Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Wright, William

 

 William Wright
 
The death occurred yesterday afternoon of Mr William Wright, a very old resident of Kaiapoi, who was ninety-three years of age. Mr Wright arrived in Lyttelton more than fifty years ago, and after staying there some time, removed to Kaiapoi. He served as a corporal of Sappers and Miners in the Crimea, and superintended the building of forts, for which his superior officers gave great praise.
Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXI, Issue 8082, 11 June 1910
 
 
 Mr William Wright, sen., died at Kaiapoi yesterday, at the ripe old age of 93. Deceased was one of our best known veterans, having served in the British Auxiliary Legion raised by General Sir de Lacy Evans to defend Queen Isabella II of Spain against the troops of Don Carlos. He received his baptism of fire under Hernani at the heights of Santa Barbara, off St. Sebastian, and was present at all of the important battles throughout the war. That the campaign was a vigorous one, may be judged from the fact that fully one-third of the men were killed in active fighting. In 1837 he enlisted in the H.E.I.C. service, and joined their headquarters at Chatham, afterwards being sent with a detachment to the East India Company's College at Addiscombe, where he remained for twelve years. He obtained his discharge to come to New Zealand on December 21st, 1851 [if in NZ in 1851, doubtful if he was also in the Crimean War]. For some time the late Mr Wright was associated with the volunteer movement at Kaiapoi, where his ripe experience was of great value. His eldest son is Mr R. M. Wright, of Ohoka, and he leaves a large number of descendants.
Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13757, 11 June 1910
 
 
 
 

Friday, May 22, 2020

John Bevin


John Bevin
born 19 July 1831 Bandon, County Cork, Ireland
died 11 May 1892 at his residence, Dowling Street, Dunedin, New Zealand
 

 John Bevin, one of the Six Hundred in the Charge of the Light Brigade, as a police sergeant, ca. 1873-1875 / photograph by Clifford & Morris, Dunedin
 File number: FL3266031.
Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales.


DEATH OF SERGEANT-MAJOR BEVIN.
The adventurous life of Sergeant-major Bevin came to an end, after a brief illness, at 20 minutes to 7 o'clock yesterday morning, the immediate cause of death being diabetes and carbuncle. Up to a week ago the sergeant-major performed his duties at the Central Police Station, and when he found himself compelled to seek leave from the office it was fully expected he would be back at his post in a few days. It was not, indeed, till Tuesday of this week that his case was regarded as serious, but there was then a distinct change for the worse, and Dr de Zouche, who had been in attendance, deemed it advisable to consult two other physicians. On Tuesday night Inspector Hickson visited the patient and was recognised by him, but almost immediately thereafter the sergeant-major lapsed into a state of insensibility, and he never regained consciousness.

The feeling of regret at his death will be widespread, not only because he was a hero — for, as is very generally known in this colony, he was one of the noble Six Hundred" who made the famous charge at Balaclava at which "all the world wondered," and he gained the Turkish and Crimea medals— but also because of his sterling qualities as a man. In his capacity as sergeant-major of police here he had many disagreeable duties to perform, and he had many unfortunate cases to deal with, but though he must have prosecuted innumerable persons to a conviction — and it is said that he never forgot the face of one of these, and it is certain that he knew the life history of most of them — he was a man of deep sympathies and with a warm heart; and many a person who has started on the downward path has been arrested in his or her career by words of advice and caution from the lips of the subject of this obituary notice.

