Extra information and grave images provided by Sarndra Lees:
W M GOSSET
Private
8555
10 Contgt
S.A. War & 1st NZEF
Died 30 September 1972
Born 16 December 1890, Wairoa
Parents: William Montgomery [English – resident 30 yrs in NZ] and Annie GOSSET [New Zealander]
Married Elizabeth [Lizzie] ROBERTS at Morrinsville 19 March 1915 and was married according to Maori custom.
His S.A. war records are available to read online:
http://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/StreamgateProxy/fileStream?ie_pid=IE9877199&file_pid=FL9877277
He served for 127 days and conduct was ‘very good’.
At time of enlisting: Mill hand aged 20, living at Birkenhead in Auckland
He was of ‘dark complexion’
His WW1 war records are available to read online:
http://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/StreamgateProxy/fileStream?ie_pid=IE11048347&file_pid=FL11048431
His religion was ‘Rationalist’, a change from Church of England on enlisting in Boer war. I wonder if the war changed his ideals on religion. They still exist now http://www.nzarh.org.nz/
1st NZEF regimental number: 60576
His occupation before enlisting in 1NZEF Maori Contingent: Drainer
Fought 1918 Western European and total Home and overseas service was 1 year 189 days
Promoted to Lance Corporal 8 March 1918
1910 was living at Kerepehi, Piako River near Thames
August 1938 he requested copies of his discharge from the Boer War and ‘last war’ due to losing the originals in a fire.
16 July 1947 he was sent replacement British war and Victory medals. He paid £1.8.6d for these. 25 Sep 1947 his replacement South African war medal with clasp 1902 was sent after he paid 2/6 for a new one. He was living at Ruatoria at this time. Reason for loss of medals stated on declaration was that through the swamping of a boat 20 years previous at Waiheke Island
SOURCES:
Mainly military records
Grave images: 25 April 2013, Papatoetoe old Cemetery, RSA section, Auckland, Plot: RETUR-B-635:
