  -Waimate Daily Advertiser, 22/7/1919.

DEATHS

HEALEY. — On August 22, 1928, at Dunedin Hospital, Rifleman M. Healey, 24/186, D.C.M., dearly beloved son of the late Thomas and Mary Healey, of South Dunedin; aged 46 years. R.I.P. Requiem Mass at St. Patrick’s Basilica To-morrow (Friday), August 24, at 9 a.m. — The Funeral will leave St. Patrick’s Basilica To-morrow (Friday), at 2 p.m., for the Anderson’s Bay Cemetery. — W. H. Cole, undertaker.   -Evening Star, 23/8/1928.

PASSING OF A SOLDIER.

THE SUPREME SACRIFICE. 

RIFLEMAN M. HEALEY, D.C.M. 

The constantly-recurring anniversaries of the outbreak of the Great War and the few days of national mourning that have found their way on to the calendar as the result of that terrible period are about the only reminders the average person has of the days when civilisation seemed to be tottering. Almost a decade and a-half has elapsed since the world was plunged into the awful holocaust that raged in Europe for four years, but the rising generation knows little of those stressful times. Reminders, pathetic and moving, crop up from time to time, however, and provide food for serious reflection.

Such a one is provided in the announcement of the death at the Dunedin Hospital on Wednesday of Rifleman Maurice Healey, 24/186, D.C.M., at the age of 46 years. Thousands of men who fell in the war have been revered for having paid the supreme sacrifice, but the circumstances surrounding the death of this soldier hint the question whether, after all, death in action in the thick of battle is really the great sacrifice. For three years Rifleman Healey served in the New Zealand Rifle Brigade on various fronts with conspicuous gallantry, being wounded on more than one occasion, but always returning to the seat of war. The Armistice came, and in due course he was invalided home, a physical wreck, unable ever again to resume his pre-war life and occupation — a gallant man doomed to a living death in soldiers' hospitals the Dominion. For 10 years he struggled with the weakness and infirmity that were his heritage from the war. His family and those of the medical profession who attended him during that long period of suffering mention with praise the indomitable courage and will to live that urged him in his fight against Nature. And after 10 long years of suffering he paid what must be accounted the greatest sacrifice of all. 

His conduct in France earned him a decoration in the form of the Distinguished Conduct Medal. How this was won is best described in the following extract from the fifth supplement to the London Gazette, dated January 14, 1919: 

“His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal to the under-mentioned private for gallantry and distinguished service in the field: — 

“24/186, Private M. Healey, N.Z. Rifle Brigade. For most conspicuous gallantry during the attack on the enemy positions near Gouzeaucourt on September 12, 1918. 

“He was one of a patrol which pushed on after the capture of the objective to the position held by the enemy support company, 800 yards in front of our line. During the attack on the enemy support company he was placed in a most dangerous position, where, though isolated from the rest of the patrol, he carried on the fight alone, killing 10 of the enemy with bayonet and bullet and wounding an officer who appeared to be of high rank. 

“His fine work was largely responsible for the surrender of those of the enemy company alive.” 

Mr Healey is survived by two sisters and a brother, all of whom are resident in Dunedin. On their shoulders fell the burden of caring for the frail piece of humanity that is only one of hundreds of similar tragedies of the World War. Since his return to New Zealand the late Mr Healey had been a patient in practically every soldiers’ hospital and convalescent home in the Dominion, and for a long period he was an inmate of the Montecillo Home.  -Otago Daily Times, 24/8/1928.

MRS HEALEY and Brothers desire to Thank the Matron and Nursing Staff of the Dunedin Hospital and Montecillo Soldiers’ Convalescent Home; also the medical profession, for their kind and unfailing attention to our late brother, Rifleman Maurice Healey, D.C.M., during his long and painful illness, and to all who sent expressions of sympathy and floral tributes.   -Otago Daily Times, 31/8/1928.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

32666 Private Denis Healy, 25/10/1896-16/10/1917.

THE WAR.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

Private Dennis Healy, who died from wounds received in action, was the youngest son of Mr T. Healy, of Kyeburn, where he was born and educated. When only 19 years old he enlisted, and left with the 19th Reinforcements. At the time of his death he was within a fortnight of being 21 years of age. Another brother is on service in France, and the two met in the trenches there, not having seen each other for 12 years previously. He was the last of the family to leave his parents' home, and was a most devoted son.  -Otago Daily Times, 29/10/1917.

THE LATE PRIVATE DENIS HEALY. 

