UPPER HUTT WORLD WAR ONE ( ) ROLL OF HONOUR. Service Personnel associated with Upper Hutt = 109

Transcription

1 UPPER HUTT WORLD WAR ONE ( ) ROLL OF HONOUR World War One Memorial Plaque Some local Upper Hutt residents will remember the original World War One memorial plaque that hung above the bar in the old RSA rooms in King Street. The names listed were later transcribed onto the new plaque and placed outside the Civic Centre. In 2014 when it was discovered that there was a World War Two Serviceman (P.G.H. Pearce) recorded on the WWI plaque in error the RSA decided to remove his name and take the opportunity to update the plaque with the names of other local residents who had been missed off the original WWI plaque. The RSA decided on a criteria that would result on the removal of eight World War One Service Personnel from the original plaque. Any Historian or Archivist will state that if you delete any names off the local plaque then you will lose the Provenance of the original memorial. The Provenance of this memorial was created by members of our local (now deceased) Community. I am hopeful that the RSA will reconsider and not remove the 8 names from the World War One Roll of Honour plaque on the Memorial Wall outside the Upper Hutt Civic Centre. I have researched and listed below details about the Service Personnel associated with Upper Hutt. When time permits I will do additional research and updated this document. Service Personnel associated with Upper Hutt = names on new Upper Hutt City Memorial 12 names on other Upper Hutt Memorial 68 names recorded in local newspaper or has another link to the Upper Hutt district 109 total ADAMS R S CAPT British (St Marys) ALLEN E.J PTE MGC (UH newspaper) BAIGENT I.V LIEUT WMR (UHC memorial) BAILLIE T.D PTE AR/NZEF (UH newspaper) BAK C.M.C. 12/4523 L/CPR AR/NZEF (Mangaroa) BALCOMBE-BROWN R. NN MJR RFC (UH newspaper) BALCOMBE-BROWN W.E. NN LIEUT RFA (UH newspaper) BARRETT J.T PTE TU (died while serving heart) BASSETT I.G RFL NZTB (UH school) BAYLEY R H R 12/26 MJR AIR (UH school) BENGE R.D PTE TU (UH school) BICKENS H.F. 10/1742 PTE WR/NZEF (UH newspaper) BOYD A.C. 13/980 TRP AMR (UH newspaper) BOYLE C. 13/3113 TPR WIR (UHC memorial) BRACE J.D PTE AR/NZEF (UH newspaper) BROWN J C PTE NZTU (Trentham influenza) BROWN L GNR NZFA (UH newspaper) BROWN R. 9/1785 AB NZFA (UH newspaper) BURN G.S PTE WR/NZEF (UHC memorial) BUTLER W.J. 10/3209 PTE WIB (UH school) CAVELL E. NN Nurse UK (UH newspaper) CHRISTIE R J CPR NZE (St Johns) COBB A R PTE NZTU (influenza Trentham) COLLETT C.W PTE WR/NZEF (UHC memorial) 1

2 COLLIE J A 1328 PTE AIF (UH newspaper) COLLINGS W.J PTE TU (influenza Trentham) COMESKEY J. 10/3221 CORP WIR (UHC memorial) COMESKEY P.L. 10/2894 PTE WIR (UHC memorial) CORRIE F.R. 11/520 CORP WMR (UH newspaper) COSTIN A PTE OR (St Johns) COSTIN D PTE OR (St Johns) COTTLE D.C RFM AR (UHCC/UH school) CRUICKSHANK J.H RFM NZRB (St Johns) DASH H L PTE NZTU (died Trentham only) DENNEHY B.J. 10/2418 PTE WR/NZEF (UH newspaper) DENT J. 10/1793 SGT WIB (After discharge) DUNN R.C. 10/328 PTE WIB (UH newspaper) FERNANDEZ C.J. 26/963 RFM NZRB (UH newspaper) FITZPATRICK C A 8/1979 PTE OIR (UH school) FLANAGAN J. 3/3339 PTE HZMF (influenza Trentham) GEANGE J.W. 11/53 TPR WMR (UHC memorial) GEORGE A.F PTE NZCB (UH newspaper) GIBBONS A.W.R PTE WIB (UHC memorial) GIBBONS W.J. 17/303 L/CPR WR/NZEF (UHC memorial) GOLDER L.B PTE NZI (at Sea) COLDTHORPE H RFM NZRB (UHC memorial) GURDEN A.G. 8/825 PTE OIB (St Johns) HAMILTON A.R L/CRP OR (UHC memorial) HANNAH W.H L/CRP NZRB (UH newspaper) HENLEY J. 14/110 DRV NZAS (UH newspaper) JONES A.D RFM NZRB (UHCC/UH school) JONES R.L RFM NZRB (UHC memorial) KEIR J CAPT WR (UH newspaper) KEYS G.E PTE WIR (UHC memorial) KNOWLES J PTE OR/NZEF (UH newspaper) LATIMER L V 6/490 RQMS CR NZEF (influe Trentham) LAY H.G PTE ENT BN (UHC memorial) LETT J.M PTE AIF (UH newspaper) LINDSAY H.J. 13/3129 PTE NZCB (UHC memorial) MABEY J.H PTE WIR (UHCC/UH school) MARTIN J.H. 4/1973 SPR LROS (UHC memorial) MINCHIN W. 11/723 TRP WMR (Mangaroa) MOORE S.G. 10/1925 PTE WR/NZEF (UHC memorial) MOULDER H PTE CIR (UHC memorial) MYERS S. 11/1729 PTE NZMG (UH newspaper) MACMILLAN R A CPR NZTU (influenza Wellington) McCURDY A RFM NZRB (UH newspaper) McELROY G PTE AIR (UH newspaper) McGHIE A.J RFM WR/NZEF (UHC memorial) McHOLM A. 713 CPR AIF (UH newspaper) McMAHON T.J SPR NZE (UHC memorial) McMENAMIN J. 7/758 TRP CMR (UH newspaper) 2

