Almost 8,600 people died from the influenza epidemic in New Zealand in less than two months. At the Featherston and Trentham camps the rates were 22.6 and 23.5 deaths per thousand people respectively. They made all the way through the war then died from the flu. WWI came to an end 11 Nov. 1918.
Evening Post, 6 March 1918, Page 7 RETURNED SOLDIERS' draft; ARRIVAL IN WELLINGTON A further draft of returned soldiers (draft 143) arrived in Wellington at an early hour this morning. They comprised 46 officers, 2 nurses, and 573 other ranks-a total of 621. The list is as follows, all being privates unless otherwise mentioned, and the place of residence of the next-of-kin being given in each instance.
Latimer, L. V., 6/490, R.Q.M.S., Timaru [Leslie Vernon Latimer died of disease 14 Nov. 1918, buried Karori Cemetery, Wellington] [NOK Mrs Martha Latimer, Matilda Street, Timaru]
Evening Post, 19 November 1918, Page 5 TRENTHAM CAMP. Advice has been received from Trentham Military Camp that the under mentioned men have died at that hospital (150-200 beds), the cause of, death, except where otherwise stated, being influenza followed by pneumonia:
83461 Pte. Ralph B Brunton, 13th Nov. (Mr. R. L. Brunton, Kaipara Flats, North Auckland, f.) 71936 Pte. Edward J. Rush, 13th Nov. (Mr. Hush, Whangarei) 92541, Pte. James C. Brown, 13th Nov (Mrs. J. C. Brown, Trentham, w.) 85421 Cpl. Hugh T. Corcoran, 14th Nov. (Miss Corcoran, Harapepe, Waikato) 6/490 Q.M.S. Leslie V. Latimer, 14th Nov. (Mrs. L. Latimer, Upper Hutt) 80544 L.-Cpl. Thomas C. Lawson 16th Nov. (Mrs. M. E. Lawson, Dunedin, w:) 6/1145 Pte. Alexander Fraser, 16th Nov. (Mrs. W. Fraser, Chch.) 79883 Cpl. Francis J.. Cobeldick, 16th Nov. .(Mrs. M. A. Cobeldick, Rotorua) 77068 Cpl. William H. Jones, 16th Nov. (Mrs. W.H. Jones, Linwood, Chch.) 81944 Pte John Harp, 16th Nov. .(Mrs. J. Harp, Greytown, w.) 3066 William J. Clark, at Victoria Hospital, 16th Nov. (Mrs. Clark, 22, Nairn-st., Wgtn., w.) 92967 Pte. Denis Quane, 16th Nov. (Mrs. M. C. Quane, Blenheim, w.) 82890 Pte. Arthur R. Cobb, at his home at Lower Hutt. 17th Nov. (Mrs. A. R. Cobb, Upper Hutt) 82115 Pte. James J. Hogan, 17th Nov. (Mrs. J. J. Hogan, Doyleston, Canterbury w.) 83015 Cpl. Douglas H. Trott, 17th Nov. (Mrs. E. Trott, 34, Daniel-st., Newtown, 77631 Pte. David M. North, 17th Nov. (Mrs. W. G. North, Picton) 38502 Pte. W. J. Collins, 17th Nov. (Thomas Collins, Greymouth, f,) J. Harp (J. Harp, Greytown, w.). D. North (W. North, Picton) [Maybe Mrs Latimer and Mrs Brown moved to the Upper Hutt area to be closer to their sons.]