The following letter has been received by Mrs Healy from Captain Ivan Spedding, which will be interesting to the many friends of Private Healy: — “As medical officer of'the unit to which your son Denis belonged, I take this opportunity of extending to you my sincerest sympathy and regrets at your son’s death. He was one of my stretcher-bearers, and was wounded while attending to the wounded on the battlefield. He was brought down to me and I did all I could for him, and had every hope of his recovery, but it was not to be so. He, with the other stretcherbearers did magnificent work, and I thought I would like to let you know how much we all appreciated what he did.” This is one of many letters received regarding the splendid work of our stretcher-bearers. One of Private Healy’s mates wrote: “You will no doubt wonder from whom this letter comes. Well, it is from a working mate of Denny’s who was with him when he got wounded out here. He was a stretcher-bearer, and, believe me, he was out on his own. I never knew anyone to work so hard before, and he never flinched from his duty. He was game to the last, and the company all have the highest praise for him. He was wounded while attending to another chap’s wounds on the 4th of October, and died later.”   -Evening Star, 2/1/1918.

In Memoriam

HEALY. — In loving memory of Private Dennis Healy, who died of wounds, October 16, 1917, received in action at Passchendaele; aged 20 years. 

In the bloom of his life death claimed him, In the pride of his manhood days; 

None knew him but to love him, None mentioned his name but with praise. 

Far away in a land of strangers, Far from mother's loving care; 

But the angels hovered near him, And a loving God was there.

The sorrows of earth may o'erburden the soul, And tears dim the eyes here below, 

But none in that home, while the ages shall roll, A tear or a sorrow shall know. 

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

HEALY. — In fond memory of dear Dennis Healy, who died on October 16, in Boulogne Hospital, from wounds received at Passchendaele Ridge on October 4, 1917. — Inserted by his sister and brother-in-law, M. and J. Sharp.   -Otago Witness, 23/10/1918.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin. DCC photo.

8/2904 Private Mason Charles Edwards, 4/12/1893-6/8/1919.

The remains of Private Mason Charles Edwards were buried with military honours on Saturday afternoon in the Anderson's Bay Cemetery. Private Edwards was exceedingly popular with everyone who know him, and was a particularly well-mannered young man. He went away with the Seventh Reinforcements, and, after serving for four years, was slightly gassed, and then suffered from shell-shock. He returned to New Zealand in March, and had then apparently recovered his health. Soon afterwards, however, he developed pneumonia, and after being three weeks in the Hospital meningitis set in, and it was from this he died. Private Edwards was a son of Mr and Mrs J. Edwards, of Begg street, Musselburgh.  -Otago Witness, 13/8/1919.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

9/1151 Gunner Robert Francis Berwick, 23/8/1890-10/2/1919.

 

Personal

The late Gunner Robert Francis Berwick, who died at Palmerston on February 10, was the third son of Mr William Berwick, of Wellington. The deceased soldier was born at Caversham and received his education at the Caversham School. He left New Zealand with the Sixth Reinforcement draft, and after three years' service was invalided home. He was wellknown among railway men, having been employed in the Railway Department for a number of years, but prior to enlisting he was engaged in farming; operations near Invercargill. His death will be felt by a wide circle of friends.  -Otago Daily Times, 3/3/1919.

Robert Berwick was diagnosed with haemoptysis - coughing up blood - in May, 1917.  This was an effect of tuberculosiss, for which there was no real cure at the time.  He had previously been treated for jaundice and bronchitis.  He returned home to New Zealand at the end of 1917. In 1918 he caught Spanish flu, which would not have made his prognosis any brighter and made examination difficult at the Pleasant Valley sanatorium near Palmerston.  

FOR KING AND COUNTRY. 

IN MEMORIAM.

BERWICK. — In loving memory of my dear husband, 9/1151 Gunner Robert Francis Berwick, 6th Reinforcements, N.Z.F.A. who died at Palmerston, February 10th, 1919 aged 29 years.

My memory often wanders, As twilight shadows fall, 

Back to the days of happiness, Days beyond recall. 

A vision comes before me, So fond, so pure, so sweet, 

Of him whose lips are silent, Whose heart has ceased to beat. 

Inserted by his loving wife.  -Evening Star, 10/2/1920.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

8/2798 Captain William David Jolly, MID, 12/8/1870-14/7/1916.

William Jolly joined his local Terrtorial unit in his home town of Cromwell in 1900.  By the time war came in 1914, he was getting on in age for active service but his military experience was valuable.

