Donovan, Timothy

A veteran and early colonist, Mr Timothy Donovan, died at Auckland last week at the advanced age of 82 years.

In 1844 he joined the 18th Royal Irish Regiment at Bondon, County Cork, with which he served in the Burmese war in 1852, and for which he was decorated with the medal and clasp (Pegu). He returned to England in 1854, and for a short time was detailed for duty at Windsor Castle. In the latter part of 1854 he joined the fighting line in the Crimean war, and served with distinction until the conclusion of hostilities. He received the Crimean medal and clasp, and also the Turkish medal.

Subsequently he volunteered for India, but when the Royal Irish were leaving he transferred to the 70th Regiment, and arrived with them in New Zealand in 1861.

He served throughout the New Zealand campaign. Subsequently he received the New Zealand medal, good conduct medal, and long service medal, having completed 21 years' service.

Otago Witness , Issue 2739, 12 September 1906, Page 31

Dunn, John

Mr John Dunn, a Crimean veteran, and marker at the Mount Eden range, died in the Hospital last Monday, aged 72.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 75, 29 March 1905, Page 6

Martin, Richard Robinson

Martin.- On April 10th, 1901 at the residence of his daughter, Hayden-st., Richard Robinson Martin, beloved father of Mrs De Brum. (Formerly of the R. H.A., Crimean and Indian Mutiny veteran); aged 67 years.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 86, 12 April 1901, Page 6

Harkin, William

death registered 1900/2043 aged 68 years

FOUND DROWNED.
A SINGULAR CASE

A most singular case of drowning occurred on Saturday afternoon about half-past three o'clock, the victim being Mr Wm. Harkin (William Harkin), staircase builder, of Prospect Terrace, Ponsonby.

Deceased left his home about half-past two, and it is presumed that as he was in the habit of taking trips in the ferry boats, that he went on board the 3.30 boat for the North Shore. A ticket was found on his body, and his watch had stopped at twenty-five minutes to four.

Shortly after the boat left Constable A. McDonnell saw the body floating near the wharf, and had it conveyed to the morgue, where it was identified by one of deceased's sons. With regard to the way in which deceased came by his death, a man named Wm. McCabe states that when coming up the wharf at the time in question he thought he saw a man fall off the steamer (the Takapuna), but as the boat did not stop he thought he had made a mistake.

Deceased, who was 68 years of age, had resided in Auckland for some 35 years, and leaves a large grown-up family of sons and daughters.

He was an old Crimean veteran, and had been discharged from the army some 35 years ago on account of heart disease.

An inquest was held at Gleeson's Hotel yesterday forenoon by Dr. McArthur (Coroner), and evidence was taken from Miss Harkin, Mr Harkin, jun. (of deceased's family), Wm. McCabe, Constable Luke McDonnell, and Sergeant Murray.

A certificate was put in from Dr. Bedford, who had been attending deceased, to the effect that deceased was suffering from heart disease. No definite light, however, was thrown on his death. The inquest was continued this morning, when William Henry Jenkins, mate of the ferry steamer Takapuna, was examined. He deposed that he was on duty on Saturday last, the 28th April. He was on the steamer on the 3.30 trip from Auckland. It was his duty while the boat was between the two wharves to collect the tickets. He did not begin to collect the tickets on the trip in question until outside the old ferry tee.

There were the usual number of passengers on board. Most of them were on the top deck, and some in the smoking cabin. The Takapuna had what is known as an "ocean deck." Witness did not think that the captain steering from amidships and looking ahead could see a man standing for'ard on the lower deck. It would be possible for a man to fall overboard while sitting on the rail, which was about 3ft high, without the captain seeing. He did not observe anyone in that position in the stern.

Witness' attention was not called.to anything peculiar during the trip. He knew nothing about the accident until yesterday morning. He could not throw any light on the fact that a body was found between the Devonport and Auckland Wharves between 3.30 and 4 p.m. on Saturday.

By a Juryman: If witness noticed a person sitting in a dangerous position he would warn them. The rails of the Takapuna were lower than those on the other boats.