It was at Bandon, County Cork, Ireland, that John Bevin was born, the date being the 19th July 1831. He served his apprenticeship to the carpentry trade in Tipperary, but when he was 18 years old he enlisted at Cork, joining the cavalry branch of the service, and in 1854 he sailed with his regiment, the 8th Royal Hussars ("The King's Own"), for Bulgaria. His regiment was part of the first division of the Allied Army that proceeded to Gallipoli, thence to Varna, and on to Eupatoria to take part in the Crimean campaign. Private Bevin was present at the rout of Alma; he rode with his squadron, as above-mentioned, in the charge of the Light Brigade; he was present at the Battle of Inkermann and served before Sebastopol. During these experiences he received altogether 18 wounds, mostly of a slight character, from the sabres and lances of the enemy, but was never struck by a ball. His reminders of Balaclava were a contusion of the skull and a slit in the ear, the latter leaving a scar which he carries to his grave. At one period of the Crimean War he was taken prisoner, and spent a few weeks in a Russian hospital about 100 miles inland, and was subsequently exchanged with other prisoners. On the return of the troops to England Private Bevin was one of those balloted out of the regiment on the occasion of the strength being reduced to a peace footing. A comrade of his, who was specially anxious to obtain a discharge, offered Bevin L10 to exchange positions, but the latter declined the offer. The man referred to remained by the regiment when it was shortly afterwards restored to its active strength as a consequence of the outbreak of the, Indian Mutiny, and he wrote to the sergeant-major a short time ago. Coming out to Victoria a little while after being paid off, John Bevin entered the police service, and for a time was attached to the Richmond depot as roughriding instructor. He came to Otago in November 1861, and joined the force here under Mr Branigan, who had come across in the preceding August and received authority to increase the number of his men. Bevin entered the service as an ordinary constable, and in exactly a twelvemonth he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Very shortly afterwards he resigned and set up in business as a livery stable keeper. A few months of that experience sufficed, and he rejoined the force and regained his stripe. On the 1st of April 1874 he was made a first-class sergeant, and in November of that year he attained to the position of sergeant-major, the rank which he held to the day of his death.

In 1882 he was presented by the citizens of Dunedin with a silver cup in commemoration of the anniversary of Balaclava, and also in recognition of his long service in the police. On the occasion of a concert held in the Garrison Hall some couple of years ago in aid of the fund for relieving distressed survivors of the charge at Balaclava, Sergeant-major Bevin returned thanks, on behalf of his old comrades, for the interest that was being taken in them and the assistance that was being forwarded to them, and on that occasion he received a great ovation from a large audience. By a recent mail he received particulars of the death of two men who had taken part in the charge, and, as he erased their names from the list of survivors published in book form some time ago, he remarked that they were a rapidly-thinning band, and that it would soon be his own turn. No one dreamt at the time how soon that turn would come. He leaves a wife and grown-up family of seven — three sons and four daughters.

At the conclusion of the business at the City Police Court yesterday forenoon, Mr P. G. Pryde, one of the presiding justices, referred to the death of Sergeant-major Bevin in the following terms :- "I do not think it will be right to allow the court to adjourn without some reference being made to the loss the public service has sustained in the death of Sergeant-major Bevin. As one who has been intimately acquainted with the sergeant major for about 25 years, I may say that I personally feel the loss very much, and realise that the public have lost a good servant and a man who played his part well in the world, as we all know. It is only becoming that reference should be made to his long and faithful services, and that sympathy should be expressed with his family in their bereavement. I regret exceedingly the death of a man whom I had a great deal of pleasure in being connected with in the business of the court." Sergeant Geerin briefly thanked the Bench for the kindly remarks made, and also acknowledged the reference to the deceased officer on behalf of the mourning family.

The funeral is fixed for Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. At the Salvation Army meeting last evening, Captain Burton made reference to Sergeant-major Bevin's death, and said that in him the Army had lost a good friend. The sergeant-major had in many ways, and on many occasions, shown the kindness of his disposition and the goodness of his health in assisting them in their rescue and other work, and his death would be regretted by the members of the Army in Dunedin.
Otago Witness, Issue 1994, 12 May 1892



Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Joseph Hyde

AN INKERMAN SURVIVOR
DIES AT NINETY-FIVE
SERVED THE TWO HISTORIC GUNS
CAPTAIN JOSEPH HYDE, ONCE CRIMEAN MASTER GUNNER.

There has just passed away in peaceful Hataitai an old soldier who, at Inkerman in 1854, was one of those who served the two historic field guns that turned tho tide of that sanguinary battle. The episode is an outstanding one in the records of human valour, also in the astonishing progress of modern artillery. Born at Woolwich on 23rd June, 1831, nearly a decade before New Zealand became a colony, Captain Joseph Hyde, an artilleryman and the son of an "artilleryman, served in the Crimean War (1854-56), and when his term of service as a non-commissioned officer in the Royal Artillery expired, came to New Zealand as a Field Artillery Instructor (with the rank of sergeantmajor) in 1876; superannuated from that service, he went to live in Nelson, and became Captain of "H" Battery, N.Z.F.A.; then, his volunteer service being ended by age, he retired to Wellington, where he has resided for some fifteen years. Few perhaps realised that he was a link not only with the reign of William IV, and with the Crimean War, but also an actor in one of the most notable artillery feats of last century. A life that reaches back to pre-Victorian times has indeed spanned some history.

DESPERATE BATTLE IN THE DARK.
Seventy-two years ago, on the night of 4th November, 1854, the outlying pickets of the British investing forces could hear the rumble of wheels and other sounds caused by the beleaguered Inkerman garrison preparing for what was to prove an historic sortie.

A thick mist following heavy rain made ideal conditions for a surprise attack, and Brigadier-General Codrington had just voiced that anticipation when the Russian lines in front of him broke into fire. "The Russian generals had harangued their troops, whom the priests had blessed and the quartermasters had filled with vodka, and, fifty thousand strong, and supported by forty guns, they were on the march to break the British line, on the extreme right of the Allies' entrenched front."

For these beginnings, and the desperate melee that ensued in the darkness, "The Post" is indebted to articles by Colonel A. A. Grace, N.Z.F.A., in New Zealand papers, and to British authorities quoted by him. To meet the 50,000 Russians there were but 8000 British troops available, and they had to withstand the shock concentrated on a three-quarter-mile front, supported by Russian batteries on what was called Shell Hill. Rarely in military history, to that date, had such artillery fire been concentrated, and for so long, on an equally confined space. In the darkness, colonels fought like subalterns, captains like privates. In the bombarded British ranks there arose — as sixty years later — a cry for guns and shells to answer back.

18-POUNDER SMOOTH BORES TO THE RESCUE.
Then it was that the British Commander, Lord Raglan, remembered the existence of two long 18-pounders that had lately arrived from England, but had not been brought into the firing line. They were cast-iron smooth-bore guns of great length, (over 20 calibres) and fired solid shot and shell. They were brought into action, and "from the beginning of their practice it was evident that at last the British had brought into the firing line weapons with which they could deal effectively with the Russian artillery. The 18 pounders' projectiles burst squarely in the middle of the Russian gun-position; their shells wiped out whole gun detachments, smashed the enemy's guns, and silenced complete batteries. From the moment they found the range of the Russian position, these astonishing 18-pounders completely outclassed the enemy's artillery. Neither did they cease fire while a single Russian gun remained in action. Then it was that the French reinforcements arrived, and with them the weary and depleted British regiments advanced, and the Russian infantry was driven from the field."

MARVELLOUS FIRE-DISCIPLINE
Half a century or more later, Colonel Grace, proposing the health of Captain Hyde at a gathering of 5th of November (the Inkerman date), quoted from Major May's "Achievements of Field Artillery" the story of "those two incomparable guns, and the marvellous fire-discipline of their detachments, whose gun-laying and valour contributed so markedly to the British victory." He invited Captain Hyde to speak of them. "What you have heard of those two guns is quite true," said the veteran. "I was one of those who served them. I cannot describe what happened any better, though I was present. All I can say is that we blew the Russian guns and gunners to pieces. No doubt it was terrible for them, but of signal service to the British Army."

Of the 8000 British soldiers engaged at Inkerman, possibly a few score remain. That they have survived the rigours of war and of the Crimea, and particularly of that battle in which the British were outnumbered six to one, speaks to their vitality. Their memory is precious. "That," writes Colonel Grace, "is why I have set down a few of the things I recollect of Captain Joseph Hyde. A better soldier never served his Sovereign. It is a pleasure to know [this was written some six weeks ago] that he is remembered and respected by his many friends in this his adopted country, where, surrounded by his family and his many descendants, he lives honoured and beloved 'length of days in his right hand, and in his left glory.' "

The descendants of this remarkable nonagenarian are indeed many. Captain Hyde leaves a widow and eight surviving daughters, also five stepchildren; in the third generation there are 23 grandchildren; in the fourth, 40 great-grandchildren. All live in New Zealand, which has been Captain Hyde's country since 1876. Lacking the century by less than five years, Captain Hyde passed away at his home at Hataitai on Tuesday. The interment will take place to-morrow at 11 a.m. at Karori, with military and Masonic honours. Will many of the old soldier's Crimean War comrades be unseen witnesses at the Last Post?
Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 61, 9 September 1926

Saturday, April 21, 2018

George Alfred Watkins

Mr George Alfred Watkins
[By Telegraph - Own Correspondent]
Dunedin, Sunday.

Mr. George Alfred Watkins, who died in Dunedin this week, aged 96 years, had for a very long period been a well-known figure in the city. He had a splendid record as a Crimean War veteran and as a particularly versatile pioneer in Otago.

He was born in Brompton, Kent, and when a young man joined the regular forces. He saw service on H.M.S. Cleopatra in China and Borneo, and took part in the Rangoon War.

During the Crimean War he was on H.M.S. Diamond. In 1864 Mr. Watkins settled in Otago, and until within two years of his death had enjoyed remarkably good health. He maintained a keen interest, in all matters social, political, municipal and martial. He was happy, contented and full of energy. It. is interesting to note that he shook hands with the present King when, as Duke of York, he visited New Zealand, and also with the Prince of Wales in recent years.
New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20047, 10 September 1928


Friday, May 12, 2017

Relief of families of soldiers

In the province of Wellington, in March, 1855, for the relief of families of soldiers ordered to the Crimea, £1848 10s 2d was subscribed, £1000 of which was remitted to the English Patriotic Fund, and the balance for the relief of soldiers. The ladies of Wellington, in addition, collected £1000 for providing additional nurses and hospital necessaries for the sick and wounded of the allied armies.
Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8868, 16 June 1900
 
 

Sunday, February 1, 2015

James Black


James Black

Crimean Veteran's Death.
A Crimean veteran, Mr. James Black, died at the Mangonui Hospital, after a short illness, aged 92 years. He had been a bluejacket, and had served under Admiral Sir Charles Napier in the Crimean War. The funeral look place at Kaitaia on Sunday afternoon. The coffin, which was draped with the Union Jack, was carried to the grave by a detachment of the Mangonui Mounted Rifles, under Lieutenant Hoskin. The Rev. A. Drake conducted the burial service.
 New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17116, 22 March 1919, Page 10





Saturday, January 24, 2015

James Kerr



James Kerr
Alma, Inkermann, Sebastopol and Balaclava.
 
born circa 1834
died 1 March 1879, Temuka, South Canterbury, New Zealand aged 45 years
reg. 1879/5235
buried Addington Cemetery, Christchurch, plot number: 148C

married  
Ann Williams Bartlett


Death of Sergeant-Major Kerr.
A very serious and melancholy accident, attended with fatal results, happened to Staff Sergt.-Major Kerr, near Temuka, on Thursday afternoon. He had hired a buggy at Nicholas' livery stable, Temuka, and was driving out to Winchester to superintend the firing of the Temuka Volunteers for the district prizes when the accident occurred.

Several people noticed that the horse was going along the main road of Temuka at an unusual pace, and swerving from side to side as if it had got beyond the control of the driver. On nearing a part of the road known us Wheelband's corner, it is supposed that one of the wheels of the buggy came in contact with a large stone, as it was seen to bound upwards and throw the Sergeant-Major out on the road, where he fell heavily on his head. 

The horse then turned the corner sharp and overturned the buggy, breaking one of the shafts. Mr Wheelband and two others who saw the accident ran to Mr Kerr's assistance and picked him up. They discovered that he had a bruise on the head, and was quite insensible. Dr Hayes was sent for, and he arrived promptly and had the unfortunate man conveyed to the Royal Hotel, where, with the assistance of Dr Rayner, honorary surgeon to the Temuka Volunteers, he received every attention.

The patient had severe concussion of the brain, and he remained insensible during the whole of the night. It was thought that there was a possibility of his regaining consciousness, but death intervened at about 5 o'clock this morning. Deceased was quite insensible from the time of the accident till his death. The occurrence gave quite a shock to the people of Temuka.

Sergeant-Major Kerr leaves a wife and eight or ten children in Christchurch. He had done a great deal of service in his time, having been through the Crimean war and in the Indian mutiny. He was much respected in Christchurch and Lyttelton, and indeed in all other places where he was called upon to do duty as a Volunteer officer. An inquest on the body will be held at Temuka to-day.
Star, Issue 3398, 1 March 1879, Page 4

  



Star, Issue 3398, 1 March 1879, Page 3




Death of Sergeant-Major Kerr. 
We regret to learn that Staff Sergeant-Major Kerr died at five o'clock yesterday morning at the Royal Hotel, Temuka, from the injuries he received in the accident of the previous day.

