Saturday, December 30, 2017

Thames (NZ): The last WWI deaths for 1917 remembered

With two days to go till the end of 1917 (100 years ago), Thamesites must have been hopeful that no more bad news would be received from France. Alas there was one war death on the 30th and another on the 31st December 1917.

They were:
30/12/1917 In the Field, France; MCCLYMONT Frederick George4/1369; Lance Corporal  NZETC
31/12/1917 In the Field, Belgium; MURRAY Raika Whakarongatai20846; L/Corporal  NZ Maori Batt
 
  Source: THAMES STAR, 18 & 19 JANUARY 1918  

Raika Murray of Kopu, was just 18 years of aged when he was Killed in Action. His name was also included on the Matatoki Roll of Honour. Raika's next-of-kin was Wikitoria Tengahue (mother), Kopu, Thames, New Zealand. Corporal Murray is remembered in the Ramparts Cemetery, Lille Gate, Belgium.