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Southbridge

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Private Robert Matthew Harney

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Leeston and Ellesmere County War Memorial

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Rifleman Daniel Joseph Harney

Description

TitleRifleman Daniel Joseph HarneySummaryA soldier in World War One. DescriptionHe was born at Southbridge on 26 August 1894, son of Robert and Helen Harney, and educated at the District High School. On leaving school he was employed for a time on his father's farm. Later on he went to Christchurch and up to the time of enlisting was employed in the plumbing trade working for Hermert Brothers. He was described as a fine strapping young fellow. He had previous military experience with the 12th Regiment. He was 5ft 8in tall with a fresh complexion with blue eyes and brown hair.

Daniel enlisted on 3 May 1916 and was assigned to the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 7th Reinforcements 3rd Battalion, G Company. He embarked with them on board the Mokoia from Dunedin on 20 August 1916. He arrived in Devonport on 24 October and marched in to Sling Camp and the 5th Reserve Battalion. He left for France on 15 November and marched into Depot at Etaples. He joined the 1st Battalion 3rd Rifle Brigade in the field and was posted to A company. However he was sent to hospital sick with mumps on 1st March 1917. He was discharged on 21st March and re-joined his unit on 23rd. On 6th April he was back in hospital this time with influenza but back with his unit two days later.

His illness must have made him short tempered for on 21 April he was deprived of three day’s pay for smoking on the march and disobeying an order, presumably to put the cigarette out. He was clearly not recovered for he was back in hospital sick for another three days from 3 to 6 May. He was then sent to No.2 Company New Zealand Engineers for 20 days on 5 August 1917. After that he was sent to 2nd Army rest camp in early October for two weeks. He was then sent to England on leave between 29 November and 18 December. He was killed in action 5 April 1918, aged 24. On that day the New Zealand forces in the Ancre Valley faced a counter-attack by the Germans which proved to be the last attempt to continue with Operation Michael in this part of the overall Somme battlefield. Like George Cheyne, Daniel was initially buried in the Jean Bart British Cemetery. In 1920 he was reverentially exhumed and reburied in the Euston Road Cemetery, Colincamps, plot III E. 2. In New Zealand Daniel is remembered on the Southbridge Plaque of the Ellesmere County War Memorial and the Southbridge School Roll of Honour.

First NameDaniel JosephLast NameHarneyFamilySingleSon of Robert and Helen HarneyDate of Birth26 August 1894Place of BirthSouthbridgeDate of Death5 April 1918Place of DeathSomme, FranceCause of DeathKilled in action Age at Death24

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CollectionSoldiers of Selwyn World War OnePersonPrivate Robert Matthew HarneyImageLeeston and Ellesmere County War MemorialMore InformationAuckland War Memorial Cenotaph

Military Service

Memorial or CemeteryEuston Road CemeteryEllesmere County War Memorial Southbridge School Roll of HonourOccupation before EnlistingPlumberRegiment or ServiceNew Zealand Rifle BrigadeEnlistment Details3rd May 1916Service Number21833 Embarkation20th August 1916Place of EmbarkationDunedinTransportMokoia Reinforcement7th ReinforcementsCountryNew Zealand

Attribution

Researched ByL. M. Seaton

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Rifleman Daniel Joseph Harney