Trooper

William Henry Drain

Conflict: 
WW1
Additional Information: 

Son of Mrs. Sarah Drain, of Tuapeka Mouth, Otago. Served in Egypt and at Gallipoli, 1915-16.

References:
  • CWGC
  • Archives New Zealand
NZ WAR GRAVES

Biographical Notes:

“The death of the late Trooper William Henry Drain, 7/951, which occurred at his mother's residence on January Ist., was not unexpected as he had been in poor health for a few months. Deceased was born and educated at Tupeka Mouth and worked at Greenfield and surrounding districts, always being spoken of most highly as a conscientious and trustworthy. When war broke out he was among the first to enlist and left New Zealand with the 4th Reinforcements. He took part in the Gallipoli Campaign and later on was invalided back to New Zealand. After a time he recovered sufficiently to join the staff in the parcels department of the Dunedin Post Office. He was a very popular fellow, always winning the esteem and respect of all with whom he came in contact. This is the second son that Mrs Drain has lost within the past five weeks and she and her family have the deepest heartfelt sympathy of all the community. His funeral, which took place on Saturday morning, was attended by a very large and representative gathering. A number of returned comrades motored all the way from Dunedin. A number of very beautiful wreaths were presented. Mr Hooper conducted the service at the grave-side. A memorial service was held in the Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning Mr Anderson giving a very appropriate sermon.” [Tuapeka Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 6627, 8 January 1919, Page 3]

Public Contributions:

There are no public contributions written for this casualty

Personal Tributes:

Casualty

Service Number: 
7/951
Name:
William Henry Drain
Rank: 
Trooper
Date of Birth:
Not known
Next of Kin: 
Mrs Sarah Drain (mother), Tuapeka Mouth, Otago, New Zealand
Date of Enlistment:
Not known
Enlistment Address: 
Kaikoura, New Zealand
Unit:
NZEF, New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade, Canterbury Mounted Rifles

Casualty Details

Cause of Death:
Date of Death:
01 January 1919
Day of Death:
Wednesday
Age at Death: 
36
Conflict: 
WW1

Embarkation Details

Embarkation Body:
4th Reinforcements
Embarkation Place:
Wellington, New Zealand
Embarkment Date:
17 April 1915
Transport:

HMNZT 21
HMNZT 22
HMNZT 23
Vessel:
Willochra or Knight Templar or Waitomo
Destination:
Suez, Egypt

Text in italics supplied by Cenotaph Online, Auckland War Memorial Museum

Cemetery

Cemetery Location: 
New Zealand
William Henry Drain
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