Ashburton Guardian, 21 November 1918, Page 7 The following lists of deaths of soldiers in camp were issued on Monday and Tuesday, the cause of death being influenza unless otherwise stated:
FEATHERSTON CAMP. (November 13, 14, and 15.) H. Walker (A. Walker, S. Dun., m.). J. Wood (J. Wood, Invercargill).N. Smart (broncho-pneumonia) (A. Smart, Remuera). P. Pullman (E. Pullman, Whangarei, W. Poole (C. Poole, Kakanui, f,). W. L. Jamieson (W. Jamieson, Christchurch, w.). J. Melville. 2nd-lieut. (Mrs Melville, Cambridge). J. Fahey (D. Fahey, Invercargill, w.). T. Staples (C. Staples, Wellington, m.) A. Johnstons, Q.M.S. (J. Johnstono, Hastings). K. Brown (A. Brown, Takapuna, w.). E Rash (P. Rash, Wellington, m;). C. MeGilp, major (C. McGilp, Birkenhead. w.). W. Smith (Z. "Stanley," New Plymouth, friend). F. Haase (E. Haase, Takaka, m.). D. Condon (G. Condon, Eltham. w.). W. B. Barlow (E. Barlow, Wellington, w.).H. Paterson (D. Paterson, ,Wanganui, w.) G. Moore (E. Moore, Otaki, w.). E. Connolly (T. Connolly, Eng., f.). F. Hooton (W. Hooten, Auckland, f.). P. Nicholas (P. Nicholas, Wellington, w.). B. White (broncho-pneumonia) (E. White. Riverton). G. Bridgeman, lieut. (broncho-pneumonia. (F. Bridgeman, Dunedin). A. Fulford (E. Fulord, Meanee). R. McKay (L. McKay, Fendalton, m.). R. McCaw, corpl. (J. McCaw, L. Hutt) A. Sullivan (A. Sullivan, Epsom, w.). E. Burton (M. Burton, Auckland, w.). (November 15, 16, 17.) C. Windleborn, corpl. (L. Windleborn, Nelson). C. O'Hara (C. O'Hara, Wanganui, w.) H. Shanagan (M. Shanagan, Auck.,. w.) C. Keatch (C. Keatch, Wellington, m.) C. Williams (H. Williams, Christchurch). N. Smart (A. Smart, Remuera). C. Dartnell, 2nd-lieut. (H. Dartnell, Fendalton). T. Shaw (E. Shaw, Karori). A. Ramsay (T. Ramsay, Tauranga). J. Sykes, sergt. (Mrs Sykes, Christchurch). P. McGrath (P. McGrath, Kaiapoi). C. Russell (E. Russell, N. Plymouth). J. Kedzlie (M. Kedzlie, Dunedin). W. Gow (W. Gow, Maraekakaho). G. Prescott (L. Prescott, Tuakau). W. Carachan, sergt. (Mrs Carachan, Featherston). C. James, R.Q.M.S. (L. James, Herotaunga).W. McDonald (B. McDonald, Tokorangi). W. Ridgeway (T. Ridgeway, Eng.). C. Gallop (N. Gallop, N. Brighton). S. Jones (L. Jones, Timaru). I. McLillan (A. McLillan, Hastings). B. Wyman, Q.M.S. (B. Wyman, Newmarket).J. Doyle, 2nd-lieut. (M. Doyle, Bluff). J. Simpson (B. Simpson, Auckland). G. Orchisten (M. Orchisten, Dunedin).G. Alexander (C Alexander, Auck.). R. Trengrove (R. Trengrove, L. Hutt). H. Collins (N. Collins, Otago). J. Smith (J. Smith, Martinborough). T. Burke (L. Burke, Wairoa). A. Weeks, Q.M.S. (Mrs Weeks, Featherston). E. Julian (H. Julian, Taranaki, w.). E. Issell (P. Issell, Karamea, w.). J. Smith (J. Smith, Woodville, m.).
TRENTHAM CAMP. (November 14 and 15.) A. Galvan, pneumonia (Mrs Galvan, Raglan). J. Connell, pneumonia (M. Connell, Auckland). G. Sanderson, pneumonia (H. Sanderson, Wellington, w.). R. Stewart, pneumonia (C. Stewart, Auckland).. T. Harlin, pneumonia (T. Harlin, Hastings).