After a short deliberation the jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased was accidentally drowned, and that no blame was attachable to anybody.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 101, 30 April 1900, Page 3

Ryland, William Charles

died 9 September 1899, Auckland, New Zealand aged 63 years

We are reminded by an old Crimean veteran, Sergeant W. C. Ryland, that today is the anniversary of the fall of Sebastopol.

Sergeant Ryland, who was serving in the 14th Regiment at the time, was wounded in the trenches about Sebastopol, and subsequently received a pension. There are a number of Crimean veterans still in Auckland, who recall with interest the stirring events of over forty years ago. Queen Victoria had a reunion of a number of old Crimean soldiers, and entertained them at luncheon.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 213, 9 September 1898, Page 4

An old man named William Charles Ryland, 63 years of age, who has for some time kept a shooting gallery in Customs-street East, died suddenly early this morning. He was last seen alive at 10.30 p.m. yesterday at which time his assistant, James Brown, left the gallery, deceased retiring to bed in a room in front of it. He was then in his usual good health and spirits.

Brown returned this morning, and finding the gallery closed and the blinds down, supposed that his employer had gone away. As the gallery was still closed at noon the attention of the police was drawn to the matter.

Hubert Ryland, a son of the deceased, could not account for his father's absence, so he and Constable Lipscombe broke open the door. They found the body of Ryland in bed, and as it was nearly cold, concluded that death had taken place some hours before.

Dr. King was sent for, and he ascribed death to apoplexy. The matter was reported to the coroner, and an inquest will be held on Monday next. Deceased leaves a grown up son and a daughter, but had no other relatives. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 214, 9 September 1899, Page 5

Ryland.- On September 9, at Auckland, W. C. Ryland, late Sergt. H.M.S. 14th Regiment, aged 63 years. Funeral leaves for Drury by 9.30 a.m. train.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 215, 11 September 1899, Page 8

A Crimean Veteran
Fought Under Three Flags

The old Crimean veteran, William Charles Ryland, whose sudden death was referred to in Saturday's issue, held the almost unique position of having served under three flags during his career.

He started in the British service, and was wounded at the attack on Sevastopol on the 8th September, 1855. He was then a sergeant in the 14th Buckinghamshire Regt. He was invalided home on a sergeant's pension but being a born soldier he subsequently with other kindred spirits, volunteered to serve with Garibaldi in the Italian war where he rose to a warrant officer for distinguished conduct.

On the outbreak of the American Civil War the old soldier once more volunteered his services, and fought with the Federals, rising to the rank of sergeant-major. He was at Bull's Run, Fredericksburg, and other engagements, besides taking part in Sherman's famous march "from Atlanta to the sea."

When peace once more reigned in the land Sergeant-major Ryland came to this colony in the service of Sir George Bowen. When that Governor left the colony the old soldier turned his sword into a plough share and took a farm at Maketu, which he named Gadd's Hill.

He also married and had two children, both of whom have reached the age of maturity. Two years ago Mrs Ryland died, and her husband then came into town.

The deceased made many friends, who will regret his demise, as he was kindly-natured, and naturally after such varied experiences an excellent companion.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 215, Monday 11 September 1899, Page 2

Auckland, 10th September
William Charles Ryland, an old Colonial Force man and Crimean veteran, was found dead in his bedroom. The cause of death was apoplexy.

Evening Post, Volume LVIII, Issue 62, 11 September 1899, Page 5

Marriages: 
Hubert Otranto Ryland to Georgina Mills Barclay reg. 1915/4780       

 

Howitt, Hill

An old veteran who fought for Britain during the Indian mutiny, and also in the Crimean war, died recently in the Costley Home, Auckland. He was a native of Glasgow, named Hill Howitt, and had been a sergeant in the 92nd.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7906, 8 May 1897, Page 2

An old veteran who fought in the Indian Mutiny, and also in the Crimean war, died recently, in the Costley Home. He was a native of Glasgow, named Hill Howitt, and had been a sergeant in the 92nd.

The old soldier came to this colony about 18 months ago, and being in receipt of a pension of 14s a week was not a recipient of charity. He came here for the benefit of his health, and when he began to get feeble got admitted to the Costley Home, and was maintained there by his pension.