3 McMENAMIN J.J. 6/1215 Chap CIR (UH newspaper) McTIGUE E.J. NN WO1 NZTU (influenza Trentham) O BRIEN C.W DRV NZHS (died while serving) O LEARY D.C SGT AIF *UHCC/UH school) PEARCE R.J. 12/3122 PTE AIB (UH newspaper) PILKINGTON S.H. NN LIEUT AFC (UH newspaper) PORTER R.A PTE NZEF (died while serving) RICKARD G E S/SGT NZMF (influenza Trentham) ROSS F. 10/3144 MJR WR/NZEF (UH newspaper) RUSSELL G.G. 10/1973 PTE WR/NZEF (UH newspaper) SALISBURY C.H L/SGT NZRB (UHC memorial) SAYWELL R.W PTE WR/NZEF (UH newspaper) SHOUT A.J. NN CPT AIF (UH newspaper) SIMPSON A W 5/464 SGT NZMF (influenza Trentham) SIMPSON C.E. 10/1985 PTE WIB (UHC memorial) SMITH G.C. 8/2474 PTE OIR (UHC memorial) SNOW F.J PTE NZMG (UH school) SORENSON M.J RFM NZRB (UH Sch as Ross) STANLEY T.J. 12/4094 PTE NZEF (at Sea) STEEL M PTE CIR (UHC memorial) STRATFORD L. NN LIEUT BIF (UH newspaper) TARRANT C.R CRP NZRB (UH newspaper) THOMSEN N RFM NZRB (UH newspaper) THOMSON H.J. 10/2338 PTE WB (UH newspaper) TUCK H.J. 4/1355A CRP NZE (UH newspaper) TYER W.E RFM NZRB (Mangaroa) WALTER H.E. 8/2352 PTE OIR (St Johns) WALTERS C. 24/2114 RFM NZRB (UH newspaper) WARD H.J. 10/2021 PTE WR/NZEF (UH newspaper) WEBB G RFM NZRB (UH newspaper) WESTBROOK F.V RFM NZRB (UHC memorial) WHISHAW B.G. 11/1996 TRP NZMR (UH newspaper) WILKIE D.H. 10/3429 PTE WIR (UHC memorial) WILKIE R.H. 10/3430 SGT WIR (UH school) WILKINS S.T. 23/2123 RFM NZRB (UH school) WILLIAMS C.E L/CPR NZRB (UHC memorial) WILLIAMS P.L CPR NZRB (UHC memorial) R S ADAMS Captain British Force Grave marker at St Mary s Church Silverstrream Edward John ALLEN Private killed in action 12 October 1917 Belgium Edward John ALLEN was born 03 January 1895 Reefton New Zealand and his brother William Henry ALLEN was born 1896 New Zealand. Their parents were Maude Adeline Charlotte Leech and Thomas Allen who married 1888 in New Zealand. (Reference RGO NZ birth registration 1895 folio website 1895/17606 parents Maud Adeline Charlotte and Thomas Allen & RGO NZ birth registration 1896 folio website 1896/17467 parents Maude Adeline Charlotte and Thomas Allen) Edward and his brother William both enlisted in World War One. Edward John ALLEN Sergeant, occupation Tailor next of kin brother W H Allen, Frankton Junction & William Henry 3

4 ALLEN 12/1140 Lance Corporal Auckland Infantry Battalion Second Draft single last address Frankton Junction next of kin mother Mrs M A Allen, Lake Road Frankton Junction (Reference Edward nominal roll volume 3 roll 55 page 15 & William reference nominal roll volume 1) Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 01 December 1917 Column Our Boys = E J Allen MGC brother of Corp. W H Allen Trentham is reported wounded and missing 12 October. (Reference Papers past website Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 01 December 1917 page 2) Edward John ALLEN age 22 died 12 October 1917 (Reference RGO NZ WWI death registration 1918 folio website 1918/77131 age 22 born about 1896) Edward John ALLEN Private New Zealand Machine Gun Corps No 5 Coy age 23 was killed in action 12 October 1917 his next of kin was son of Thomas and Maud Allen Native of Hamilton New Zealand. He was buried in Tyne Cot cemetery Belgium West-Vlaanderen (Reference Commonwealth War Grave website) History sheet etc. - Edward John ALLEN Private service number Reinforcements 5 th Machine Gun Company, occupation Tailor, employer Jackman Hamilton, born 03 January 1895 Reefton, address Lake Road Hamilton, next of kin brother Mr W H Allen Trentham Camp & Franklin Junction & C/- Defence Office Hamilton then uncle E A H Leech Coote Road Napier, enlisted 25 July 1916, embarked for overseas duty 13 February 1917, killed in action 12 October 1917 Belgium, medals memorial scroll & plaque sent to brother Dr James Allen c/- R Gillette Verona Wisconsin USA then Toronto Canada, height 5 feet 9¾ inches, complexion dark, eyes brown, hair dark, religion Methodist. Attestation sheet - (18 questions) completed in Trentham (question 7) what was the last address in which you last resided = Lake Road Hamilton Edward John Allen s association with Upper Hutt was that his brother Corporal William Henry Allen was stationed in Trentham Camp when Edward was reported as missing in action. The local Upper Hutt newspaper confirmed this. Edward does not have a strong connection with the Upper Hutt district. Ivanhoe Edward (Ian) BAIGENT Boer War SA 3341 & WWI 2nd Lieut Died of wounds 14 November 1917 Egypt = RSA name to be added Ivanhoe Edward BAIGENT was born 10 November 1878 Nelson New Zealand and his older brother Martin John (Mart) BAIGENT was born 1870 in New Zealand. Their parents were Ann PRICE and Arthur BAIGENT who married 1862 in New Zealand. (Reference RGO NZ birth registration 1878 folio website 1878/16942 parents Ann & RGO NZ birth registration 1870 folio website 1870/24081 & Arthur Baigent & RGO NZ marriage registration 1862 folio website 1862/3999) Ivanhoe Edward BAIGENT enlisted in the Boer War ( ) service number SA Ivanhoe Edward BAIGENT Riverside saw-miller manager Wairarapa Electoral Roll Wellington & (brother) Martin John BAIGENT Hutt saw-miller Hutt Electoral Roll Wellington Ivan s brother, Martin John BAIGENT occupation saw-miller Lower Hutt registered with the Second reserve and was recorded with classification A (single or married with no children). Ivanhoe Edward BAIGENT 2 nd Lieutenant Saw-miller nok brother Charles Arthur Baigent Wakefield Nelson. (Reference nominal roll volume 3 roll 54 page 2) 4

