WORLD WAR I SERVICE:

GEORGE CHARLES CLEARWATER

The information below is from George Charles' Defence Force Personnel Record, from Archives NZ.

Biographical Details

According to his History-Sheet, his occupation was Dairyman, and his last employer was Mataura Dairy Co.; his last address was Mataura; his religion was Pres[bytarian], and his birth-date was recorded as 28.3.97 [28 March, 1897] at Otago, NZ.  His next of kin was listed as Mrs Alice Clearwater (Mother), of Terrace View, Mataura.

He says he has been resident in NZ for 20 years, and his parents for all their lives. He gives his trade or calling as "Dairyman", last employed by Mataura Dairy Co. He was single, with no dependents. He had passed the 4th Educational Standard, and had never been imprisoned. He also claimed he was still serving in the Territorials.

His Physical Description is given as 5 ft 7 1/2inches tall; 167 lbs [ Kgs]; chest measurement of 34-37 inches; Fair complexion; Blue eyes; Fair hair colour. His apparent age was given as 20 years.

Apart from a scar on his right leg due to an accident, he was deemed as "normal" or satisfactory in all other regards, and so was classed "Fit".

Service Details

George Charles' service number was 58737. Beginning on 23 June 1917, he served 1 year 41 days in NZ, 1 year 195 days overseas, for a total of 2 years and 236 days, serving in Western Europe.  He was discharged on 13 February 1920.

  • He trained at Featherston Camp, where he was assigned to H Company of the 29th Reinforcements on 23 June 1917
  • 6 August 1917 he was found guilty of overstaying extended leave and forfeited 2 days pay
  • He was promoted to Corporal on 14 August 1917
  • Embarked on Troopship No 93 at Wellington on 13 October 1917, arriving at Liverpool on 9 December 1917
  • 9 December 1917 he marched into Brocton Camp
  • Reverts to Lance Corporal on 9 December 1917, possibly at Brocton Camp, England
  • 10 January 1918 he was admitted to Military Hospital Cumnock Chase [?] with Measles
  • 21 January 1918 he was Discharged to Brocton Camp
  • On 21 January 1918 he was Taken on Strength, apparently of the NZ Mounted Rifles and posted to 5 Bn [5th Battalion?]
  • 20 March 1918 proceeding overseas [to France]; he relinquishes temporary Rank at this date
  • 1 April 1918 he joined Battalion & posted to A Company - appears to have joined 4th Battalion, 3rd Otago Infantry Regiment
  • 21 April 1918 he joined 14th Company of 2nd Battalion of Otago Infantry Regiment
  • 20 August 1918 he was appointed Lance Corporal
  • 29 September 1918 he was "Wounded in Action" and then on 30 September he was admitted to a Field Hospital
  • 1 October 1918 he was admitted to Military Hospital, Rouen, France and then on 4 October 1918 he embarked for England
  • 25 January 1919 he was admitted to 2nd Scottish General Hospital with Asthma
  • Departed UK aboard the Maheno on 25 April 1919
  • He was Discharged as "no longer physically fit for War Service on account of wounds received in action".

Awards

He was awarded the British War Medal 1914-19 and the Victory Medal.

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