CAPTAIN SEDDON KILLED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12406, 26 August 1918, Page 6

CAPTAIN SEDDON KILLED.

FIGHTING AT THE FRONT. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, August. 26. News has been received that Captain Richard John Seddon, oldest son of the late Hon R. J. Seddon; lias been killed in action, on tho Western Front, at tho ago of thirty-six. DETAILS OF HIS END. (Special from the Official War Correspondent). ANZAC HEADQUARTERS (undated). General regret was expressed throughout tho Now Zealand Force te-

day, when it became known* that Captain Richard Seddon. son of the former Prime Minister, was killed in action. He had only a few days ago arrived in France, and was second in command of a company of Rifles that was being held in reserve in connection with this morning’s battle During the previous evening some sheila hurst near him, in a trench where ho was sitting with some others,- and they-wore plcnteously sprinkled with tho” debris. It was-his first experience of heavy shelling, but he treated it with equanimity and was quite cheerful. Next morning a shell hurst right in tho midst of a small party he was with, and ho was killed instantaneously. (The late Captain Richard John Spotswood Seddon, eldest son of the late Right Hon Richard John Seddon,, was born at Ivumarg thirty-six years ago, and was educated ■at "Nelson and Wellington Colleges. From an early ago the deceased took a keen interest in military mutters, and during his college course served in tho College Rifles. Later ho joined the Hereto unga Mounted Rifles, in which he rose to,tho rank lieutenant. On tho outbreak of tho South African AY nr ho was amongst the first to offer his services. He went on service with tho rank of captain, and was in the field _ till the conclusion of hostilities. During part of tho time ho acted, in the capacity of A.D.C. "to Field-Marshal Lord Roberts. For his services ho was awarded the Queen’s medal with four clasps and the King’s medal with two clasps.' He also hold tho Coronation medal For a time lie served iu tho capacity of private serotary to his father while tho latter held the post of Minister of Defence. Ho was the plaintiff in the famous Soddon-Taylor libel case, which was heard in Christchurch some years ago, _ In January, 1907, Captain Seddon joined the staff of the AdjutantGeneral, and was amongst the officers sent Homo to receive additional instruction, but subsequent to his return ho resigned and entered into business, first in Wellington and 'later in other parts of tho North Island. Shortly after the outbreak of the war. Captain Seddon offered bis sorviebs • to the Government, which, however,. dkh not sec its wav to accept the offer, and. it was only comparatively, recently that he was accepted for active service - .and sent abroad.)

Airs R. J. Seddon, "the mother of tho late Captain Seddon, is at present, in Christchurch, staying'with her daughter. Airs AY, S. Bean, at the Vicarage, Addington. Airs Seddon attended the ceremony at tho Otira tunnel on Wednesday last. It was stated recently that Captain T. Y. Seddon. M.P., ia on a special military mission to the United States. Another brother, Lieutenant J. S. S Seddon, of the Royal Field Artillery, is or. the British front- in Italy.