5 Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 22 April August 1916 Column Kia Kaha Our Boys - Fifteenth draft - Ian Baigent (Reference Papers past website Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 22 April August 1916) Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 19 August 1916 Column Our Boys - Sergeant Ian Baigent has gained a commission and has been made second lieutenant in the 20th Reinforcements (Reference Papers past website Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 19 August 1916 page 2) Ivanhoe Edward BAIGENT age 37 died 14 November 1917 in the fields during World War One. (Reference RGO NZWWI death registration 1918 folio website 1918/74461 age 37 born about 1881) Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 24 November 1917 Column Our Boys - Second Lieut. Ivanhoe E Baigent brother of Mart Baigent saw miller has died of wounds (Reference Papers past website Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 24 November 1917 page 2) Ivanhoe Edward BAIGENT Second Lieutenant Wellington Mounted Rifles NZEF age 39 died 14 November 1917 son of Arthur and Ann Baigent of Wakefield Nelson New Zealand served in the South African War (Reference Commonwealth War Graves website) History sheet etc. - Ivanhoe Edward BAIGENT 2 nd Lieutenant service number ne Reinforcements 6 th squadron Wellington Mounted Rifles, occupation saw-miller, employer self, born 10 November 1878 Nelson, address Akatarawa, next of kin brother Charles Arthur Baigent Wakefield Nelson, enlisted 07 February 1916, embarked for overseas duty 15 February 1917 on transporter Boorara, disembarked Suez 20 June 1917, post to Wellington Mounted Rifles Egypt 12 February 1917, transferred to New Zealand Mounter Rifles Moascar 30 July 1917, died 14 November 1917 gun-shot wounds to abdomen received in action in the fields of Cairo, medals memorial scroll & plaque sent to brother Mr C G Baigent Wakefield Nelson. Letters Ivanhoe wrote between the Boer War and World War One record his address as Akatarawa Upper Hutt. Attestation form (18 questions) completed at Featherston (question 7) what was the address at which you last resided = Akatarawa Ivonhoe Edward Baigents association with Upper Hutt was that he resided in Akatarawa Upper Hutt. The Baigent brothers owned and operated the Baigent sawmills situated in Akatarawa Upper Hutt and another mill in the Wairarapa. Ivanhoe known as Ian worked in the family sawmilling business. Ian was recorded in the local Upper Hutt newspaper was one of Our Boys. Thomas Douglas BAILLIE Private 3432 Killed in action 04 October 1917 Belgium = RSA name not to be recorded Thomas Hall BAILLIE was born 01 June 1872 Blenheim New Zealand and his sister Eliza Mary BAILLIE was born 1869 in New Zealand. Their parents were Hannah Maria Ann and William Douglas Hall Baillie. (Reference RGO NZ birth registration 1872 folio website 1872/23359 parents Hannah Maria Ann and William Douglas Hall Baillie & RGO NZ birth registration 1869 folio website 1869/21163 parents Hannah Maria Ann and William Douglas Hall Baillie) Thomas Douglas Hall BAILLIE married 21 September 1894 Blenheim New Zealand Alice Vernon CUNDY. Thomas s sister Eliza Mary BAILLIE married 1892 New Zealand Edward Balcombe BROWN. (Reference RGO NZ marriage registration 1895 folio website 1895/2587 & RGO NZ marriage registration 1892 folio website 1892/3918) Thomas and Alice had a daughter Mabel Geraldine BAILLIE born 15 January 1896 Blenheim New Zealand and a son Arthur Douglas BAILLIE born 22 March 1897 Ashurst New Zealand 5

6 (Reference RGO NZ birth registration 1896 folio website 1896/3227 parents Alice Vernon and Thomas Douglas Hall Baillie & RGO NZ birth registration 1898 folio website 1898/15215 parents Alice Vernon and Thomas Douglas Baillie) Thomas Douglas BAILLIE Private enlisted in World War One his occupation was Farmer and next of kin mother Mrs T D Baillie Upper Hutt. Please note his next of kin was actually his wife not his mother. (Reference nominal roll volume 2 roll 49 page 7) His son Arthur Douglas BAILLIE also enlisted at the same time his details are: Arthur Douglas BAILLIE Private Farmer nok of kin mother Mrs T D Baillie Upper Hutt (Reference nominal roll volume 2 roll 49 page 7) Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 20 October 1917 Column Our Boys - Imperishably Honoured (Killed in Action) T Baillie husband of Mrs Baillie of Maori-Bank and brother of Mrs E Balcombe Brown (Reference Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 20 October 1917 page 2) Thomas Douglas BAILLIE died 04 October 1917 in Belgium while on active service. (Reference RGO NZ WWI death registration 1918 folio website 1918/63742 age 43 born about 1875) Thomas Douglas BAILLIE Private Auckland Regiment NZEF 3rd Battalion died 04 October 1917 husband of the late Alice Baillie of Otorohanga Hamilton. (Reference Commonwealth War Graves website) Thomas Douglas BAILLIE soldier (no 34325) of E Coy 20 th Reinforcements NZEF on active duty wrote a Will on YMCA paper somewhere in France 07 June 1917 (killed in action 4 months later) late farmer of Otorohanga Auckland - Bequeaths to wife Alice Vernon Baillie, daughter Mabel Geraldine Baillie and son Arthur Douglas Baillie his estate in equal shares And any bequeaths I may be entitled to under the will of my father William Douglas Hall Baillie MLC (Member of the Legislation Council) of Wellington witnesses by Private T A Scott & Corporal F K Tucker 10/12784 Declare date 08 August 1919 Frank Kingswell Tucker of Wellington declared former Corporal 10/2784 sworn was last will of Thomas Thomas was born in New Zealand Alice Vernon Baillie of Upper Hutt and widow of deceased, Mabel Geraldine Baillie spinster and Arthur Douglas Baillie member of the NZEF are all sole beneficiaries of will death certificate with will Private Thomas Douglas BAILLIE of 3 rd Auckland Infantry Regiment NZEF was killed in action in France on 04 th October 1917 (Reference Archives NZ Wellington AAOM W box Thomas Douglas Baillie 1919) Thomas s widow Alice Vernon BAILLIE age 48 died 1924 New Zealand. Alice was buried 28 March 1924 at the Hamilton East cemetery in Hamilton. (Reference RGO NZ death registration 1924 folio website 1924/999 age 48 born about 1876 & Hamilton City Council website cemetery database) Auckland War Memorial Cenotaph database Thomas Douglas BAILLIE Private Auckland Infantry Regiment 3rd Battalion 20th Reinforcements E Company NZEF occupation Farmer NOK (wife) Mrs T D Baillie Upper Hutt Wellington New Zealand embarked 02 January 1917 Wellington NZ vessel Opawa destination London England died 04 October 1917 killed in action Ypres Belgium grave NZ Apse panel 1 Tyne Cot memorial Tyne Cot cemetery Zonnebeke West-Vlaanderen Belgium notes husband of the late Alice Baillie of Otorohanga portrait photograph Auckland Weekly News 1917 reads Pte T D Baillie of Upper Hutt killed in action History sheet records wife Mrs T D Baillie Otorohanga which is then crossed out and replaced with Upper Hutt Wellington. As Thomas s wife has died before the medals were issued they were sent to his executor and sister Mrs Balcombe Brown Upper Hutt. Attestation form (18 Questions) completed at Featherston Question 7 what was the address at which you last resided = Otorohanga 6

