Obituary LT.-COLONEL J. D. McKERCHAR

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30952, 7 January 1966, Page 10

Obituary LT.-COLONEL J. D. McKERCHAR

(N.Z. Press Association) I WELLINGTON, Jan. 5. Lieutentant-Colonel J. D. iMcKerchar, a former military ’secretary at Army headquarters, Wellington, died suddenly this morning at his home in Karaka Bay, Wellington. He was 57. He retired in 1958 after more than 29 years’ service with the Royal New Zealand Artillery, after being attested as a gunner in 1928. He sailed as regimental quartermaster sergeant to the 4th Field Artillery with the First Echelon, was commissioned overseas, and served in the Greek, Libyan, Tunisian, and Italian campaigns, reaching the rank of major. On his return to New Zealand he became senior instructor in administration for the Army’s first post-war courses and was directly conicerned in formulating new regulations governing Army administration. He became deputy assistant quartermaster-general at Army headquarters and in 1951 was appointed to the staff of K Force. He served in Japan and Korea until 1953. ) He returned to Army headj quarters as deputy quarter- [ master-general and was appointed military secretary in] January, 1956. He was awarded the M.B.E. I in 1942. He is survived by his wife