J. Martin, corpl., pneumonia (J. Martin, Wellington, w.). G. Hay (G. Hay Wellington). C. Flood (P. Flood, Greytown, m.).
NZEF FORTY-THREE CONTINGENTS - TOTAL OF 99,8822
Marlborough Express, 20 November 1918, Page 2 DOMINION'S SOLDIERS. TOTAL OF 99, 8822 DESPATCHED. FORTY-THREE CONTINGENTS
The dates of despatch and the strength of the chief units that have left New Zealand for the front during the war are shown in the following table. The figures given do not account, for ill the men who have left New Zealand, since there have been many small parties sent away at various times, including hospital orderlies, guards in charge of prisoners chaplains, staffs of horse transports, medical officers, and specialists of various kinds:-
1914. Strength Main Body, October 15, 7731. 1st Reinforcements, Oct. 15, 738. 2nd Reinforcements, Dec. 14, 1974.
1915. 3rd Reinforcements, Feb. 14, 1712. 4th Reinforcements, April 17, 2261. 5th Reinforcements, June 13, 2411. 6th Reinforcements, Aug. 14, 2364. Advance Party, Rifle Brigade, Sept. 19, 102. 1st and 2nd Battalions Rifle Brigade, Oct. 9, 2250. 7th Reinforcements, Oct. 9, 2450. 8th Reinforcements, Nov. 14, 2076.
1916. 9th Reinforcements and Advance Party, 3rd and 4th Battalions Rifle Brigade, Jan 8, 3123. 3rd and 4th Battalions Rifle Brigade, Feb. 6, and 7, 2111. 10th Reinforcements, March 4, 1762. 11th Reinforcements, April 2, 2399. 12th Reinforcements (1st draft), May 1, 1074. 12th Reinforcements (2nd draft), May 6, 1395. 13th Reinforcements, May 31, 2107. 14th Reinforcements, June 26, 2106. 14th Mounted Rifles, July 13, 107. 15th Mounted Rifles, July 3,, 97. 15th Reinforcements, July 26 & 29. 1875. 16th Mounted Rifles, Aug 10, 105. 16th Reinforcements, Aug. 20, 1994. 17th Reinforcements, Sept. 24, 2101. 17th Mounted Rifles, Oct. 5, 111. 18th Mounted Rifles, Oct. 5, 93. 18th Reinforcements, Oct. 14, 1945. 19th Reinforcements, Nov. 16, 1808. 19th and portion 20th Mounted Rifles, Dec. 6, 154. 20th Reinforcements, first portion, Dec. 7, 692. 20th, Mounted Rifles, second portion, Dec. 14, 91.
1917. 20th Reinforcements, second portion, Jan. 2, 448. 21st Reinforcements, Jan. 19, 1991. 21st Mounted Rifles, Feb. 8, 123. 22nd Mounted Rifles, Feb. 15,122. 22nd Reinforcements, Feb. 13, & 16, 1965. 23rd Reinforcements, first, portion, March 14, 924. 23rd and 24th Mounted Rifles, April 19, 257. 23rd Reinforcements, second portion, April 3, 1123. 24th Reinforcements, second portion, April 6, 954. 24th Reinforcements, second portion, April 26, 1151. 25th Reinforcements, April 26, 2052. 25th & 26th, and portions of 27th & 28th Mounted Rifles, May 31, 332. 27th & 28th Mounted Rifles, balance, June 7, 179. 28th Reinforcements, first portion, June 9, 1220. 26th Reinforcements, second portion and 27th Reinforcements first portions, June. 12, 2134. 28th Reinforcements, first portion, July 14, 1121. 27th Reinforcements, second portion. July 16, 776. 28th Reinforcements, second portion, July 26, 939. 29th Reinforcements, Aug. 13, & 15, 1539. 29th (balance) and 30th portion, Reinforcements Oct. 13, 1635. 29th and 30th Mounted Rifles, Nov. 13, 801. 31st and 32nd Reinforcements, Nov. 17, & 22, 2599 33rd Reinforcements, Dec. 31, 1075
1918. 34th Reinforcements, Feb. 8, 952. 35th and 36th Mounted Rifles, Feb. 21, 266 35th Reinforcements, March 3, 892 36th Reinforcements, April 23, & 24, 1405. 37th Mounted Rifles, April 23, 134. 37th Reinforcements, first portion, May 9, 921. 37th Reinforcements, second portion, May 16, 251. 38th Reinforcements, June 5, 722. 38th Mounted Rifles, June 13, 145. 39th Reinforcements, June 13, 728. 40th Reinforcements, July 10, 1091. 41st Reinforcements, July 28, 957. 42nd Reinforcements, Aug. 2, 844. 39th Mounted Rifles, Aug. 9, 134. 43rd Reinforcements, first portion, Aug. 18, 411. 43rd Reinforcements, second portion, Oct. 3, 552. 40th, & 41st, 42nd & 43rd Mounted Rifles Oct 11, 455. Total 92,419.