7 Thomas s association with Upper Hutt was that his wife Alice resided in Maoribank Upper Hutt with Thomas s sister Eliza and her husband Edward Balcombe-Brown. Eliza lost not only her brother in World War One but also her two sons who enlisted with the British Imperial Force. The local Upper Hutt newspaper confirmed that T Baillie was the husband of Mrs Baillie of Maori- Bank and brother of Mrs E Balcombe Brown. Thomas s photo appeared in the Auckland Weekly news with title Pte T D Baillie of Upper Hutt. Christian Marinus Christenson BAK Lance Corp 12/4523 KIA 15 September 1916 France Mangaroa School War Service Memorial Board Christian Marinus Christensen BAK was born 09 January 1881 in Denmark. His parents were Mrs and Mr Kristian BAK. The 1914 Otaki Electoral Roll recorded Chris BAK farmer Foxton. Christian Marinus Christensen BAK Corporal 12/4523 enlisted in World War One occupation farmer next of kin Dick Ericksen Meeanne Napier (Reference Nominal Roll volume 2 roll 28 page 4) Christian Marinus Christensen BAK age 35 died 15 September 1916 in Somme France. (Reference RGO NZ death registration 1918 folio website 1918/43298 age 35 born about 1883) Christian Marinus Bak Lance Corporal service number 12/4523 2nd Battalion Auckland Regiment NZEF died 15 September 1916 grave IX H 24 Caterpillar Valley cemetery Longueval son of Mr and Mrs Kristian Bak of Tapdrup Sogn Viborg Denmark (Reference Commonwealth War Graves website) Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database Christian Marinus Christensen BAK Lance Corporal 12/4523 occupation Farmer next of kin Dick Ericksen (friend) Meeanne Napier New Zealand 11th Reinforcements Auckland Infantry Battalion A Company embarked Wellington 01 April 1916 vessel HMNZT 49 or 50 Maunganui or Tahiti destination Suez Egypt killed in action 15 September 1916 Somme France buried IX H 24 Caterpillar Valley cemetery Longueval Somme France Christian Bak was the son of Mr and Mrs Kristian BAK of Tapdrup Sogn Viborg Denmark (Reference Auckland War Memorial Museum website Cenotaph Database) History Sheet etc. - Christian Marinus Christensen BAK Lance Corporal service number 12/ Reinforcements 2 nd Battalion Auckland Infantry Regiment, occupation farmer, employer self, born 09 January 1881 Denmark, address Palmerston North, next of kin friend Dick Ericksen Meanee Napier then father Mr Kristian Bak Taprup Logu Viborg Denmark, enlisted 03 December 1915, embarked for overseas duty 02 April 1916, killed in action in the fields of France 15 September 1916, Mentioned in divisional routine orders for acts of gallantry & devotion to duty, medals, memorial scroll & plaque sent to executor Mr D Ericksen Meanee 120 Nelson Crescent Napier or father Mr Kristian Bak Tapdrup Sogn Niborg Denmark, height 5 feet 7 inches, complexion medium, eyes brown, hair brown, religion Protestant. Attestation form - (18 questions) completed at Trentham (question 7) what was the address at which you last resided = Palmerston North Christian BAK associated with the Upper Hutt district was that he is recorded on the Mangaroa School War Memorial Board. He must have had an association with Manganroa to be placed on the memorial board. Rainsford BALCOMBE-BROWN Major Royal Flying Corps MC & MID KIA 02 May 1918 France = RSA name not to be recorded 7

8 Rainsford Balcombe BALCOMBE-BROWN born 1895 New Zealand. His parents were Eliza Mary Baillie and Edward Balcombe Brown who married 02 June 1892 at St Johns Koromiko near Picton. (Reference RGO NZ birth registration 1895 folio website 1895/16927 parents Eliza Mary and Edward Balcombe-Brown) Rainsford BALCOMBE-BROWN Captain Royal Flying Corps next of kin father Mr Balcombe- Brown Wellington. (Reference Guthrie Index) Rainsford's father E Balcombe-Brown was a solicitor with his business in Wellington and residents in Upper Hutt. He was the president of the Upper Hutt & District Horticultural Society. Press newspaper 22 May 1915 page 13 Scouting in the Air A New Zealander's Experiences - What the Landscape is like from 6000 Feet - (From our own Correspondence) London 13 April - The two sons of Mr E. Balcombe Brown, of Wellington, who were students at Oriel, Oxford, are now in France. The eldest Mr W E Balcombe Brown, is with the Field Artillery, and Mr Rainsford Balcombe Brown, who belongs to the same regiment, attached to the Royal Flying Corps. Writing to his parents on his arrival in France, Lieut. R Balcombe Brown says; All my first day here I spent learning up Morse in order to be able to use the wireless for signalling to batteries from aeroplanes. Not many of them have wireless, and one has to become very efficient before going out to observe battery fire over the lines. Well, on March 27th, I had my first ride in an aeroplane. Between here and Armentieres by zig-zagging about we climbed to 6500 feet, and then set off over the German lines. We went over Armentieres, Wervieq, Comines, Menin, Gheluvelt, Ypres, and back. The object was to see what troops, transport and trains were moving about behind the German lines. It was a beautiful clear morning but very cold, because it was freezing on the ground when we left the aerodrome at 5.45 am I was utterly astonished by the distance one could see. The cliffs on the south coast of England were actually visible. This is very seldom the case, and it was an exceptionally clear morning. During the trip I was not able to make out much, and of course, as it was my first time, the pilot did all the observing. I made out a few trains in different stations, but didn't bother very much about observing, because I was so engrossed in looking all round (instead of down), and enjoying to the full a new sensation. When at 6500 feet Ypres and Menin look awfully close together, and ground distances all look very small. At Wervicq two shells were fired at us, but were miles away. At Comines the shooting was a little better, while coming back over Gheluvelt and Ziilebeke woods we were "archied" for about 10 to 15 minutes, the-shells bursting above and below and all over the place. It is a tremendously hard thing to hit an aeroplane at 6500 feet. One begins to realise it when one gets up at that height and sees objects on the ground (towns, for instance) which from the ground appear to occupy such a large space, while from the air they look so tiny. It would seem almost impossible from a height of 6500 feet to hit an object on the ground the size of an aeroplane. Well, we came back to the aerodrome, and when straight above it the pilot shut off the engine and we spiralled down at the most alarming angle so that I thought we must side slip. We didn't take long to come down, and when quite near the ground I thought my ears were going to burst. The feeling is caused by coming down from a height so quickly. To-day was just like yesterday, a sunny, but very cold day, with a few clouds now and then and a little snow. I went up at midday to-day with the same pilot, and we did the same trip as before. This time I managed to see a good deal, e.g., lorries moving along the roads; a column of Germans moving across the square at Menin, and trains in the stations. There was a very strong wind against us going there and getting up to 6000 feet, and going over Armentieres (which we have got), Wervicq, Menin, and towards Moorsiede took us practically an hour, while from Moorslede we came, back in between 5 to 10 minutes. We weren't shelled to-day nearly as much as yesterday. I don't know why. I am attached here for three weeks, then will probably go to some battery. I will have had some experience of ranging with aeroplanes, and by having officers of the Royal Artillery attached for short periods like this it is hoped that the methods of the flying corps men will be better understood by the gunners, and better work will be done by the artillery when there is more of a mutual understanding between gunner, and aviators. The day before yesterday, who 8

