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Private George Gordon McKay
Description
TitlePrivate George Gordon McKaySummaryA soldier in World War One. DescriptionGeorge was born at Halkett on 3 August 1889, son of George and Mary McKay. Before enlisting he was working as a general contractor at Halkett. He had previously been rejected for military service because of appendicitis. He was 5ft 6½in tall with a dark complexion brown eyes and black hair.
George enlisted at Christchurch on 26 January 1917 and was assigned to the 27th Reinforcements, Specialists Company, Machine-Gun Section. He embarked with them on 12 June 1917 from Wellington on board the Maunganui, arrived in Devonport 16 August 1917 and marched in to Sling the same day. He left for France and was attached to the strength at Base Depot at Etaples 29 October 1917. As was not uncommon he was afflicted with measles and was admitted to No.46 Stationary Hospital on 1st November 1917 and then on to No.13 Convalescent Depot at Dauville which had previously been a resort for the wealthy. He seems to have spent Christmas there and then back to Depot at Etaples. He was sent to join the 2nd Battalion Canterbury Regiment in the field at Polygon Wood on 20th January and was killed in action only four days later! He was buried at the Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood by Rev J.H. Lush. In New Zealand George is remembered on a Memorial inside the grounds of the Halkett Presbyterian Church.
First NameGeorge GordonLast NameMcKayFamilySingleSon of George and Mary McKayDate of Birth3 August 1889Place of BirthHalkettDate of Death24 January 1918Place of DeathFranceCause of DeathKilled in actionAge at Death27
George enlisted at Christchurch on 26 January 1917 and was assigned to the 27th Reinforcements, Specialists Company, Machine-Gun Section. He embarked with them on 12 June 1917 from Wellington on board the Maunganui, arrived in Devonport 16 August 1917 and marched in to Sling the same day. He left for France and was attached to the strength at Base Depot at Etaples 29 October 1917. As was not uncommon he was afflicted with measles and was admitted to No.46 Stationary Hospital on 1st November 1917 and then on to No.13 Convalescent Depot at Dauville which had previously been a resort for the wealthy. He seems to have spent Christmas there and then back to Depot at Etaples. He was sent to join the 2nd Battalion Canterbury Regiment in the field at Polygon Wood on 20th January and was killed in action only four days later! He was buried at the Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood by Rev J.H. Lush. In New Zealand George is remembered on a Memorial inside the grounds of the Halkett Presbyterian Church.
First NameGeorge GordonLast NameMcKayFamilySingleSon of George and Mary McKayDate of Birth3 August 1889Place of BirthHalkettDate of Death24 January 1918Place of DeathFranceCause of DeathKilled in actionAge at Death27
Connections
Military Service
Memorial or CemeteryHalkett Presbyterian ChurchButtes New British CemeteryOccupation before EnlistingGeneral contractorRegiment or ServiceSpecialist Machine-Gun SectionEnlistment Details26th January 1917Service Number48878Embarkation12th June 1917Place of EmbarkationWellingtonTransportMaunganuiReinforcement27th Reinforcements
Attribution
Researched ByL. M. Seaton
Private George Gordon McKay. Selwyn Stories, accessed 31/05/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/431