He was buried at Purewa Cemetery, his funeral being attended by the friends he had made since his arrival in Auckland.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXVIIII, Issue XXXVIII, 11 May 1897, Page 2

An old veteran who fought for Britain during the Indian Mutiny, and also in the Crimean War, died recently in the Costley Home. He was a native of Glasgow, named Hill Howitt, and had been a sergeant in the 92nd.

The old soldier came to this colony about 18 months ago, and being in receipt of a pension of 14s per week was not a recipient of charity. He came here for the benefit of his health, and when he began to get feeble got admitted to the Costley Home, and was maintained there by his pension, thus ending his chequered career in peaceful retirement at the age of 68 years.

Sergeant Hill Howitt left the service with an excellent character and was for some years employed as Commissaire in London, and was privileged as one of the Royal Chairmen engaged in attendance on Her Majesty. During the Jubilee celebrations he was detailed to attend upon the Russian Grand Dukes while they were in London.

He had no friend or relative when he came to this colony, but during the short time he resided in Auckland made some acquaintances who recognised his sterling worth, and upon learning of his death they attended his interment, the old veteran being laid to rest in Purewa Cemetery.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 110, 13 May 1897, Page 6

Sandbrook, James

died 1 July 1933 at Devonport, Auckland in his 100th year

Crimean Veteran
Military Funeral

The funeral of the late Sergeant James Sandbrook, who died at Devonport, Auckland, on Saturday, took place in Wellington yesterday afternoon. Sergeant Sandbrook was a veteran of the Crimean and Maori Wars, and was in his hundredth year.

Born at High Ircall, near Wellington, Shropshire, he enlisted in the second battalion of the 14th Foot on November 11, 1854, at the age of 20. He had retained his original pay book and conspicuous in its printed regulations was a list of military offences for which the death penalty might be exacted.

Even in recent years Mr. Sandbrook had recollections of his days in the Crimea. He often spoke of the hardships suffered by the soldiers, who were compelled to remain in the trenches for the whole twenty-four hours under the extreme winter conditions of that region. He also remembered the pound of salt beef that was issued to the men, and the daily two quarts of water and the ration of rum. His regiment was under, the command of Sir James Alexander, and he was able to recall Lord Raglan, who died in the Crimea, and General Simpson, who succeeded him in command.

He was never wounded, but was in hospital for a time. It was then that he saw Miss Florence Nightingale. He remembered the dark uniform that she used to wear, and the wide straw hat tied with a ribbon under her chin.

After the Crimean War, Mr. Sandbrook was stationed at Malta, and at Gibraltar, and he married in Ireland before coming to Australia and later to New Zealand, where, he arrived in September 1860. He joined the Armed Constabulary, and during the later Maori Wars travelled much about the country on the staff of Sir Donald McLean, Native Minister. He obtained his discharge in 1870, and was in the service of successive politicians at Parliament House, Wellington, until his retirement over twenty years ago.

Mr. Sandbrook was an excellent rifle shot in his prime, and served as an assistant musketry instructor. He was among the oldest Foresters in New Zealand, having first joined a lodge of that body in Wellington in 1870. He was presented to the Prince of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of York on the occasion of their visits to New Zealand. For a time he was president of the Veterans' Association in Wellington. He was a very well-known figure in Wellington during his long residence here.

In recognition of his war service, the funeral yesterday was a military one. Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph's Church, Buckle Street, in the morning. The service at the graveside at Karori Cemetery in the afternoon was conducted by the Rev. Father Fletcher. The coffin was covered with the Union Jack, upon which, was a wreath sent by Lady McLean widow of the late Sir Douglas McLean, bearing the words, "In memory of loyal service to Sir Donald McLean." The chief mourner was a daughter, Mrs. N. C Perrin, and amongst those present were Captain V. G. Jervis (representing Major-General W. L. H. Sinclair-Burgess, G.O.C., New Zealand Military Forces), Sergeants-Major O'Leary and Fellen, Sergeant-Major Bezar (a military comrade at the deceased), Lieut-Col. D. C. Bates (president His Majesty's Veterans' Association), Messrs. A. Bothamley, E, N. G. Poulton, and other friends of the deceased. Sergeant- Major King was in charge of the firing party.