Drs Hayes and Rayner did all that surgical skill could suggest, to ameliorate his condition, but their best efforts proved unavailing, the deceased never having recovered consciousness, and he breathed his last at the above-mentioned hour.

Staff Sergeant-Major Kerr was 45 years of age, and his death has cast quite a gloom over the township of Temuka, and indeed the whole district, where, owing to his connection with the Volunteer corps, he was well-known and highly respected.

His connection with the Imperial army was an eventful one. He was for fourteen years in the Royal Artillery in Captain Massey's battery, and went through, the whole of the Crimean war, taking part in the battles of Alma, Inkermann, Sebastopool [sic], and Balaclava. In these engagements he distinguished himself, and received the English Crimean medal with four bars and the Turkish Order of Medjijie [Medjidie].

He came to New Zealand with his battery during the war, and received the New Zealand war medal. He obtained his discharge in the Colony about ten years ago, and since that time has filled the post of Drill Inspector to the Artillery Volunteers in the Canterbury district, in which capacity he earned the esteem and regard of all who knew him.

He leaves a wife and nine children to mourn his loss. Mrs Kerr and his eldest daughter arrived from Christchurch yesterday, and were met at the Railway Station by Dr Rayner and Captain Young, who had the painful duty of breaking the sad news to them.

An inquest will be held to-day at Temuka, after which the deceased will, be removed to Christchurch for burial, probably by the express train, in which case a party of the C Battery, N.Z.A. will escort the body to the railway station, and a number of the T.A.V. Cadets will join the cortege.

We should mention that the late Sergeant-Major won four medals in all, those above enumerated, and a fourth, the name of which we are unable to learn.
Timaru Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 1387, 1 March 1879, Page 2

Turkish Order of the Medjidie


THE LATE SERGEANT-MAJOR KERR.
The Inquest. An inquest on the body of Sergeant-Major Kerr was held at the Royal Hotel, Temuka, on Saturday, before A. Le G. Campbell, Esq., Coroner, and a jury, of whom Alex. Wilson was chosen foreman. The facts elicited in evidence were substantially the same as already reported, and the jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death."

After the inquest the body of deceased was followed to the railway station by a large number of volunteers from Temuka, Winchester, and Timaru, most of whom went by the express train, which conveyed the body to Christchurch, so as to be present at its interment.  

The Funeral.
The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, and was marked by the customary military honours. The procession was announced to leave for the Presbyterian Church, Addington, at 3 o'clock, and prior to that hour all the headquarters companies of Volunteers, as well as the No. 5 Canterbury Rifles and Constabulary, paraded at the drillshed under the general direction of Captain J. Cr. Hawkes. The Artillery Company, was in charge of Captain Craig, the Engineers under Lieut. Woolf, City Guards under Lieut. Perran, Christchurch Cadets under Captain Johnson, Constabulary under Supt. Hickson, and the Fire Brigade under Supt. Harris. The members of the Masonic Lodges of Christchurch and Lyttelton, and members of the Oddfellows' Order, and a large number of citizens and friends were also in waiting at the drillshed.

Precisely at 3 o'clock the coffin, covered with the Union Jack and bearing the busby, sword and accoutrements of the late Sergt.-Major, was brought out from the Artillery orderly room and placed on a gun  carriage.

The procession then moved slowly away from tho Drillshed in the following order:- Toomer's and the Yeomanry Cavalry Bands gun-carriage, drawn by two horses, and driven by artillery gunners; mourning carriage; Artillery Company (with arms reversed); Engineers City Guards No. 5 Company Canterbury Rifles; Cadets; Constabulary; Masonic, and other Friendly Societies; Fire Brigade, and general public.

The cortege moved up Cashel street, Oxford Terrace, and Lincoln road, towards the Addington Cemetery, the Bands playing the Dead March in Saul the while. As the procession passed through the streets named, every spare foot of ground was covered by those eager to see or take part in the mournful proceedings, and the cortege, before reaching its destination, assumed larger proportions than has been known in Christchurch for some time past.

At the Cemetery gate, the Volunteers and Constabulary turned inwards, and the coffin, borne by some members of the Battery of which the deceased was Sergeant Major, and headed by the Rev C. Fraser was conveyed down the lane to the grave, prepared for its reception. The Rev C. Fraser very impressively conducted the burial service, which was listened to attentively by an immense congregation of people. The customary three volleys were fired over the body, which was then lowered into the grave, and the mournful ceremony terminated.

