THE LATE MR W. D). ARMSTRONG.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIV, Issue XXIII, 9 June 1900, Page 1088

THE LATE MR W. D). ARMSTRONG.

Among the New Zealanders who have found a grave in South Africa is Mr Walter Douglas Armstrong, of Wanganui. He passed away at Bloemfontein at the early age of 22 years. Mr Armstrong was educated at the Wanganui Boys’ School until eleven years of age, when he won a scholarship at the Wanganui Collegiate School, where he completed his education. He was then indentured to .Mr (atenby. chemist, with whom he remained six years. On the completion of his indentures he sat for his examination as a pharmaceutical chemist and passed at the head of the list for the North Island, and third in New Zealand out of 64 candidates. He then went to London for the purpose of gaining wider experience, and secured an appointment in one of the leading London pharmacies—Messrs Goss and Co., of Regent-street. On the outbreak of the Transvaal war the English War Office advertised for ten dispensers for the Army Hospital Corps. There were over 1000 applicants for these positions, one of which Mr Armstrong secured. He was attached to the 19th Field Hospital, and accompanied it through the Modder River actions and on to Bloemfontein, where he fell a victim to enteric fever. Mr Armstrong was a general favourite wherever he went. He made numerous friends in London, and was highly esteemed by his. officers and comrades in the Army Hospital Corps. The sad news of his death was conveyed to Mr Armstrong, senr.. by telegram from Mr Seddon. whose message was extremely kind and considerate. Only three days ago the family received a bright and cheerful letter from the deceased, who spoke of the excellent health he was then enjoying. while. after the sad news had been broken, the grief-stricken parents received a photograph of their son, taken in his khaki uniform, and looking the picture of health. The blow is terribly sudden and painfully sad. and we can only tender our sincere sympathy to the bereaved ones in the dark hour of mourning. Douglas Armstrong was not in the fighting ranks, but he has nevertheless died a soldier’s, death, and his name is the first of Wanganui’s sons to be inscribed in the roll of honoured dead in South Africa.