Open/Close Toolbox
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 New Zealand License
Format: Person
Linked To
Place of BirthCollectionPlaceImage
Copyright
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 New Zealand LicenseThis 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.
- People
- Places
- Themes
- Surprise Me!
Menu
- People
- Places
- Themes
- Surprise Me!
Rifleman George Pickering
Description
TitleRifleman George PickeringSummaryA soldier in World War One. DescriptionGeorge was born at Hororata on 13 December 1881, eldest son of William and Janet Pickering. He had married Alice Graham in Dunedin on 14 December 1896 but sadly she had died by the time he enlisted. They had three children; Robert, Agnes and William who were all born in Sydney. At the time of his enlistment he stated they were all provided for so perhaps his parents or hers were going to look after them. He was working as a stationary engine driver for Jarman Brothers of Greendale. He was 5ft 7in tall with fair complexion, grey eyes and brown hair.
George enlisted at Darfield on 6 October 1916 and was assigned to the New Zealand Rifle Brigade Reinforcements, G Company. Whilst in camp at Trentham he was hospitalised in November for 13 days with a bout of influenza. However he was well enough to embark for England on the 13 February 1917 on board the Mokoia. He arrived on 2nd May in Plymouth and went on to Sling Camp the same day. He left for France on 6th June and was attached to the strength at Base Depot at Etaples two day later. A week later on 16 June he joined the 2nd Battalion, C Company, 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade in the field. On 1st August he was sent to No.22 General Hospital sick with an unspecified illness. Whatever the illness was he was treated and recovered and on 20 August he was sent to the convalescent depot in the field. He re-joined his unit again on 8 October 1917. He was first declared missing in action on 12 October and then as killed in action, aged 32. His body was not found or identified and his name is inscribed on the Tyne Cot Memorial Cemetery, Panel 7. In New Zealand George is remembered on the Glenroy War Memorial.
First NameGeorgeLast NamePickeringFamilyHad married Alice GrahamEldest son of William and Janet PickeringDate of Birth13 December 1881Place of BirthHororataDate of Death12 October 1917Place of DeathYpres, BelgiumCause of DeathKilled in action Age at Death32
George enlisted at Darfield on 6 October 1916 and was assigned to the New Zealand Rifle Brigade Reinforcements, G Company. Whilst in camp at Trentham he was hospitalised in November for 13 days with a bout of influenza. However he was well enough to embark for England on the 13 February 1917 on board the Mokoia. He arrived on 2nd May in Plymouth and went on to Sling Camp the same day. He left for France on 6th June and was attached to the strength at Base Depot at Etaples two day later. A week later on 16 June he joined the 2nd Battalion, C Company, 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade in the field. On 1st August he was sent to No.22 General Hospital sick with an unspecified illness. Whatever the illness was he was treated and recovered and on 20 August he was sent to the convalescent depot in the field. He re-joined his unit again on 8 October 1917. He was first declared missing in action on 12 October and then as killed in action, aged 32. His body was not found or identified and his name is inscribed on the Tyne Cot Memorial Cemetery, Panel 7. In New Zealand George is remembered on the Glenroy War Memorial.
First NameGeorgeLast NamePickeringFamilyHad married Alice GrahamEldest son of William and Janet PickeringDate of Birth13 December 1881Place of BirthHororataDate of Death12 October 1917Place of DeathYpres, BelgiumCause of DeathKilled in action Age at Death32
Connections
CollectionSoldiers of Selwyn World War OnePlaceGlenroy
Hororata
ImageWar Memorial Glenroy/WindwhistleMore InformationAuckland War Memorial Cenotaph
Hororata
ImageWar Memorial Glenroy/WindwhistleMore InformationAuckland War Memorial CenotaphMilitary Service
Memorial or CemeteryTyne Cot CemeteryGlenroy War MemorialOccupation before EnlistingEngine driverRegiment or ServiceNew Zealand Rifle BrigadeEnlistment Details6th October 1916 at DarfieldService Number38307Embarkation13th February 1917Place of EmbarkationWellington TransportMokoia CountryNew Zealand
Attribution
Researched ByL. M. Seaton Taken FromPhoto taken from Auckland War Memorial Cenotaph. Please refer to this site for the photo’s copyright license
Rifleman George Pickering. Selwyn Stories, accessed 15/06/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/410