Star, Issue 3399, 3 March 1879, Page 3



family of James and Ann Williams Kerr:


1. Annie Kerr (eldest daughter) married 25 March 1881 at "Inkermann Cottage" St Albans, by the Rev. D. Bruce, Edwin Clark of Rakaia.

2. James Charles Kerr, born circa 1864, reg. 1864/21032, died 15 October 1893, Melbourne aged 29 years

3. Catherine Kerr born circa 1866, reg. 1866/15042 

4. Christina Kerr (third daughter) born circa 1868, reg. 1868/27777, married 30 March 1887 at the residence of the bride's sister, Union Street, Dunedin by the Rev. Dr. Stuart, Henry Trott, Esq. Springston Canterbury, late of Somerset, England   

? 5. George Bartlett Kerr born circa 1869, reg 1869/29849

6. Elizabeth Frances Kerr (fourth daughter), born 25 October 1871 Lyttelton, reg. 1871/11521, married 30 June 1891 at the Alford Forest Hotel, Henry Thomas Knight, eldest son of Henry Knight of Alford Forest.

7. Margaret Ellen Kerr, died about 28 March 1873, buried Addington Cemetery, plot number 148A

8. Dixon Major Kerr, born at "Inkermann Cottage" St Albans, Christchurch 18 April 1874, reg. 1874/28426, died circa 1954 aged 80 years, buried Bromley Cemetery, married 1901 Mabel Elizabeth Compton, born circa 1873, New Zealand, died 2 June 1954, buried Bromley Cemetery.
issue:
       
          a. William Dixon Kerr, born circa 1902, reg. 1902/3474 died 1965 aged 63 years, married 1929, Elizabeth Ella Habgood Sabiston
          b. Henry James Kerr, born circa 1903, reg. 1903/19949 died 1970, married Vera May Caesar
          c. Kathleen May Kerr born circa 1904, reg. 1904/632 
          d. Eric George Kerr, born circa 1905, reg. 1905/18900, found drowned at Sumner in 1928 aged 22 years 
          e. Leslie Francis Kerr, born circa 1908, reg. 1908/14907 
          f. Trevor Patrick Kerr, born circa 1914, reg. 1914/5216

9. Edward Richard Kerr born 6 December 1875, St Albans, reg. 1875/14359

10. Joan Kerr (Tottie), born circa 1877, Christchurch, reg. 1877/2144, died about 22 March 1910, buried Addington Cemetery plot number 148B, aged 32 years married 3 June 1909 by the Rev N. Turner, at residence of Mrs Kerr, Bealey Ave., Christchurch, Charles Henry Preece (tailor), son of John Preece and Emma Pugh.

11. Emily Kerr (seventh daughter) born 2 October 1878 "Inkermann Cottage" St Albans, reg. 1878/8995, died at "Inkermann Cottage" St Albans aged 18 days, buried Addington Cemetery, plot number 148A.



others?



James Kerr's widow married secondly 22 December 1884 at Christchurch Phillip Tisch, he died sometime before July 1892, Ann Tisch, formerly Kerr died 6 December 1900 at the residence of her daughter, 25 Gloucester Street, Linwood, buried Addington Cemetery.




 
 
Press, Volume XXXI, Issue 4253, 17 March 1879, Page 3




Wednesday, May 28, 2014

James Culley

James Culley also known as James Blake served during the whole Crimean campaign, being at Alma, Balaclava and Inkerman and taking part in the siege of Sebastopol. As a private in the Scotch Fusiliers, Blake was an eye witness to the famous Charge of the Light Brigade. After being wounded he was repatriated to England where he soon recovered. He tried to return to the war but was turned down twice. When he applied again under the name of James Culley he was accepted and sent out to serve with British forces in India and thereafter to New Zealand as part of the Police force. He ended up farming at Papatawa near Woodville, and although never married reputedly had descendants. He died aged 75 and his funeral procession went through the main street of Woodville on 18 September 1907.

Woodville Pioneer Museum

William Pethern Hartstone

WILLIAM PETHERN HARTSTONE, aged 15, was on board Exmouth  at the bombardment of Sebastopol. The captain took the ship too close and the ship suffered heavy damage and casualties. Afterwards he sailed to New Zealand and took part in the Taranaki wars (1860-1861) where he was wounded in the leg by a blow from a tomahawk resulting in a permanent limp. Hartstone arrived in Woodville in 1889 and took over the cheese factory. He died in 1924.

