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Trooper William David Gold

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Kowai Bush War Memorial

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Sapper Robert Edward Gold

Description

TitleSapper Robert Edward GoldSummaryA soldier in World War One. DescriptionRobert was born at Springfield 21 September 1894, son of William David and Johanna Gold of Kowai Bush. Before enlisting he was a Telegraphist for the New Zealand Post Telegraph Department and his last New Zealand address was Wellington. He had previous military experience having served with the No.8 Post and Telegraph Corps. He was 5ft 9in tall with a dark complexion, grey eyes and dark hair.

He enlisted 15 February 1915 and was assigned to the Wellington Infantry Battalion although unsurprisingly he was later transferred to Divisional Signal Company on 30 November 1915. He embarked with the 5th Reinforcements on 13 June 1915 on board the Maunganui, their destination Suez, Egypt. He was sent on to Gallipoli but was evacuated, suffering from enteritis and taken to Mudros, arriving 18th August 1915. He was sent wounded and convalescent in Alexandra in Oct 1915, then hospitalised again with fever in January 1916 which was later diagnosed as influenza. He recovered in time to embark on board the S.S. Minnewaska for France. In France on 6 April he was sentenced to 28 days of Field Punishment No.1 in the Dentention Camp for drunkenness. Field Punishment Number One consisted of the convicted man being placed in fetters and handcuffs or similar restraints and attached to a fixed object, such as a gun wheel or a fence post, for up to two hours per day. Robert rejoined his unit on 17 June 1916 in time for the Somme battles. Robert was killed in action on 1 November 1916 and is buried in the Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval, Somme. In New Zealand he is remembered on the Kowai Bush and Springfield War Memorials.

First NameRobert EdwardLast NameGoldFamilySingleDate of Birth21 September 1894Place of BirthSpingfield, CanterburyDate of Death1 November 1916Place of DeathSomme, FranceCause of DeathKilled in action

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CollectionSoldiers of Selwyn World War OnePersonTrooper William David GoldImageKowai Bush War MemorialMore InformationAuckland War Memorial Cenotaph

Military Service

Memorial or CemeteryCaterpillar Valley CemeteryKowai Bush War Memorial Springfield War MemorialOccupation before EnlistingTelegraphist Regiment or ServiceWellington Infantry BattalionEnlistment Details15th February 1915Service Number10/2158Embarkation13th June 1915TransportMaunganuiReinforcement5th ReinforcementsCountryNew Zealand

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Researched ByL. M. Seaton

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Sapper Robert Edward Gold