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Private Robert Joseph Crossen
Description
TitlePrivate Robert Joseph CrossenSummaryA soldier in World War One. DescriptionRobert was born at Brookside on 20th March 1890, sixth son of Thomas and Ellen Crossen. He was educated at the Rolleston School and before leaving with the 25th Reinforcements he was employed as a farm labourer for L.B. Mannion at Rolleston. He had previous military experience with the 13th Regiment, Canterbury and West Coast. He was 5ft 7½in tall with a medium complexion, brown eyes and brown hair.
Robert enlisted at Christchurch on 22nd January 1917, although his service was not reckoned until 7 February and was assigned to C Company, 25th Reinforcements, Canterbury Infantry Regiment. He embarked with them 26th April 1917 on board the SS Turakina. He arrived in Devonport and Sling Camp on 20th July 1917. He left for France on 6th September and to base depot at Etaples on 9th. From there he was posted to 1st Company, Canterbury Battalion on 16th September. He was killed in action on 3 December 1917 aged 27. The New Zealand Division was holding the right sector of the front which was overlooked by a spur topped by the ruined Polderhoek Chateau, occupied by the Germans. On 3 December, the 1st Canterbury and 1st Otago Battalions of the 2nd Brigade mounted an attack against the chateau. The attack, launched at midday in an attempt to surprise the Germans, proved a relative failure. Robert’s body was not recovered or identified and his name in inscribed on the Buttes New British (NZ) Memorial. In New Zealand Robert is remembered on the Rolleston Roll of Honour. His family inserted a touching memoriam notice in the Press the following year.
Somewhere in France no matter where, he was just as near to Heaven,
as though he had lain on his bed at home, when the signal to "cease" was given.
He has borne his Cross, he has gained his Crown,
Though he lies in a far off grave, and we think of his life, a duty done,
manly, unselfish, and brave.
First NameRobert JosephLast NameCrossenFamilySingleSixth son of Thomas and Ellen CrossenDate of Birth20 March 1890Place of BirthBrooksideDate of Death3 December 1917Place of DeathYpres, BelgiumCause of DeathKilled in actionAge at Death27
Robert enlisted at Christchurch on 22nd January 1917, although his service was not reckoned until 7 February and was assigned to C Company, 25th Reinforcements, Canterbury Infantry Regiment. He embarked with them 26th April 1917 on board the SS Turakina. He arrived in Devonport and Sling Camp on 20th July 1917. He left for France on 6th September and to base depot at Etaples on 9th. From there he was posted to 1st Company, Canterbury Battalion on 16th September. He was killed in action on 3 December 1917 aged 27. The New Zealand Division was holding the right sector of the front which was overlooked by a spur topped by the ruined Polderhoek Chateau, occupied by the Germans. On 3 December, the 1st Canterbury and 1st Otago Battalions of the 2nd Brigade mounted an attack against the chateau. The attack, launched at midday in an attempt to surprise the Germans, proved a relative failure. Robert’s body was not recovered or identified and his name in inscribed on the Buttes New British (NZ) Memorial. In New Zealand Robert is remembered on the Rolleston Roll of Honour. His family inserted a touching memoriam notice in the Press the following year.
Somewhere in France no matter where, he was just as near to Heaven,
as though he had lain on his bed at home, when the signal to "cease" was given.
He has borne his Cross, he has gained his Crown,
Though he lies in a far off grave, and we think of his life, a duty done,
manly, unselfish, and brave.
First NameRobert JosephLast NameCrossenFamilySingleSixth son of Thomas and Ellen CrossenDate of Birth20 March 1890Place of BirthBrooksideDate of Death3 December 1917Place of DeathYpres, BelgiumCause of DeathKilled in actionAge at Death27
Connections
Military Service
Memorial or CemeteryButtes New British (NZ) MemorialRolleston Roll of HonourOccupation before EnlistingFarm LabourerRegiment or ServiceCanterbury Infantry Regiment Enlistment Details22nd January 1917Service Number46559 Embarkation26th April 1917TransportTurakinaReinforcement25th ReinforcementsCountryNew Zealand
Attribution
Researched ByL. M. Seaton
Private Robert Joseph Crossen. Selwyn Stories, accessed 27/05/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/413