Mr. E. Bezar writes: "Seventy-seven years ago on, the 28th of last May Sergeant Sandbrook and I sailed from the Crimea in the steamship Etna. The whole of the 57th 'Diehards' and two Companies of the 14th Regiment were on board. We reached Constantinople next day, took in coal, and resumed the voyage, reaching Malta on Sunday night, June 1. Three years late [later] a 2nd Battalion was formed to the 14th, and many, members 'of the 1st were transferred to the new battalion, the late Sergeant Sandbrook being one. That battalion came to New Zealand in 1860."

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 5, 6 July 1933, Page 13

Giles, Dr. Joseph

death registered 1930/2791 Giles Joseph aged 97 years

Dr. J. Giles, who died in Auckland on the 9th inst., in his 98th year, was a leading member of the Wellington Chess Club in its foundation year (1876). This Crimean veteran, who worked with Florence Nightingale, had been a resident in New Zealand for 72 years, during which time he had been a medical practitioner, farmer, gold digger, Magistrate, mining warden, newspaper editor, departmental under-secretary, and a member of thirteen Royal Commissions. His very active and varied, life certainly supported the Shakespearian dictum that "each man in his time plays many parts."

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 136, 13 June 1930, Page 15

Andrews, William

Crimean Veteran

Mr. William Andrews, who died in Auckland, aged 82 years, was a veteran of the Crimean war, and also saw service in India.

He enlisted in the 42nd Highlanders, and was transferred to the 12th Regiment, with which he served in New Zealand during the Maori war, and after his discharge remained in Auckland.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 115, 14 May 1920, Page 6

Holliday, William

An old Crimean veteran, Mr William Holliday, formerly of the 57th Regiment, and now residing in Lorne-street, Auckland, called on the Auckland Star, reminding them that Thursday last was the anniversary of the Soldiers' Battle at Inkerman, in the Crimean war.

This event occurred on November 5th, 1854, when 9,400 British soldiers stood their ground against 70,000 Russians, and after eight hours' hard fighting drove them back to their stronghold at Sebastopol and remained masters of a hard fought battle.

General Liprandi was in command of the Russian forces. Mr Holliday arrived in Auckland from Bombay in 1861 in the British war steamer Prince Arthur, and with the 57th Regiment he took part in the Taranaki campaign, and was afterwards stationed in the Waikato for some time.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9003, 7 November 1896, Page 2

An old Crimean veteran has passed away at Auckland in the person of Mr Wm. Holliday, at the ripe age of 70. He served first in H.M. 57th, and then in the Royal Irish, and held the Crimean medal and clasps for Alma, Inkerman, and Sebastopol, and the Turkish medal.

In 1860 he arrived in New Zealand, and served throughout the Taranaki, Waikato, and West Coast campaigns, under General Chute.

Daily Telegraph , Issue 9147, 25 April 1898, Page 2

The death is announced of an old Crimean veteran, Mr William Holliday, of Lorne-street, Auckland, at the age of 70 years.

Mr Holliday formerly served in H.M. 57th Regiment, and in the 18th Royal Irish, and fought throughout the Crimean war of 1854-56, receiving the Crimean medal and clasps for Alma, Inkerman, and Sebastopol, and the Turkish medal.

In 1860 he arrived in New Zealand and served throughout the Taranaki war, the Waikato war, and the subsequent West Coast campaign under General Chute. In 1870 he left the army, after 22 years' service, with a pension of 1s 1d a day. His pension was increased to 2s 1d a day by the Imperial authorities.

His funeral takes place to-morrow (sic). Mr Holliday leaves a widow and family, one of his sons being a member of the Permanent Force.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 111, 12 May 1898, Page 7

Burningham, Stainer Henry

1896/5563 Burningham Stainer Henry 58 years

DEATH OF CAPTAIN BURNINGHAM.
A CRIMEAN VETERAN.

