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Olliver Jesse Baxter

Description

TitleOlliver Jesse BaxterAlternative NameOliver JesseSummaryA soldier in World War One. DescriptionOlliver was born was born 17 December 1892 at Southbridge son of George and Jessie Swan Baxter. He was educated at Southbridge. At the time of enlisting in the 18th Reinforcements he lived at Ruapuna. After his father’s death Olliver and two of his brothers, Ernest and Douglas, bought and farmed the estate at Ruapuna known as Jessiefield and later another large farm called Peel View. These properties had been sold when the brothers enlisted. Olliver had previous military experience with the Hinds Signalling Troop which became part of the South Canterbury Mounted Rifles and was described as a splendid horseman. Known as Olly, he was described as a lad possessing grit and determination. He enjoyed much popularity and was esteemed by all who knew him. He was 5ft 8½in tall with a fair complexion, grey eyes and fair hair.

Olly enlisted 28 June 1916 and was assigned to the Canterbury Infantry Regiment. 18th Reinforcements. He embarked on 11th October 1916 on the Tofua and arrived in Sling Camp, England on 29 December 1916. He proceeded overseas to France on 1st February 1917 and was killed in action, aged 26, on 7 June 1917. The 2nd Brigade’s objective on that day had been to capture the German “Oxonian” trench protecting Messines. Olly was one of twelve Selwyn men killed that day. As his body was not found or identified, his name is recorded on the Messines Ridge Memorial to the Missing, Belgium. In New Zealand he is remembered on the Ellesmere County War Memorial & Southbridge School Roll of Honour as well as the Ashburton War Memorial. He is also remembered in the Ruapuna Church by a stained glass window installed by his brothers, Ernest and Douglas. The top panels of the window contain a Christian cross, an anchor, and the symbols for Alpha and Omega (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet). The lower panels contain a representation of Jesus Christ and the personification of Lady Justice.

First NameOliver Last NameBaxterFamilySingleSon of George and Jessie Swan BaxterDate of Birth17 December 1892Place of BirthSouthbridge, Canterbury.Date of Death7 June 1917Place of DeathFrance Cause of DeathKilled in action Age at Death27

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CollectionSoldiers of Selwyn World War OneImageLeeston and Ellesmere County War MemorialMore InformationAuckland War Memorial Cenotaph

Military Service

Memorial or CemeteryMessines Ridge Memorial to the MissingAshburton War MemorialEllesmere County War Memorial Southbridge School Roll of Honour Occupation before EnlistingFarmer Enlistment Details28th June 1916Service Number29138Embarkation11th October 1916TransportTofuaCountryNew Zealand

Attribution

Researched ByL. M. Seaton

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Olliver Jesse Baxter