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Sergeant Colin John Alexander McLachlan

Description

TitleSergeant Colin John Alexander McLachlanSummaryA soldier in World War One. DescriptionColin was born at Doyleston on 15th November 1890, third son of Archibald and Mary Cook McLachlan. He was educated at the Doyleston School and Southbridge District High School. On leaving school he entered the teaching profession, but gave that work up in order to take up farming pursuits. For some years he was a member of the Canterbury Yeomany Cavalry. As a member of the District High School Old Pupils' Association he assisted at many of the successful concerts given in aid of various war relief funds. Before enlisting he was a stationary engine driver for D. Osborne at Doyleston. He was 5ft 10in tall with a dark complexion, blue eyes and dark brown hair.

Colin enlisted at Trentham on 2nd May 1916 and was assigned to 19th Reinforcements, Otago Infantry Battalion, D Company. Whilst in Featherston camp he was admitted to hospital for 5 days with stomach cramps. At camp he was assigned to the HQ Stores on 31st May. On 25th June he was promoted to Corporal and then on 23rd July he was promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant. He embarked on Transport 68 on 15th November 1916. He arrived in England and went on to Sling camp and the Reserve Battalion on 29th January where he reverted to temporary sergeant. However his qualities were recognised and he was promoted to Corporal but retained the rank of temporary sergeant on 1st March. He left for France on the same day and arrived in Etaples 2 days later. He was sent to segregation camp (a sort of quarantine area) on 20th March but was back on 18th April when he was attached to the strength at Etaples. He joined the 14th Company, 1st Battalion, Otago Regiment in the field on 21st May. Although he had relinquished his appointment as temporary sergeant this rank was restored in the field on 30th July as a result of the illness of the sergeant of his unit. He was detached to the Demonstration Platoon 11th August, part of the planning for the Ypres battles. On 29th September he was promoted to full sergeant “to complete the establishment”. Sadly he was killed in action on 12th October 1917, aged 26. His friends buried him 20 yards from Waterloo Farm and marked the area off with pegs and wire. After the war his body was moved to the Tyne Cot Cemetery, Ypres. In New Zealand Colin is remembered on the Leeston Plaque of the Ellesmere County and Doyleston War Memorials as well as the Southbridge School Roll of Honour.

First NameColin John AlexanderLast NameMcLachlanFamilySingleThird son of Archibald and Mary Cook McLachlanDate of Birth15 November 1890Place of BirthDoylestonDate of Death12 October 1917Place of DeathYpres, BelgiumCause of DeathKilled in actionAge at Death26

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Connections

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

Military Service

Memorial or CemeteryTyne Cot CemeteryEllesmere County War Memorial Doyleston War MemorialOccupation before EnlistingFarmerRegiment or ServiceOtago Infantry RegimentEnlistment Details2nd May 1916 at Trentham Service Number20931Embarkation15th November 1916TransportTransport 68Reinforcement19th ReinforcementsCountryNew Zealand

Attribution

Researched ByL. M. SeatonTaken FromPhoto taken from Auckland War Memorial Cenotaph. Please refer to this site for the photo’s copyright license

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Sergeant Colin John Alexander McLachlan