ROLL OF HONOR

New Zealand Tablet, 28 June 1917, Page 39

ROLL OF HONOR

PRIVATE J. A. O’CONNOR. Private J. A. O’Connor, who was reported missing since September 21, is now reported killed in action. He was the fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick O’Connor, of Ashburton. The deceased soldier was born

on Christmas Day, 1884, at Ashburton, and received his education at the local Catholic school, and enlisted with the 10th Reinforcements. He was a brother of F. O’Connor, D.C.M., and M. J. O’Connor, of H.M.T.S. Philidelphian. Always a staunch Catholic, he was very popular among his comrades and all with whom he came in contact.

PRIVATE J. SCANLAN. Last week the remains of Private J. Scanlan, who was a member of the sth Reinforcements, were interred with military honors at the Northern Cemetery. The late soldier, who enjoyed much popularity in local sporting circles, and particularly among those of his associates in South Dunedin, was stricken with illness while abroad, an illness which necessitated his return to New Zealand some twelve months ago, and culminated in his death at the Hospital. The cortege left the residence of deceased's brother-in-law, Mr. W. Cole, Fawcett street, South Dunedin, and was attended by a fair muster of his returned comrades and members of the R.N.Z.A., to which branch of the service Private Scanlan belonged. The Defence Department was represented by Major Fleming, District Assistant Director of Transport and Supplies, while also in attendance were numerous friends of deceased. The pall-bearers and firing party were comprised of members of the Central Battery and the R.N.Z.A. The Rev. Father C. Ardagh officiated at the graveside. The sounding of the “Last Post’’ by Bugler Thomas, of the Coast Defence Corps, concluded a touching ceremony.

PRIVATE JAMES MORRIN. Mr. and Mrs. James Morrin, esteemed members of St. Mary’s congregation, Roxburgh, received on Wednesday last, the sad news of the death on June 8, from wounds received in action in France, of their eldest son, James. He was a member of the Machine Gun Section of the 13th Reinforcements, which left New Zealand about a year ago, and had seen several months’ service in France before entering the action which cost him his life. Of a quiet and genial disposition, he was exceedingly popular , with all his acquaintances and his sterling and upright character won

for him the regard and esteem of everyone with whom he came in contact. His death at the early age of 25 years is regretted by a wide circle of friends, whose sympathy is extended to his parents in their sad bereavement. Flags were flown half-mast on the school and hall when the sad news became known.— R.l.P.

PRIVATE W. V. GRAHAM. Private William Victor Graham, who was wounded on May 25, is a son of Mr, Hugh Graham, of Gorton street, Gore. He was born at Dunedin and educated at Gore. He enlisted with the Main Body of Earl Liverpool’s Own, and prior to that was employed by the N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Ltd. He

took a keen interest in the Boy Scout movement, in which he was an assistant Scout Master, and the holder of a King’s badge. He was a good rifle shot, and was the winner of the Senior Cadets’ Medal for 191314. Recently he was one of five who were recommended for a commission on the field. He underwent five months’ service in Egypt. He was a keen footballer, and a prominent member of the Gore Hibernian Club.

SERGEANT WM. J. REDMOND. Sergeant William J. Redmond, of the Rifle Brigade, who was killed in action in France on June 7, was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Redmond, of the Club Hotel, Carterton. Sergeant Redmond, who was only 20 years of age, went away with the 12th Reinforcements, and weathered the big Somme push scatheless. He was well known in Wellington, having completed his education at St. College, where he was the champion distance lunuer. He was also a well-known Rugby player, and represented Wairarapa before the war call came.

CORPORAL F. W. CROMBIE. Corporal Fred. W. Crombie, who was wounded on June 7, is a son of the late Mr. C. M. Crombie* Commissioner of Taxes, and when he enlisted was a popular member of the Evening Post's commercial staff. He left New Zealand as a sergeant-major in the Bth Reinforcements in November, 1915, and, after being stationed in Egypt for some time, he was, in April, 1916, transferred to Sling Camp, where he did excellent work as a musketry instructor-sergeant. He went over to France in March last, and in a letter which he wrote to his brother, Mr. M. J. Crombie, in April, he stated that he expected to be sent into the firing line at any time. Corporal Crombie was one of Wellington’s lawn tennis enthusiasts, and was for many years secretary to the Holy Family Confraternity at St. Gerard’s Redemptorist Church.