Paparoa Soldier’s Death Overseas

Northern Advocate, 2 October 1943, Page 2

Paparoa Soldier’s Death Overseas

PAPAROA, This Day,

First local boy to lose his life at the war, confirmation of news of the death of. Private Robert H. (Bob) Wilson, of Pkparoa, has just been received. ' •

Deceased, who had reached the ago of 33, was lost at sea while in transit across the Mediterranean from North Africa to a prisoner-of-war camp on August 17. 1942. Private Wilson, who was born at Faparoa, was the son of Mr and Mrs T. Wilson. He was educated at Northcote and Paparoa primary schools, where he showed remarkable cleverness and aptness in his studies. Following school, he assisted his father on the farm. Pie was by nature and upbringing a farmer and developed outstanding ability in the management and handling of stock. Volunteering for service in 1941, his employers, Messrs Orr and Proctor, appealed for him, and he was held for a time to manage a farm of 800 acres at Kaiwaka, where he was engaged as a working manager. Plere he gained a name for intelligent management vigorously applied. In the field of sport, Private Y/iison excelled as a football player. His reputation was high among the local boys, and he was well liked. In the matches in camp or overseas, he threw himself into the game with his accustomed vigour. In personal character he WoS marked by a straightforward honesty, active and industrious habits and quick decisions as to a course of action.

Deceased’s grandparents on each side were of pioneer stock, being the late Mr and Mrs T. W. Wilson, of Paparoa, and the late Mr and Mrs J. A. MacKay, respected residents of Takapuna. In addition to his parents, Private Wilson is survived by two brothers, Les. W. (overseas) and John A. (Paparoa). and two sisters, Mrs H. Cantlon (Kaikohe) and Miss Rachel M. Wilson (Auckland).