OTAGO BOYS COMPRISING THE WINNING TUG-OF-WAR TEAM AT THE RECENT INFANTRY SPORTS HELD AT ZEITOUN, EGYPT. 

Back row (from left): P. Austen, Alex. Bulling, A. Stirrat, C. Robertson, A. Dewar, and Ben Sims. Middle row: J. Adams, F. Tomilson. M. McAllister. Front row: S. M. Rogers (coach), Captain Jolly (Officer Commanding Seventh Reinforcements), N. H. Colquhoun (selector), Geo. Sands (team captain).

Hocken Library photo.

ANZAC RAIDS. 

GREAT GALLANTRY SHOWN. 

CAPTAIN JOLLY'S HEROISM. 

WELLINGTON, July 19. The following special message has been received from the New Zealand Official War Correspondent:— ANZAC HEADQUARTERS, July 17.

With varying success the New Zealanders continue to raid the enemy's trenches in the vicinity of Armentieres. A German counter-raid caused several casualties, mainly during the enemy's bombardment. One machine gun crew was "casualtied" and buried with the guns, but the gun was dug out and brought into action again.

A recent attempted raid by the Maoris was unsuccessful, but they cleverly outwitted an enemy ruse to entrap them, and returned without casualties. The Germans concerned were caught in the open by our guns and rifle-fire. They were thrown into confusion and suffered loss.

A party from the Rifle Brigade successfully raided a German frontline trench, inflicting casualties. Our bombardment wrecked three German trenches and their dead were badly shattered. Our casualties were slight. An Otago regiment was less lucky, being caught by the enemy's fire in "No Man's Land," but the splendid bravery of officers and men made amends. Captain Jolly was wounded, but he refused to go to a stretcher while his men needed attention. With great gallantry he carried on, but he was subsequently killed. His body was located at dawn near our parapet and brought in under cover of darkness next night. A private, who was under a suspended sentence of five years' penal servitude, behaved with great heroism. He was seen boldly standing up under heavy fire repeatedly lifting wounded men over the parapet. His sentence was remitted.  -Sun, 20/7/1916.

CAPTAIN JOLLY. 

LEAVES WIFE AND SIX CHILDREN.

Captain W. D. Jolly, whose gallant death is announced in the message from the New Zealand official war correspondent published to-day, is a well-known Cromwell man, being the eldest son of Mr D. A. Jolly, who established the old firm of I). A. Jolly and Sons, general merchants, at Cromwell. Mr Jolly, sen., has, of course, retired from active connection with the firm, and has resided for some time at Musselburgh. Latterly he has been ill. Captain Jolly was not a young man. Probably he was nearer 50 than 45, but having been a volunteer soldier all his life, as was his father before, him, he felt impelled by a keen sense of duty to offer his services to the Government. He was posted to the Seventh Reinforcements, and left New Zealand about the same time as did the first and second battalions of the. Rifle Brigade. The Seventh did not arrive in time to be sent to Gallipoli, so that the engagements he saw in France would furnish his first experience of actual fighting. But he was undoubtedly a competent officer, and one in whom men placed implicit trust. He was an officer who was deservedly popular, for on the word of men who may he relied upon to speak authoritatively, there were few officers who did more for the comfort of their men during the period at Trentham Camp last year, when sickness laid up even the sturdiest soldiers. It is stated that Captain Jolly even went so far as to deny himself comforts in order that his men might not want. It is not to be wondered at that such an officer should win the affections of his men so completely. In the Cromwell district Captain Jolly's death will be received with expressions of sincere regret, for the deceased officer is survived by a wife and six children, the eldest being not more than 15 years of age. Captain Jolly was keenly interested in many local organisations, and in former years took a prominent place in athletics. He was probably the best long-distance runner in the goldfields in his day, and as a rifle shot he had few equals. In later years he had done good service for the district, and will be especially remembered for being largely instrumental in securing the erection of a new school. 

The above is but a brief account of the deceased officer's career, but, imperfect as it is, it conveys some idea of a strenuous life, ended in the way he would have wished. 

It is stated that a brother of Mrs Jolly (she was a Miss Waddel), who has been serving with a French regiment on the western front, has been decorated for distinguished service in the field. Captain Jolly"s brother Ernest was wounded in the South African War.   -Evening Star, 20/7/1916.

CAPTAIN JOLLY. 

Our Cromwell correspondent wires that a wave of extreme sadness swept over the town and district when the unofficial announcement was received that Captain Jolly had fallen in action. There is an almost forlorn hope that the. report may yet prove to be incorrect.. No official confirmation has yet come to hand.    -Evening Star, 21/7/1916.