9 should I run up against but Denis O'Rorke. He is ADC or sub ADC to General Smith, who commands a brigade of infantry. (Reference Papers past website Press newspaper 22 May 1915 page 13) Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 18 December 1915 Kai Kaha Our Boys Imperial RFA Rainsford Balcomb Brown (Reference Papers past website Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 18 December 1915) Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 31 December 1915 Our Boys Rainsford Balcombe-Brown second lieutenant RFA has been doing excellent aviation work in France. He has been recently promoted direct from 2nd lieutenant to the rank of captain (Reference Papers past website Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 31 December 1915 page 3) Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 22 July 1916 Our Boys Rainsford Balcombe Brown a Flight commander in the British Angels had been awarded the Military Cross for destroying a German balloon (Reference Papers past website Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 22 July 1916 page 2) Evening Post newspaper 22 July 1916 Mr E Balcombe-Brown of Wellington has received a cable message stating that his son Capt. Rainsford Balcombe-Brown has been award the Military Cross for destroying a German balloon. (Reference Papers past website Evening Post newspaper 22 July 1916 page 8) Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 16 September 1916 Our Boys Rainsford Balcome Brown has been awarded the Military Cross for aerial achievements (Reference Papers past website Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 16 September 1916 page 2) Evening Post newspaper 20 March 1917 Captain R Balcombe-Brown MC RFA attached to the Royal Flying Corps is now squadron commander with the rank of Major (Reference Papers past website Evening Post newspaper 20 March 1917 page 2) Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 31 March 1917 Our Boys Lieut. Rainsford Balcombe Brown has been promoted to the rank of Squadron commander in the Royal Flying Corps. Hip Hip He deserves it. (Reference Papers past website Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 31 March 1917 page 3) New Zealand Herald newspaper 08 May 1918 Officer Reported Missing Major R Balcombe Brown News has been received that Major R Balcombe Brown M.C. of Wellington who has been commanding a squadron of the Royal Flying Corps on the western front was reported missing after aerial activity on May 02. (Reference Paper past website New Zealand Herald newspaper 08 May 1918 page 4) Rainsford BALCOMBE-BROWN death in France was registered in New Zealand just like the NZEF Service Personnel who died overseas. This was not common for someone who service for another country. (Reference RGO NZ WI death registration 1918 folio website 1918/47960 age not recorded) R BALCOMBE-BROWN Major Royal Air Force 56th Squadron age 23 died 02 May 1918 awards MC grave G 50 Carnoy military cemetery Somme France son of Edward Balcombe-Brown and Eliza M Balcome-Brown of Upper Hutt New Zealand (Reference Commonwealth War Graves website) R Balcombe-Brown Major Royal Air Force Casualty (Reference Archives NZ Wellington AABK W5725 2/ B.R. 37/1970 from NZ Defence Force Archives) New Zealand Herald newspaper 13 September

10 Personal Items - Lieutenant (temporary captain) Rainsford Balcombe Brown RFA Special Reserves and Royal Flying Corps has been awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and skill. He is the son of Mr and Mrs Balcombe Brown of Wellington. He attacked an enemy kite balloon and brought it down in flames. He was flying in a type of machine unfamiliar to him owing to the absence through wounds of the regular pilots. At dawn he commenced to learn the machine and the same evening brought down the kite. (Reference Papers past website New Zealand Herald newspaper 13 September 1916 page 9) Auckland War Memorial Museum Rainsford BALCOMBE-BROWN Major Royal Air Force 56 Squadron Military Cross (MC) Mentioned in Despatches (MID) born 1895 New Zealand age 23 died 02 May 1918 killed in action grave G 50 Carnoy Military cemetery Somme France Portrait photo from In Memoriam Wanganui Collegiate School 1919 notes son of Edward and Eliza Mary Balcombe- Brown of Upper Hutt Wellington 1919 Hutt Electoral Roll Wellington Eliza Mary Balcombe BROWN married Maori Bank Upper Hutt (Reference Ancestry website New Zealand Electoral Roll) Evening Post newspaper 23 February 1922 Investiture Ceremony at Government House Military Cross The Military Cross won by the late Captain Balcombe Brown was handed to his mother Mrs E Balcombe Brown of Upper Hutt (Reference Papers past website Evening Post newspaper 23 February 1922 page 8) Old St Pauls Church Public Memorial Wellington In Memory of Edward Balcolme BROWN Layreader and Synodsman; and his wife Eliza Mary nee BAILLIE ; and their sons William killed in action 1915, Rainsford killed in action (Reference Cemetery transcripts) Comment In 1930 the RSA ladies committee was established and Mrs Eliza Mary Balcombe-Brown was made an honorary member of the association. Her 2 sons left NZ and were at Universities in England when the war broke out. Rainsford enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps & William Edward enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery. Both of her sons were killed in action during World War One. Eliza s brother, Private Thomas Douglas BAILLIE also died while serving and his wife was residing in Maoribank with his sister. Rainsford's father E Balcombe-Brown was president of the Upper Hutt & District Horticultural Society. His wife Eliza was involved in numerous local and national organisations. Rainsford BALCOMBE-BROWN association to Upper Hutt was that his family resided in Maoribank Upper Hutt (also recorded on the 1929 Trentham manoeuvers map). Rainsford s death was registered in New Zealand. His parents were very involved in local organisation. The local Upper Hutt newspaper recorded him as one of Our Boys. William Edward BALCOMBE-BROWN Lieut. Royal Field Artillery KIA 29 June 1915 France = RSA name not to be recorded William Edward Balcombe BROWN was born 1893 New Zealand. His parents were Eliza Mary Baillie and Edward Balcombe Brown who married 02 June 1892 at St Johns Koromiko near Picton. (Reference RGO NZ birth registration 1893 folio website 1893/7157 parents Eliza Mary and Edward Balcombe Brown) William Edward BALCOMBE-BROWN Lieutenant 68th Battery Royal Field Artillery next of kin father Mr Edward Balcombe-Brown Upper Hutt Wellington (Reference Guthrie Index) 10

