VALE..."TODDY"

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 217, 13 September 1944, Page 8

VALE..."TODDY"

VETERAN A.1.8. DIGGER There passed away at Otahuhu recently 12/2493 Lieutenant N. T. Todd, better known as "Toddy" to all his old cobbers in the Ist Auckland Battalion in general, and the 16th Waikalo Company in particular. Toddy landed on Gallipoli with the sth Reinforcements and went right through from the August advance to the evacuation, being the last man of the Auckland Battalion to leave the peninsula. On returning to Egypt, Toddy carried on as sergeant-major, lGth Waikatos. It was here the 2nd Battalion was formed. Colonel Alderman (then a major) wanted Toddy to go to the 2nd Auckland with him. but he preferred to stay with his old comrades of Gallipoli.

In France he was with the division right through to thfe Armistice (except for short absences through wounds, and later when he went to England for his commission). Nobody in the division deserved this honour more than Toddy. He was a brave and fearless soldier and beloved by all in the Ist Auckland, from the colonel to the humblest private. In the official history of the Auckland Regiment his name is mentioned many times for coolness and gallantry In action. As an outcome of his service, Toddy's disabilities included the loss of both legs. He was buried in the Holy Trinity Churchyard at Otahuhu, not far from where he spent his boyhood days. It was a tribute to his memory that six Gallipoli comrades acted as pall-bearers at the funeral, which was attended by many old Diggers. And so passed one of the gamest and most popular soldiers of the Ist Auckland Battalion. Farewell, Toddy—we that are left shall miss you, but your memory will be a precious legacy. TWELVE BAR.