Open/Close Toolbox
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 New Zealand License
Format: Person
Linked To
Place of BirthCollection
Copyright
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 New Zealand LicenseThis licence lets you remix, tweak, and build upon our work noncommercially and although your new works must also acknowledge us and be noncommercial, you do not have to license the derivative works on the same terms.
- People
- Places
- Themes
- Surprise Me!
Menu
- People
- Places
- Themes
- Surprise Me!
Private Patrick Aiken
Description
TitlePrivate Patrick AikenSummaryA soldier in World War One. DescriptionPatrick was born at Leeston on 3 June 1887, fifth son of David and Mary Aiken. Before enlisting he was working as a barman for P. Smith at Leeston. He was well known in the district, having been in the employ of Messrs McClatchie and Co. for a number of years. He played football for Leeston for several seasons. He had previously been rejected for service because of rheumatism and was later treated for that complaint whilst in camp. His teeth also required work. He was 5ft 9 ½ in tall with a bright complexion, grey eyes and dark hair. He was assessed as C1 meaning he was likely to become fit after training.
Patrick enlisted at Christchurch on 12th September 1917 and was assigned to 39th Reinforcements but on 13th March he was transferred to the 40th Reinforcements, E Company. He was attested on 12th September 1917 but did not commence active service until 3rd July 1918. At Tauherenikau, the hospital Camp at Featherston, in April 1918 he was twice absent without leave and forfeited both pay and was confined to barracks. He embarked on board the Tahiti at Wellington on 10th July 1918 but again had trouble with conduct on 28th July, this time it was considered bad enough to warrant Field Punishment No 2, being shackled for two hours a day. He died at sea on 4th September of Epidemic Influenza, 5 days before disembarkation. He was buried at sea the same day.
In New Zealand Patrick is remembered on the Canterbury Provincial Memorial. The Canterbury Provincial Memorial is situated in Christchurch (Ruru) Cemetery, which will be found in Ruru Road, Bromley, Christchurch. The memorial consists of a low block with a tall spire rising from the centre, behind which is a low curved stone seat. It commemorates 33 Commonwealth servicemen of the 1914-1918 war and 10 Commonwealth servicemen from the 1939-1945 war who were either buried in New Zealand or buried at sea and who have no known grave. The names of the servicemen are engraved on the front face of the memorial beneath the following inscription: 1914 - 1918. On this panel are the names of those members of the armed forces who enlisted in this district who died in the service of their country in and around New Zealand or en route to overseas service and to whom the fortunes of war denied a known and honoured grave. First NamePatrickLast NameAikenFamilySingleSon of David and Mary Aiken of Leeston, CanterburyDate of Birth3 June 1887Place of BirthLeestonDate of Death4 September 1918Place of DeathAt sea on route to EuropeCause of DeathDied of illnessAge at Death29
Patrick enlisted at Christchurch on 12th September 1917 and was assigned to 39th Reinforcements but on 13th March he was transferred to the 40th Reinforcements, E Company. He was attested on 12th September 1917 but did not commence active service until 3rd July 1918. At Tauherenikau, the hospital Camp at Featherston, in April 1918 he was twice absent without leave and forfeited both pay and was confined to barracks. He embarked on board the Tahiti at Wellington on 10th July 1918 but again had trouble with conduct on 28th July, this time it was considered bad enough to warrant Field Punishment No 2, being shackled for two hours a day. He died at sea on 4th September of Epidemic Influenza, 5 days before disembarkation. He was buried at sea the same day.
In New Zealand Patrick is remembered on the Canterbury Provincial Memorial. The Canterbury Provincial Memorial is situated in Christchurch (Ruru) Cemetery, which will be found in Ruru Road, Bromley, Christchurch. The memorial consists of a low block with a tall spire rising from the centre, behind which is a low curved stone seat. It commemorates 33 Commonwealth servicemen of the 1914-1918 war and 10 Commonwealth servicemen from the 1939-1945 war who were either buried in New Zealand or buried at sea and who have no known grave. The names of the servicemen are engraved on the front face of the memorial beneath the following inscription: 1914 - 1918. On this panel are the names of those members of the armed forces who enlisted in this district who died in the service of their country in and around New Zealand or en route to overseas service and to whom the fortunes of war denied a known and honoured grave. First NamePatrickLast NameAikenFamilySingleSon of David and Mary Aiken of Leeston, CanterburyDate of Birth3 June 1887Place of BirthLeestonDate of Death4 September 1918Place of DeathAt sea on route to EuropeCause of DeathDied of illnessAge at Death29
Connections
Military Service
Memorial or CemeteryCanterbury Provincial MemorialOccupation before EnlistingBarman Enlistment Details12th September 1917 in ChristchurchService Number73537Embarkation10th July 1918Place of EmbarkationWellingtonTransportTahitiCountryNew Zealand
Attribution
Researched ByL. M. Seaton
Private Patrick Aiken. Selwyn Stories, accessed 15/06/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/208