11 William's father E Balcombe-Brown was a solicitor with his business in Wellington and residents in Upper Hutt. He was the president of the Upper Hutt & District Horticultural Society. Press newspaper 22 May 1915 Scouting in the Air A New Zealander's Experiences - What the Landscape is like from 6000 Feet - (From our own Correspondence) London 13 April - The two sons of Mr E. Balcombe Brown, of Wellington, who were students at Oriel, Oxford, are now in France. The eldest Mr W E Balcombe Brown, is with the Field Artillery, and Mr Rainsford Balcombe Brown, who belongs to the same regiment, attached to the Royal Flying Corps. Writing to his parents on his arrival in France, Lieut. R Balcombe Brown says; All my first day here I spent learning up Morse in order to be able to use the wireless for signalling to batteries from aeroplanes. Not many of them have wireless, and one has to become very efficient before going out to observe battery fire over the lines. Well, on March 27th, I had my first ride in an aeroplane. Between here and Armentieres by zig-zagging about we climbed to 6500 feet, and then set off over the German lines. We went over Armentieres, Wervieq, Comines, Menin, Gheluvelt, Ypres, and back. The object was to see what troops, transport and trains were moving about behind the German lines. It was a beautiful clear morning but very cold, because it was freezing on the ground when we left the aerodrome at 5.45 am I was utterly astonished by the distance one could see. The cliffs on the south coast of England were actually visible. This is very seldom the case, and it was an exceptionally clear morning. During the trip I was not able to make out much, and of course, as it was my first time, the pilot did all the observing. I made out a few trains in different stations, but didn't bother very much about observing, because I was so engrossed in looking all round (instead of down), and enjoying to the full a new sensation. When at 6500 feet Ypres and Menin look awfully close together, and ground distances all look very small. At Wervicq two shells were fired at us, but were miles away. At Comines the shooting was a little better, while coming back over Gheluvelt and Ziilebeke woods we were "archied" for about 10 to 15 minutes, the-shells bursting above and below and all over the place. It is a tremendously hard thing to hit an aeroplane at 6500 feet. One begins to realise it when one gets up at that height and sees objects on the ground (towns, for instance) which from the ground appear to occupy such a large space, while from the air they look so tiny. It would seem almost impossible from a height of 6500 feet to hit an object on the ground the size of an aeroplane. Well, we came back to the aerodrome, and when straight above it the pilot shut off the engine and we spiralled down at the most alarming angle so that I thought we must side slip. We didn't take long to come down, and when quite near the ground I thought my ears were going to burst. The feeling is caused by coming down from a height so quickly. To-day was just like yesterday, a sunny, but very cold day, with a few clouds now and then and a little snow. I went up at midday to-day with the same pilot, and we did the same trip as before. This time I managed to see a good deal, e.g., lorries moving along the roads; a column of Germans moving across the square at Menin, and trains in the stations. There was a very strong wind against us going there and getting up to 6000 feet, and going over Armentieres (which we have got), Wervicq, Menin, and towards Moorsiede took us practically an hour, while from Moorslede we came, back in between 5 to 10 minutes. We weren't shelled to-day nearly as much as yesterday. I don't know why. I am attached here for three weeks, then will probably go to some battery. I will have had some experience of ranging with aeroplanes, and by having officers of the Royal Artillery attached for short periods like this it is hoped that the methods of the flying corps men will be better understood by the gunners, and better work will be done by the artillery when there is more of a mutual understanding between gunner, and aviators. The day before yesterday, who should I run up against but Denis O'Rorke. He is ADC or sub ADC to General Smith, who commands a brigade of infantry. (Reference Papers past website Press newspaper 22 May 1915 page 13) Wairarapa Age newspaper 09 July 1915 Casualty List Mr Balcombe-Brown s son killed (received this morning 12.5 o clock) London 18th July Our casualties are forty six officers and 745 men, including William Balcolm Brown of the Field Artillery eldest son of Mr Balcolme Brown of Wellington, was killed by a shell in France on 29th (June). 11

12 (Reference Paper past website Wairarapa Age newspaper 09 July 1915 page 5) Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 10 July 1915 William Balcombe-Brown Lieutenant Royal Field Artillery son of E Balcombe-Browne of Upper Hutt Killed in Action by a shell in France on 29 June (Reference Papers past website Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 10 July 1915 page 1) Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 25 December 1915 Column Kai Kaha Our Boys - Imperial RFC William Balcomb Browne (Reference Papers past website Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 25 December 1915 plus other dates) William Edward BALCOMBE-BROWN death in France was registered in New Zealand just like the NZEF Service Personnel who died overseas. This was not common for someone who service for another country. (Reference RGO NZ WWI death registration 1918 folio website 1918/86683 age 22 born about 1896) William Edward BALCOMBE-BROWN Second Lieutenant Royal Field Artillery 68th Battalion age 22 died 29 June 1915 son of Edward Balcombe-Brown and Eliza Mary Balcombe-Brown of Upper Hutt Wellington New Zealand (Reference Commonwealth War Graves website) Auckland War Memorial Museum William Edward BALCOMBE-BROWN Lieutenant / Second Lieutenant Royal Fields Artillery 68th Battery age 22 died 29 June 1915 Belgium killed in action grave EE 39 Buffs Road cemetery Ieper West-Vlaanderen Belgium portrait photo from In Memoriam Wanganui Collegiate School 1919 notes son of Edward and Eliza Mary Balcombe-Brown Upper Hutt Wellington Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 29 January 1916 In Memoriam Captain A J Shout V C - Lieut. W Balcomb-Brown Sergt. Stan Moore Private A C Boyd Private W Minichin Nurse Cavell of the NZ Marquette Nurses (Reference Papers past website Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 29 January 1916 page 2) Old St Pauls Church Public Memorial Wellington In Memory of Edward Balcolme BROWN Layreader and Synodsman; and his wife Eliza Mary nee BAILLIE and their sons William killed in action 1915, Rainsford killed in action (Reference Cemetery transcripts) Comment In 1930 the RSA ladies committee was established and Mrs Eliza Mary Balcombe-Brown was made an honorary member of the association. Her 2 sons left NZ and were at Universities in England when the war broke out. Rainsford enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps & William Edward enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery. Both of her sons were killed in action during World War One. Eliza s brother, Private Thomas Douglas BAILLIE also died while serving and his wife was residing in Maoribank with his sister. William's father E Balcombe-Brown was president of the Upper Hutt & District Horticultural Society. His wife Eliza was involved in numerous local and national organisations. William Edward BALCOMBE-BROWN association to Upper Hutt was that his family resided in Maoribank Upper Hutt (also recorded on the 1929 Trentham manoeuvers map). William s death was registered in New Zealand. His parents were very involved in local organisation. The local Upper Hutt newspaper recorded him as one of Our Boys. Joseph Thomas BARRETT Private died in service 27 August 1918 Trentham M Camp 12

13 Joseph Thomas BARRETT was born 05 August 1860 (1853) London England. His parents were both born in Ireland. Joseph Thomas BARRETT married August 1877 Christchurch New Zealand to Margaret Cecilia DUFFY. They had 11 children. Joseph s wife Margaret Cecilia Barrett died 27 April 1909 age 56 and was buried at Karori cemetery Wellington New Zealand. (Reference RGO NZ marriage registration 1877 folio website 1877/2223 under Bassett & RGO NZ death registration 1909 folio website 1909/3221 age 54 born about 1855) Two of Joseph s sons were Henry and Leonard. Henry Felix Henry BARRETT was born 1884 and John Leonard BARRETT was born 1896 both in New Zealand. (Reference RGO NZ birth registration 1884 folio website 1884/11984 parents Margaret Cecily and Joseph Thomas Barrett & RGO NZ birth registration 1896 folio website 1896/16867 parents Marjorie and Joseph Thomas Barrett) Joseph Thomas BARRETT Private Private Training Unit occupation Joiner last employee Grease & Coy address 97 Dixon Street Wellington next of kin son Mr Leonard John Barrett, Joseph died 27 August Another transcription recorded Joseph Thomas BARRETT Private Training Unit 97 Dixon Street Wellington occupation Joiner next of kin son Mr Henry Barrett Trentham Military Camp Trentham died 27 August 1918 (Reference1924 publication Great War NZ Expeditionary Force Roll of Honour Section 3 = died while training) Joseph Thomas also recorded Thomas Joseph BARRETT age 65 died of heart failure 27 August 1918 at the Hospital in Trentham Military Camp Upper Hutt New Zealand. Joseph was buried with his wife at Karori cemetery in Wellington (Reference RGO NZ death registration 1918 folio website 1918/17351 age 65 born about 1853) Joseph Thomas BARRETT (widower) enlisted in World War One (24 October at Wellington) 01 November 1917 and was posted to the Quarter Master section at Trentham Military Camp as batman and waiter. His occupation on enlistment in Wellington was Joiner for Windsor Manufacturing Co Wellington with home address 97 Dixon Street Wellington. He was a widower with 11 children all over the age of 16 years. Joseph s next of kin were son s Henry BARRETT Trentham Military Camp and Leonard John BARRETT 82 Taranaki Street Wellington. Attestation form - (14 questions) completed at Wellington (question 7) what is your home in New Zealand = 97 Dixon Street Wellington (question 8) to what address during the next three months should letters be addressed so as to reach you without delay = 97 Dixon Street Wellington Joseph Thomas Barrett s association with Upper Hutt is that he was died while serving at the Trentham Military Camp in Upper Hutt. His next of kin son Henry Barrett does not have any military service but is recorded at Trentham Military Camp. Perhaps Henry was involved in building at Trentham Camp as his occupation was carpenter. Ivor George BASSETT Rifleman killed in action 14 June 1917 France Upper Hutt School War Service Memorial Board = RSA name not to be recorded Ivor George BASSETT was born 04 April 1892 Petone New Zealand. His parents were Sarah and Thomas Bassett (Reference RGO NZ birth registration 1892 folio website 1892/6190 parents Sarah and Thomas Bassett) Upper Hutt School Ivor BASSETT birth date 04 April 1892 parent Thomas Bassett address Trentham admission date 01 March 1904 last school Petone last day 21 February 1904 destination Petone register number 834 Upper Hutt School Ivor George BASSETT Rifleman occupation Farm hand next of kin mother Mrs S Bassett 70 Fitzherbert Street Palmerston North (Reference nominal roll volume 2 roll 45 page 31) 13

14 Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 07 July 1917 Column Our Boys - Ivor Bassett son of the ex Silverstream roadman and an Upper Hutt School Old Boy is reported this week Killed in Action (Reference Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 07 July 1917 page 2) Ivor George BASSETT age 25 died 14 June 1917 in Belguim (Reference RGO NZ WWI death registration 1918 folio website 1918/51532 age 25 born about 1893) Ivor George BASSETT Rifleman New Zealand Rifle Brigade B Coy 4th Bn 3rd age 25 died 14 June 1917 son of Thomas and Sarah Jessica Bassett of 32 Ranfurly Street Palmerston North Wellington Native of Petone (Reference Commonwealth War Graves website) Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph database Ivor George BASSETT Rifleman New Zealand Rifle Brigade 4th Battalion 3rd 10th Reinforcements occupation Farm Hand next of kin Mrs S Bassett (mother) 70 Fitzherbert Street Palmerston North New Zealand embarked 15 November 1916 vessel Maunganui HMNZT 68 destination Plymouth England age 25 died 14 June 1917 killed in action Messines Ridge (New Zealand) Memorial Messines Ridge British cemetery Belgium note son of Thomas and Sarah Jessica Bassett of 32 Ranfurly Street Palmerston North Wellington Native of Petone. History Sheet etc. Ivor George BASSETT Rifleman service number 28416, 19 Reinforcements, 4 th Battalion NZ Rifle Brigade, born 04 April 1892 Petone New Zealand, occupation Farm hand employee Self, last NZ address C/- A E Hyde Bunnythorpe, next of kin (sister) Mrs Bertha Andrews 10 Tully Street Kilbirnie Wellington (crossed out) mother Mrs S Bassett 70 Fitzherbert Street Palmerston North (crossed out) father Mr Thomas Bassett 32 Ranfurly Street Palmerston North. Enlisted 27 June 1916 and trained at Trentham, left for overseas duty 15 November 1916, killed in action in the fields of France or Belgium 14 June His medals, Memorial scroll and plaque were issued to his father Thomas Bassett of Palmerston North. Ivor was 5feet 4 inches, complexion dark, eyes grey, hair dark brown and religion Church of England. Attestation form (18 questions) completed Trentham (question 7) what was the address at which you last resided = Bunnythorpe Ivor George Bassett s association with Upper Hutt was that he attended Upper Hutt School. His parents work and resided in Trentham Upper Hutt before the War. Ivor George Bassett is recorded on the Upper Hutt School War Memorial Board. He is recorded in the local Upper Hutt newspaper as one of Our Boys. R H R BAYLEY - Major 12/26 AIR (Upper Hutt School Robert Daniel (Dick) BENGE Private died Influenza 10 November 1918 Featherston MC Robert Daniel BENGE was born 06 June 1897 Upper Hutt New Zealand. His parents were Matilda and Samuel William Benge. (Reference RGO NZ birth registration 1897 folio website 1897/10402 parents Matilda and Samuel William Benge) Maungaroa School Upper Hutt Robert BENGE birth date 06 June 1897 parent S Benge address Maungaroa Upper Hutt admission date 16 February 1903 last day 14 February 1911 comment school now known as Brown Owl register number 311 Maungaroa School 14

