Format: Person

Linked To

Collection

Image

Person

Recollections

Add

no stories yet

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 New Zealand License

This 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.

Tools

Download Add to My Collection Contact us about this Citation for this item

Kā Kōrero o Waikirikiri Selwyn Stories

Private Alexander Errol Gunn

Description

TitlePrivate Alexander Errol GunnSummaryA soldier in World War One. DescriptionAlexander was born at Courtenay on 22nd December 1889, second son of Alexander and Harriet Gunn. Before enlisting he was working for his father at Racecourse Hill. He was described as having a genial and kindly disposition which won for him the respect of a wide circle of friends, he being well known and highly respected throughout the Malvern district. He was a keen sportsman and a prominent member of the Malvern Cricket Club. He was 5ft 8in tall with a dark complexion, grey eyes and dark brown hair.

He enlisted at Darfield on 6 October 1916 and was assigned to the 22nd Reinforcements, Canterbury Infantry Regiment. Whilst in camp at Trentham he was promoted to Lance Corporal on 10th February 1917. He embarked on 16th February on board the Navua and arrived in England on 26th April and marched into camp at Sling same day. As was usual he reverted to the rank of private. He left for France on 24th June and was attached to the Depot at Etaples 2 days later. He was posted to 13 Company, 1st Battalion, Canterbury Regiment and joined them in the field on 19th June. He was wounded in action on 12th October during the disastrous action at Passchendaele. He died the same day of his wounds, aged 27, and is buried in the Tyne Cot Cemetery, plot C LXV. D.7. In New Zealand Alexander is remembered on the Malvern County and Sheffield War Memorials.

First NameAlexander ErrolLast NameGunnFamilySingleSecond son of Alexander and Harriet GunnDate of Birth22 December 1889Place of BirthCourtenayDate of Death12 October 1917Place of DeathPasschendaele, France Cause of DeathDied of woundsAge at Death27

Image

Private Alexander Errol Gunn with Mr. Wright

Connections

CollectionSoldiers of Selwyn World War OneImageMalvern War MemorialSheffield War MemorialMore InformationAuckland War Memorial Cenotaph

Military Service

Memorial or CemeteryTyne Cot CemeteryMalvern County War MemorialSheffield War MemorialOccupation before EnlistingRacecourse workerRegiment or ServiceCanterbury Infantry Regiment Enlistment Details6th October 1916Service Number38280Embarkation16th February 1917TransportNavuaReinforcement22nd ReinforcementsCountryNew Zealand

Attribution

Researched ByL. M. Seaton

Menu

Private Alexander Errol Gunn