Killed in action - their stories A-D

Joseph Edwards Armstrong

Joseph Edward Armstrong was a private in World War 1. His service number was 39628.Before he went to war he was a labourer. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs K Armstrong. He was at war from the 13th of February 1917 to the 24th of December 1917. He died in the field of Belgium at the age of 30. Before he died he visited many places such as Devon in England, Cape of Good Hope, Cape of Province and the republic of Africa.

Hugh Leslie Birkett

Hugh Leslie Birkett lived in Molesworth St in Thorndon, Wellington until he went to war. His rank was a sapper. He died from meningitis at the age of 21 in France. If you would like to visit his grave it is at Longuenesse Souvenir Cemetery. Hugh was the son of Henry James and Emma Birkett who lived at Collingwood St, Eltham, Taranaki.

Frederick Andrew Brill

Frederick Andrew Brill fought for his king and country in WW1. Brill was born in Tarawera, Hawkes Bay on the 6th of May 1882. With his mother deceased, his next-of-kin was his father, Thorwald Emilius Brill who lived at 78 Todman Street. Before Frederick went to war he was a bushman. It was unclear whether Brill died in Belgium or France but he was killed in action. He was given the MSM medal for acts of gallantry on the battle field.

Charles Alfred Cooper

Charles Alfred Cooper was a driver who served in World War 1. He lived at 219 Jefferson St and went to Brooklyn School. His next of kin was his father (J.Cooper). He had blue eyes, brown hair and was 5.7 feet tall. He was 23 years and 9 months when he went to war. He was a bread carter before he went to war (a person who drives bread around to shops.)

Robert Cochrane

Robert Cochrane was in the army. He was born in Peeblesshire, Scotland. He had a brother called Andrew. Robert’s service number was 18621 and his last rank was a sergeant in the New Zealand Rifle brigade. He died of wounds in France at the age of 33 on the 3rd of August 1918 and he now rests at Foncquevillers Military Cemetery.

Harry Charles Doney

Harry Charles Doney was 27 when he enrolled in the war. He had black hair, dark brown eyes and a dark complexion. He weighed 151 Ibs and 5 ft 7 inches high. He was born on the 7 June 1890, His mother Harriet Doney relied on him. Sadly he died of influenza September 5 1918 and was buried at sea. His last address was Fort Ballad, Wellington. He was a soldier before the war and worked for the New Zealand Defence Department and was a gunner in the NZFAR.

George Irvine Mouat Dryden

George was a warehouseman. He lived at 76 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn. His service number was 27866. His parents were Charles Henry and Agnes Dryden. George was born in Picton. He died on 29 March 1918 of sickness when he was only 22.

Frank Hedley Dunne

Before Frank Hedley Dunne went to war he lived at 212 Willis Street and he was a book binder employed by the government printer. He died of wounds on the 12th of October 1918 in France. He was awarded two medals, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal which would have been passed on to his next-of-kin, his mother, A.B Dunne. At war he was ranked a rifleman. Dunne enlisted when he was twenty-four years and eleven months.