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Private Robert John Orsbourn

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TitlePrivate Robert John OrsbournSummaryA soldier in World War One. DescriptionRobert was born at Glenroy on 24th September 1888, younger son of Daniel John and Jane Orsbourn. He received his education at the Glenroy school and after leaving school was farming at Glenroy. He was 5ft 5½in tall with a bright complexion, grey eyes and dark hair.

Robert’s name was drawn in the 10th Ballot and he enlisted at Christchurch on 12th September 1917. He reported at Trentham on 13th August 1918 to undergo training and was assigned to New Zealand Training Unit, 46th Reinforcements, A Company. Sadly he was admitted to hospital at Featherston on 3rd November where he died from broncho-pneumonia following influenza, aged 30, on 10th November 1918. He was one of seven soldiers whose deaths were announced on 11th November. Although he died in New Zealand his body was not returned to this family but in concurrence with regulations issued by the medical authorities he was buried at Featherston. Robert is remembered on the Glenroy Memorial, the Featherston Camp Memorial and a memorial in Hororata church.

The war graves in this cemetery are of service-people who died in the great Reinforcement Camp at Featherston, established in January 1916, where a maximum of 4,500 men could be accommodated in huts and 3,000 under canvas.

At Featherston the training of the Mounted Rifles, the Artillery and the specialists was carried out, as well as part of the Infantry training. An obelisk has been erected in the Cemetery, commemorating the men who died at the Camp; and a cross of Sacrifice is erected. The large number of deaths during the influenza epidemic in November, 1918, will be noticed. There are 180 Commonwealth burials of the 1914-1918 war and 2 of the 1939-1945 war here.First NameRobert JohnLast NameOrsbournFamilySingleYounger son of Daniel John and Jane OrsbournDate of Birth24 September 1888Place of BirthGlenroy, CanterburyDate of Death10 November 1918Place of DeathWellingtonCause of DeathDied from illnessAge at Death30

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CollectionSoldiers of Selwyn World War OnePlaceGlenroy Last edited by: Sarah Davy

ImageWar Memorial Glenroy/WindwhistleMore InformationAuckland War Memorial Cenotaph

Military Service

Memorial or CemeteryGlenroy War MemorialFeatherston Camp MemorialOccupation before EnlistingFarmingRegiment or ServiceNew Zealand Training UnitEnlistment Details12th September 1917Service Number85751 CountryNew Zealand

Attribution

Researched ByL. M. Seaton

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Private Robert John Orsbourn