Woodville Pioneer Museum

Friday, April 18, 2014

index

Andrews, William
Armstrong, Frederick Gerard
Ashton, John
Austin, Captain
Bales, Edward
Bezar, Edwin
Bishop, Thomas
Boxall, William
Brown, Malcolm
Burningham, Stainer Henry
Captain Hyde
Carley, Joseph
Carson, James
Choat, William
Clark, William
Collyer, George
Connor, William
Cornelius, Richard Longfield
Corrigan, Samuel
Crawford, James Archer
Crozier, William
Davies, Selwyn
Davis, Sydney Herbert
Dewe, Richard
Docherty, Francis
Donaghy, John
Donovan, Timothy
Duffy, Francis
Dunn, John
Emerson, John
Fanning, Thomas
Fenton, John James
Forrest, James
Fox, Michael
Gardiner, John
Giles, Dr. Joseph
Gill, Michael
Grace, J.
Graham, John William
Graham, Robert
Gudsell, Thomas
Handley, Henry Edwards
Harkin, William
Harper, Robert
Hayward, George
Hazell, George
Hewstone, Henry James
Hobday, James
Hogan, George V.
Holliday, William
Howitt, Hill
Jeffcott, Charles
Kapatzo, John
Kedzlie, John
Kennedy, Joseph
Kirk, Alexander
Kneller, James
Lacy, Robert
Lambert
Last Surviving Veterans
Le Cree, Charles
Linn, James
Lowden, Thomas
Lowe, John
Mackay, Peter
Mackinnon, W. A.
Maloney, Stephen
Martin, Richard Robinson
McBain, John
McComish, James
McFarlane, Andrew
McGarry, Jacob
McLeod, Robert
McPherson, James
Mee, Alexander
Menary, Henry
Menzies, Dr Edward
Moody, William Henry
Moore, Martin
Morley, Joseph
Murray, Henry
Mutton, Daniel
O'Connell, W
Perrin, John
Piper, John
Reid, George
Richards, Thomas 
Rodger, John
Russell, R. T. B.
Ryland, William Charles
Salt, James
Sandbrook, James
Sanders, Frederic de Veuille
Schaw, Henry
Scott, Mark
Sebastopol Day - 8 September 1900
Shepherd, W. C.
Smith, Angus
Smith, John
Smith, William
Soler, John
Spencer, William Isaac
Stagpoole, Bartholomew
Storey, James
Stringer, Joseph Henry
Sullivan, Daniel
Swan, Peter Penman
Tattersall, Mary
Temple, Edwyn Frederick
Tucker, Thomas
Tunks, Captain
Tyler, James
Un-named Crimean Veteran
Wales, William
Walsh
Warner, R.
Watkins
Whelan, Patrick
Willis, James
Wilson, John
Wilson, Samuel
Wiltshire, George

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Blake, Valentine



Press, Volume XLIII, Issue 6541, 9 September 1886, Page 3


A well-known and esteemed resident of Richmond, Mr Valentine Blake, died at his residence on North Avon road last night, Mr Blake, who was a nephew of the late Sir Thomas Blake, of Menlough Castle, County Galway, enlisted in the Royal Horse Artillery at the age of sixteen, after which he served in the 17th Lancers, and then joined the 17th Regiment of Infantry (the Leicestershire Regiment). While in the Army he took part in the Crimean campaign, and was wounded. Retiring from the service with the rank of sergeant, he came to New Zealand, arriving here in November, 1857. He lived in the Richmond district for the past thirty-five years, and was greatly respected. Mr Blake leaves a widow, two daughters, and one son.
Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10508, 21 November 1899, Page 6
 

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Tattersall, Mary

Mary Tattersall was the daughter of Leeds brewer and was one of the paid lady nurses. She had been a district visitor, and then trained for three weeks at Westminster before going to Scutarti. on receiving her first pay, she sent the Westminster 5 pounds with a letter. She wanted to donate some of the first money she ever earned, she said, to the hospital where she received so much kindness as a student. Tattersall's untiring industry, her flinching from no menial employment, 'her truth, judgement, faithfulness, discretion & entire trustworthiness, her temperance in all things, even in flirting & her high religious principles earned Nightingale's respect and esteem. She was  a superb worker. Nevertheless Nightingale did not use her for patient care, but as cook and housekeeper for the female staff of the Scutari General Hospital. Source: Nursing at the Crossroads, Part 1. Nursing Before Nightingale, 1815-1899
By Carol Helmstadter, Judith Godden   

d. 1893 Tattersall  Mary  70Y

Grey River Argus, 20 September 1893, Page 2
DEATH. Tattersall — On the 19th September at the Grey River Hospital, Mary Tattersall, native of Headingley, Leeds, England, and late of Greymouth, aged 70 years.