A well-known and highly-respected resident of this district, Captain S. H. Burningham, of the North Shore, died this morning at his residence, Taharoto," Lake Takapuna, at the age of 58 years.
The deceased bad been a resident of Auckland for the past 36 years, and had numerous friends throughout the district. For some four months pass Mr Burningham had been suffering severely from cancer in the throat, and he gradually sank until he died peacefully at an early hour this morning in the presence of his family. His eldest son had only arrived from Western Australia lately, on hearing that his father was ill.

The late Mr Burningbam had an eventful career in his early days, being one of the veterans who took part in the Crimean War of 1854-56. He was tho son of the Rev. Mr Burningham, who was rector of Charlwood, Surrey, England, and he began life by joining the Royal Navy as a midehipman. He served on the China and India stations in various men-of-war, and gained his commission as lieutenant.

When the Crimean War broke out in 1854, he was in H.M.S. Retribution, which ship was ordered out of Sebastopol Harbour by the Russians and fired on just before the war began. He saw active service with landing parties during the war, and was engaged in the bombardment of Sebastopol, subsequently receiving the Crimean war medal.

The Retribution was one of the vessels which rode out the disastrous gale in which H.M.S. Tiger and others went ashore. Lieut. Burningham was invalided from the Navy in consequence of having received permanent injury to his ears through the cannonading while Sebastopol was being bombarded, and after serving in H.M.S. Pearl for a time, be came out to New Zealand in the ship Caduceus, landing in Auckland in 1860.

For some time he was engaged in farming at Mahurangi. Afterwards be went into the coastal steam trade, and was the first to open up a steam service with Paeroa and the Upper Thames, with the steam launch La Buona Venture. This was considerably over twenty years ago. Subsequently he had the steamers Pearl and Ruby built for this trade, and for some years afterwards he acted as agent for the steamers in the South Wairoa trade, retiring on his means two or three years ago.

The deceased leaves a widow and five sons and two daughters, one of the latter being in England. By his special request the funeral will be a private one.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 198, 22 August 1896, Page 2

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

Hogan, George V.

Truth thinks that the refusal of a pension to Mr George V. Hogan, of Auckland, a Crimean and Indian Mutiny veteran, is an "awful warning to young soldiers against trop de sele in her Majesty's service. This gallant old warrior is denied a pension because he served his country too well. His fatal mistake was that he won a commission."

Press, Volume L, Issue 8576, 1 September 1893, Page 5

Handley, Henry Edwards

1892/3153 Handley, Henry Edwards 56 years

An old Crimean veteran died recently namely, Capt. H. E. Handley, at his residence, North Shore. A week or ten days ago he had a paralytic seizure, and never rallied from the attack.

He entered the army at an early age, and served with Scots Greys in the Crimean War, and took part in the charge of the Heavy Cavalry under General Scarlett, at Balaclava.

On leaving the Imperial service, he came out to New Zealand, and served as field-adjutant to Colonel Herrick's expedition in Waikare Moana, and Lake Taupo in 1869.

Deceased was well connected in England, and at one time in very good circumstances there, being son of Mr Handley, of Culverthorpe Hall, near Grantham, of the firm of Philip Handley, Peacocke, and Handley, carrying on banking in Seaford, Grantham, and Newark. He took a great interest in racing matters on the English turf, and also in Auckland. Deceased leaves a wife and family.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6418, 13 July 1892, Page 3

Hazell, George

1886/3570 Hazell George 52 years

Sergeant-Major Hazell, whose death took place in Auckland on the 27th ult., was an old Crimean veteran, and acted as orderly to Lord Raglan at that time. He has been a teacher of equestration and riding master in Auckland for a number of years, and during the recent war scare raised the Auckland Troop of Cavalry, and afterwards organised the Royal Lancers, of which troop he was Sergeant-Major. His death was caused by heart disease. Deceased was accorded a military funeral.

Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 97, 8 September 1886, Page 3

Mrs. Hazell, widow of the late Sergeant-major George Hazell, desires through our columns to tender her cordial thanks to Colonel Lyon and those other kind friends who, not sparing pains or trouble, procured the special train and made the various and complete arrangements which were carried out on the occasion of the largely attended military funeral of her late husband on Sunday last.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7732, 2 September 1886