Monday, May 21, 2012

McComish, James

died 8 April 1894 aged 60 years, husband of Sarah McComish of Cross Street, Newton.
Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 84, 9 April 1894, Page 4

A movement is on foot to give to Mr Jas. McComish, who was a Crimean veteran and an old volunteer, as well as a leading bandsman, a military funeral.
Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 84, 9 April 1894, Page 4


A Veteran Bandsman.
Mr. James M'Comish, whose death as the result of a fall in the Auckland Opera House was recently recorded, was a military bandsman of some note.

He came to the colony as Band Sergeant in the 57th Regiment, and served in the New Zealand campaign from 1861 to 1864 at New Plymouth, where he retired from the regiment.

He was a soldier's son (born in the 57th Regiment- Old Diehards). He also served with the 57th Regiment through the Crimean War and Indian Mutiny of 1857-58. He belonged to the band, and possessed the Crimean medal, with clasps for Balaclava, Inkerman and Sebastopol, also Turkish and New Zealand medals.

After completing his term of service he joined the mounted force in Taranaki as trumpeter, and served with them until they were disbanded. He was a good soldier, a loyal comrade, and a warm-hearted man.

He, in 1869, went to Auckland, where he remained up to the time of his death. He was bandmaster of the late Hobson Volunteer Rifle Corps. Mr. M'Comish was one of the most familiar figures of the orchestra of the Auckland Opera House, and was also a prominent member of the choir of St. Benedict's Church. He was a talented and popular instrumentalist.

A wife and family are left to mourn their loss. At his funeral a band of 41 instruments, made up from the various Auckland bands, played Dead Marches.
Evening Post, Volume XLVII, Issue 92, 19 April 1894, Page 4

2 comments:

  1. James McComish was my great great grandfather. I'd be interested to know whether the photo posted of the Crimean War Veterans had him in it? Thanks very much for the post. Can call or text me on 0211836266

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  2. Thanks for the post. Very interesting.

    ReplyDelete