NOTED RIFLEMAN

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 33, 9 February 1942, Page 4

NOTED RIFLEMAN

MAJOR R. J. D. DAVIS EX-SERVICEMEN KILLED Well known throughout New Zealand as a rifleman. Major R. J. D. Davis was, for a number of years, chief instructor in the small arms school at Trentham. He retired from the New Zealand Staff Corps in 1938 with the rank of captain, but offered his services again following the outbreak of the present war, and was reappointed with the rank of major. Since then he had been doing valuable instructional work. He was aged SS. He had served overseas with the N.Z.E.F. from the outbreak of the Great War until 1916. Another ex-serviceman, ActingSergeant Herbert H. Wood, had a distinguished record with the Imperial forces, winning the Military Medal and bar for gallantry in the field during the Great War. He rose to the rank of sergeant and was recommended for a commission. He was born in New Zealand, but resided in England until 20 years ago. He was a member of a National Military Reserve battalion, and had been at Trentham for a fortnight for a refresher course. Aged 46, he resided at Robley Crescent, Glendowie, and is survived by his widow, three sons and two daughters. He was a well-known member of the St. Helier's Bay Bowling Club. Corporal Richard Mark Geard was aped 19, and was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Geard, of 15 Taylor Street, Avondale. He was educated at Avondale School, and was a member of the Avondale Junior Rugby League Club. He had been a member of the Territorials for about four months.