THE SAMOAN FORCE, Advance Party, Aug. 15, 1914, 1419. Reinforcements and Reliefs, to Oct. 11, 1918, 648. Total 2067
MAORI CONTINGENTS. First Maori Draft, Feb. 14, 1915, 518 Second Draft. Sept. 19,1915 311. Third Draft, Feb. 6, 1916, 116 Reinforcements to Oct. 18, 1918 1287. Total 2232
ISLAND TROOPS. Niue Islanders, Feb. 6, 1916, 148 Rarotongan’s, 1st draft, Feb. 6, 1916, 50 Rarotongan’s, 2nd draft, Nov. 16, 1916, 113 Rarotongan’s, 3rd draft, June 13, 1918, 145. Total 456
OTHER UNITS.
Tunnelling Company Dec. 18, 1915, 446 Reinforcements to Oct. 18, 1918, 862. Total 1308
Wireless Troop, March 4, 1916, 62 Reinforcements to Oct. 18, 1918, 116 .Total 178
British Section, Expeditionary Force 240 Flying Cadets and Officers to Oct. 18, 1918, 168. Royal Navy Auxiliary Patrol, to Oct. 18, 1918, 190. Imperial Reservists and Naval Ratings, 564 No. 1 Stationary Hospital left on May 31, 1915, with a strength of 93, and No. 1. Hospital Ship on June 29 1915 with 71 medical officers and men. No 2 Hospital Ship left on December 6, 1915. And in addition to the medical staff, took medical reinforcements, total strength 170. The recommissioning of the hospital ships and the despatch of the medical reinforcements has brought the total number of men despatched up to 774. Total number of men sent abroad to Oct. 18, 1918 99,822 Men in camps on Oct. 18, 1918 12,648 Grand Total 112,470
Ashburton Guardian, 19 July 1915, Page 4
A soft spring-like day, the sun shining brilliantly from a dome of blue, the air charged with salubrious warmth, a large crowd, probably numbering about 1000 men, women, and children; standing several ranks deep from one end of the railway station platform to the other, packed sardine like fashion on the overhead bridge. All impatiently waiting the arrival of the second southward-bound express. These all constituted the preliminaries to the welcome the Ashburton public extended to Private F. O'Connor. D.C.M., and Private A. J. Hill, two of the returned wounded soldiers from the Dardanelles, this afternoon. The people had not been attracted by mere curiosity or inquisitiveness; they were there, animated by the one objective to show their appreciation of the gallant services rendered the country by the returned soldiers.
The train was about 10 minutes late in arriving at Ashburton, and when it steamed in the crowd on the platform, swayed from one position to another, peering into this carriage and into that, to catch the first glimpse of the battle-stained warriors. The latter happened to be at the end of the train, however, but arrangements had been made to formally welcome them at the south end of the platform. Private. O'Connor was the first to alight, with his mother. His appearance was the signal for three rousing cheers, and he was immediately, clasped by the hand and warmly welcomed back home by numbers of friends and acquaintances. The Mayor (Mr Robert Galbraith) took charge and commenced to usher O'Connor along the platform, when the news went that Hill was also aboard. He was sought out and escorted to the place where the welcome was to be made.
O'Connor, who received a bullet in his right eye and has been compelled to have the optic taken out, was wearing smoked glasses. He had a smile for all, his physical disability did not detract one whit from his good spirits at finding himself back home among friends and relatives. Hill, too, was particularly cheerful. Both men were tanned a healthy brown by the fierce sun of Egypt and the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Mayor had requisitioned two cars, which convoyed Private O'Connor and Private Hill, with their parents to their respective homes. The cars drew away from the station amid salvoes of cheers. The other wounded soldiers aboard the train were Lance-Corporal J. B. Menzies (Waimate), Trooper G. Gough; (Temuka), and Sergeant-Major Keen (Timaru).