15 Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 08 September 1917 Column Our Boys - The following Upper Hutt County and Cross creek boys were drawn in the Tenth Ballot County of Hutt in the Mungaroa Riding R D Benge Te Marua (Reference Papers past website Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 08 September 1917 page 2) Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 29 September 1917 Column Our Boys - Dick Benge, Jim Clay and Frank Little have passed the medical examination and are going into camp soon (Reference Papers past website Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 29 September 1917 page 2) Robert Daniel BENGE married 26 June 1918 Upper Hutt Annie Agnes OSBORNE by Rev A M Climie. (Reference RGO NZ marriage registration 1918 folio 2031 website 1918/2467) Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 13 July 1918 Column Our Boys - Soldiers Weddings Benge Osborn On Wednesday 26 June at Te Marua Chaplain Climie tied the matrimonial knot which made Annie Agnes Osborn elder daughter of Mrs Forsyth of Wellington the bride of one of Our Boys. The bridegroom R D Benge (Dick) is the elder son of Mrs Sam Benge and is leaving shortly with a NZ Reinforcement. Private Albert Benge was best man and Misses N Clough and L Condon bridesmaids. The bride wore a navy blue costume and mole-coloured velvet hat. The newly wedded couple went South on a Final Leave honeymoon but struck the blizzard in Canterbury and returned more reconciled to the North Island weather. Note Mrs Forsyth was twice married Ed. (Reference Papers past website Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 13 July 1918 page 2) Robert Daniel BENGE Private enlisted in World War One, his occupation was Blacksmith & farmhand, employer S Benge Est Limited Wellington, last address Te Marua Upper Hutt next of kin wife Mrs R D Benge address Te Marua Upper Hutt. Robert was attached to Training Unit. (Roll of Honour section 3) Robert Daniel BENGE age 21 died 10 November 1918 of Influenza at the Featherston Military Camp New Zealand. Robert was buried in the Military section of Featherston cemetery Wairarapa. (Reference RGO NZ WWI death registration 1918 folio website 1918/10569 age 21 born about 1897) Robert Daniel BENGE Private New Zealand Training Unit age 21 died 10 November 1918 buried Featherston cemetery Wairarapa New Zealand husband of A A Benge of Te Marua Upper Hutt born at Upper Hutt (Reference Commonwealth War Graves website) Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph database Robert Daniel BENGE Private New Zealand Training Unite 46th Reinforcements A Company NZEF occupation Blacksmith and farmhand next of kin (wife) Mrs R D Benge Te Marua Upper Hutt age 21 died 10 November 1918 died of Influenza buried Featherston cemetery Western Lake Road Featherston Wairarapa New Zealand Notes husband of A A Benge of Te Marua Upper Hutt New Zealand Robert Daniel BENGE private, service number 74285, occupation Blacksmith & Farmhand, employer S Benge Est Ltd Wellington, last address Te Marua Upper Hutt, next of kin wife Mrs R D Benge Te Marua Upper Hutt, enlisted 08 February 1918, died 10 November 1918 Featherston Military Camp Hospital at 6.30 am. Robert was 5 feet 5 inches, complexion dark, eyes blue and hair brown. Attestation form (26 questions) completed in Wellington (question 12) what was the address at which you last resided = Te Marua Upper Hutt Robert died on the 10 November 1918 on the following day on 11 November 1918 World War One ended. 15

16 Robert Daniel Benge association with Upper Hutt was that he was born and educated in Upper Hutt. He worked and married in Upper Hutt. He resided in Upper Hutt firstly with his parents then with his wife who was recorded as his next of kin address Upper Hutt. Robert was mention in the local Upper Hutt newspaper as one of Our Boys. Henry Francis (Harry) BICKENS Private 10/1742 Missing in action 08 August 1915 Gallipoli Henry Francis BICKENS was born 02 May 1890 Ryde Isle of Wight England. His parents were Mr and Mrs K Bickens. Henry Francis BICKENS 10/1742 Private Wellington Infantry Battalion Fourth single address 53 Thorndon Quay Wellington next of kin father J Bickens 39 Glasshouse Street London Wellington (Reference nominal roll volume 1) Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 11 September 1915 Word has been received that Harry Bickens (ex-porter at Upper Hutt) and George Russell (formerly of Kaitoke Station) were killed on 08 August and that Robert C Dunn (brother of J H Dunn Silverstream) Claude Simpson (of the Mangaroa Druids Lodge) and Harry Ward (brother of Norman Ward and step brother of J Harrison of Upper Hutt) were reported Missing and believed to have been killed on the same day (Reference papers past website Hutt Valley Independent newspaper 11 September 1915 page 1) Henry Francis BICKENS 10/1742 Private Wellington Regiment NZEF died 08 August 1915 grave panel 19 Chunuk Bair (New Zealand) memorial Turkey son of Mr and Mrs K Bickens of 39 Glasshouse Street Regent Street London England (Reference Commonwealth War Graves website) History Sheet Henry Francis BICKENS Private, service number 10/1742 of Wellington Infantry Battalion, born 02 May 1890 Ryde Isle of Wight England, occupation Railway Porter employer NZ Railways Upper Hutt, last New Zealand address 53 Thorndon Quay Wellington, next of kin father Mr J Bickens 39 Glasshouse Street London West England & mother Amy Bickens same address, enlisted 06 January 1915, left for overseas duty 17 April killed in action Gallipoli Dardanelles 08 August His Medals, Memorial scroll and plaque were sent to his father in England. Height 6 feet 1 inches, complexion dark, eyes brown, hair black and religion Church of England. Attestation form (18 questions) completed in Trentham (question 7) what was the address at which you last resided = 53 Thorndon Quay Wellington Henry Francis Bickens association with Upper Hutt was that he worked in Upper Hutt. He completed his attestation sheet in Trentham. The local Upper Hutt newspaper recorded his death with notation ex porter in Upper Hutt. Alexander Colin BOYD Trooper 13/980 killed in action 28 August 1915 Gallipoli Alexander Colin BOYD was born 25 January 1896 Martinborough New Zealand. His parents were Jessie Isabella and William Boyd (Reference RGO NZ birth registration 1896 folio website 1896/2731 parents Jessie Isabella and William Boyd) Upper Hutt School Colin BOYD birth date 25 January 1896 parent William Boyd address Upper Hutt admission date 09 July 1906 last school Petone last day 19 July 1906 destination Petone register number 978 Upper Hutt School 16