Northland Roll of Honour

Northern Advocate, 21 January 1944, Page 2

Northland Roll of Honour

Cpl. Edmonds was born and educated at Ngawha. Before joining up with the Maori Battalion, he was a prominent local Rugby footballer, playing as a Bay of Islands representative in the same team in which his brother and father, Mr. Tom Edmonds, played. He left New Zealand in December, 1942, and fought in the Tunisian battle. His death occurred on the Eighth Army front in Italy. He leaves a wife. Mrs. F. Edmonds, of Kaikohe, and three small children, including twin boys. In the same casualty list appeared the name of his second ! cousin, Pte. Sidney Neilson, o': Kai|kohe, also killed in action.

Son of Mr. and Mrs. B. R Thorburn. of Ruatangata. Pibvate Francis Lionel Thorburn has been reported killed in action while serving in Italy. Only a short time before receiving the news of his death, his parents were informed that he had been discharged from a hospital where he was recovering from a wound. He is a grandson of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Thorburn, of Kara.

Born in Shannon, he attended the Pukekohe and Ruatangata West primary schools, and upon leaving school was engaged in the occupation of farming in the Ruatangata district. Later, he returned to his home and assisted his parents operate the home farm.

Shortly after the outbreak of war, Private Thorburn was called up for three months’ training in a territorial camp. After his period of service he returned to Ruatangata, where he was working until his ultimate enlistment in Tie regular army two years ago. After • completing a year’s training within New Zealand, he was transferred to the Middle East, participating in the Tunisian campaign.