Evening Post, 2 May 1944, Page 8
DISCOVERY OF GRAVE - LINK WITH CRIMEA
A link between Greymouth and the Crimean War has been established by the discovery of the grave in the Greymouth cemetery of Miss Mary Tattersall, one of the original Florence Nightingale nurses. The daughter of a country clergyman in England, Miss Tattersall went to the Crimea with Florence Nightingale after her fiancé had been killed in action. At the end of her service she came to New Zealand and resided at Greymouth, where for about 30 years she was a professional nurse. In a letter to the matron of the Grey Hospital (Miss N. Moffatt). Mr. William Noy, a former resident of Greymouth, recalled that in 1895 Miss Tattersall was buried at Greymouth. Steps have been taken by the Registered Nurses' Association to restore the grave.
1865 - Miss Mary Tattersall resigned as matron, Timaru Hospital 13 Dec.
Timaru Herald, 26 January 1866, Page 2
PORT OF TIMARU.
SAILED. January 20 — Geelong, p.s., 137 tons, Hart, for Lyttelton, via intermediate ports. Passengers—Miss Beswick and Miss Tattersall.
Lyttelton Times, 22 January 1866, Page 4 Shipping
LYTTELTON. arrived. Jan. 21— Geolong, p.s., 137 tons, Hart, from Dunedin, via intermediate ports. Passengers - Miss Beswick, Miss Tattersall, Mr. Scarborough.

Austin, Captain


Dunedin, July 20 
Captain Austin, an old resident in the Lakes District, died suddenly. He had served in the Crimean and New Zealand wars.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 3989, 21 July 1887, Page 2

Le Cree, Charles

 

Otago Witness 1 July 1903, Page 52
 A travelling tinker named Charles Le Cree, better known as "Peg- leg," was found dead on the Winchester road, near Geraldine, Canterbury, on Friday night. When found the body was warm, and there was a cut on each side of the forehead. At the inquest on Saturday it was stated that a vehicle without lights had passed along the road shortly before the body was found. The jury returned an open verdict that deceased was found dead, but there was nothing to show the cause of death. Deceased was supposed to be about 84 years of age, and was known on the roads from one end of the colony to the other. He was a Frenchman, had been in New Zealand for over 30 years, and is said to have seen service in the Crimean and Maori wars.  
 
Reference 35850
Surname Le Gee 
Forenames Charles 
Address No Plot Record 
Age at Death 68 Years 
Date of Death Sunday, 28 June 1903
Date of Interment Sunday, 28 June 1903
Cemetery Geraldine Cemetery 
Section Unknown
New Row 0 
New Plot 403 
 

Temple, Edwyn Frederick




Timaru Herald , 24 June 1920, Page 6
DEATH. TEMPLE.-—On June 23rd, at his residence, Wai-iti Road. Edwyn Frederick Temple (late Captain of the 55th Westmoreland Regiment); in his 86th year. — Private Interment.
Press, 25 June 1920, Page 6

The death occurred at his residence, Wai-iti road, Timaru, on Wednesday, of Captain Edwyn Frederick Temple, formerly of Castlewood near Geraldine, He was the son of Colonel John Temple Hants, England, where Captain Temple was born in 1835. He joined the 55th Regiment, saw service in India and went through the Crimean war. Captain Temple resigned from tho service in 1870, and came to New Zealand in 1879 in the ship Rangitikei, and landed 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 (says the "Timaru Herald"), he helped to found the Canterbury Society of Arts.

Surname Temple 
Forenames Edwyn 
Date of Death Thursday, 24 June 1920
Date of Interment Thursday, 24 June 1920
Cemetery Timaru Cemetery 
Section General 
Photo of headstone online
Captain Edwyn F. Temple
H.M. 55th Regt.
1835-1920
Crimea - India