CAPTAIN JOLLY'S DEATH CONFIRMED. 

Our Cromwell correspondent wires today that the death of Captain Jolly was officially confirmed late yesterday afternoon. It may be said that no calamity in the presents great struggle has move deeply affected the community than has his death. His answer to the call to arms was surrounded with extreme sacrifice, and was not confined to his extensive business connections, but also in parting with his wife and six young children, to whom the very deepest sympathy goes out. A lifetime attachment to volunteering and a steady promotion in the ranks of the Territorials no doubt inspired his action in going forth to do battle. His life was one of enterprise, energy, grit, and consideration for those associated with him — noble characteristics which were displayed in his dying moments. Immediately on receipt of the official news flags were flown half-mast, and the citizens assembled at the Mayor's request and passed a motion of sympathy with his wife and family, and arranged for a public memorial service. Other local bodies have passed touching motions to his loss.   -Evening Star, 22/7/1916.

THE WAR

LATE CAPTAIN JOLLY. 

MEMORIAL SERVICE. 

(From Our Own Correspondent.) CROMWELL, July 31. A public memorial service for the late Captain Jolly was held yesterday, and was attended by residents from miles around. The service was preceded by a procession, in which the military, band, friendly societies and local bodies were fully represented. An impresive service was conducted in the hall by the Rev. Mr Rankin. The building was packed to the door.  -Otago Daily Times, 1/8/1916.

WAR NOTES.

OUR BOYS. 

Alexandra folk will be pleased to know that Private McKellar has fully recovered from his wounds and is back in active service again. A brother of Mrs C. E. Richards of this town, one of the well-known Nicholson family of old time Matakanui has been wounded in a gas attack in France. Writing to his father a young New Zealander speaks in high terms of praise concerning the late Captain Jolly, whom he describes as a great man who entered into all the interests of his men and treated them as comrades and brothers in a great and glorious cause. The thoughtfulness of the late Captain Jolly, and the interest he took in his men has been shown in a letter written by him to Mr Schaumann of this town shortly before he got his own call. It runs as follows, and has a singular interest coming after the gallant writer is himself no more: — "I regret to inform you that your son was wounded through the arm last night whilst out in front of our trenches with the firing party. I am pleased to inform you that it is not serious and he should be about again in a month, so you have no cause to be anxious about it. Your son has been in good health and spirits. I personally saw him before sending him to the dressing station and he was bright and cheery. With kind regards to all Alexandra folk and the same to Mrs Schaumann and self. — Yours sincerely, W. D. Jolly, Cap. 4th Otago Coy., etc.   -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 20/9/1916.

The Fallen and Wounded

Personal Notes

Private Harold Roseveare (wounded find reported seriously ill) is the youngest son of Mr Thomas Roseveare, late of Waiwera South. He was in the employ of the D.I.C., and left that firm to join the Seventh Reinforcements as a private, and latterly joined the machine-gun section. He has seen some very desperate fighting, especially (as he describes) the never-to-be-forgotten night when Captain Jolly and a number of Otago boys were killed. Heroic deeds were done that night by the Otago lads, and many a brave and gallant action was done that may never be recorded. Lance-Corporal Keorner, a cousin of Private Roseveare, was also wounded about the same time, and is now reported missing. He signed on with the Twelfth Reinforcements.  -Press, 2/11/1916.

A memorial window will be unveiled at Cromwell to-morrow to the memory of the late Captain Jolly. A number of returned soldiers will parade on that date as a tribute to the memory of a gallant soldier, and all men who possibly can attend are urged to do so.   -Otago Daily Times, 28/9/1918.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.

Captain Edwyn Frederick Temple, 1843-23/6/1920.

OBITUARY.

CAPTAIN TEMPLE.

The death occurred at his late residence, Wai-iti Road, Timaru, yesterday, of Captain Edwyn Frederick Temple, formerly of “Castlewood,” near Geraldine. Deceased was the son of Colonel John Temple, Hants, England, where Captain Temple was born in 1836. He joined the 55th Regiment, saw service in India, and went through the Crimean War. He resigned from the service in 1870, and came to New Zealand nine years later in the ship Rangitikei, landing at Lyttelton. For two years he remained in Christchurch, and then went to “Castlewood,” where he resided for many years. Captain Temple was an artist of repute, and while residing in Christchurch he helped to found the Canterbury Society of Arts.  -Temuka Leader, 24/6/1920.

Timaru cemetery.