Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

David Bain, known as Dave, was born on 30 April 1889 at Temuka, the fourth son of Peter and Isabella Marion (née MacKinnon) Bain, of The Stumps, Temuka. Peter and Isabella who married in 1884 at Leith, Scotland, arrived at Port Chalmers, New Zealand in 1885 with their first-born son Alexander MacKinnon Bain. Four more sons were born in New Zealand, followed by five daughters (one dying in infancy). Peter and Isabella spent their first few years in the Mackenzie Country before he took a manager’s position at Newlands, Clandeboye, near Temuka. Later (1904), Mr Bain purchased The Stumps Farm, remaining there until his death on 10 August 1913. Just the year before, he had handed over The Stumps to his sons (Alex, John, Donald and Lauchlan), where all were in 1913 but David who was in Australia. David probably had all his schooling at Orton School. D. Bain represented the Temuka Football Club (juniors) in early season matches in May 1906. In December of the same year, he was placed first, and earned 30 shillings, in the boys (under 18) wrestling at the Temuka Caledonian Society’s annual meeting. In 1907 he was one of two competitors who got through numerous bouts. He represented the Temuka Football Club (juniors) again in their season-opening games in April 1909 and throughout the season, his team-mates including many others who would go on to serve in the war. D. Bain was placed second (10 shillings) in the wrestling at the Mackenzie Caledonian Society’s Highland Games in November 1909, perhaps his last local sports outing for the time being.

Mr Dave Bain, a prominent member of the local football club, was entertained by his fellow members at a social in the Temuka Hotel on 1 March 1910 prior to his departure to Australia and was presented with a gold-mounted albert chain suitably inscribed. The presentation was made by his football friends, who mustered in full force, both local clubs being represented. In proposing the health of their guest the chairman dwelt on his excellent qualities on and off the field. While expressing regret at his departure he wished him prosperity and long life in his new sphere. Almost all those present spoke in the most complimentary terms of Mr Bain, after which his health was drunk with musical honours. Mr Bain in reply, thanked them for their valuable present, which he said he did not expect, nor did he think he deserved such a token of their esteem. It would always serve to remind him of the happy days he had spent in Temuka, and he hoped at some future date to return and renew their acquaintance once more. After several toasts were honoured, and several songs sung, the proceedings came to a close with many good wishes for Mr Bain.

By 1914 David was back home at The Stumps, Temuka, a farmer. D. Bain won a competition prize at the Temuka Pipe Band Bazaar in June 1912, but this may have been Donald. At the December 1912 Temuka Road Board’s meeting, it was advised that Mr Peter Bain had sold his Stumps Farm, containing 448 acres, to Alexander Bain, John Wm. Bain, Donald Bain, and Lauchlan Bain, four of his five sons (not David, perhaps because he was away). D. Bain was elected a new member at the Temuka Football Club’s annual meeting in March 1913. D. Bain was selected in the Temuka senior football team to play in May 1914. He kept his place throughout the season. In early August he was selected as a reserve lock for the South Canterbury team. A week later he was selected in the combined team to play the winners of the senior championship, the gate takings to be handed over to the treasurer of the War Fund. Also in August he was in the reserves (forwards) for South Canterbury to play both Southland and North Otago. He was selected in the team proper to play Otago in September 1914.

Recruiting in South Canterbury was keeping up very well in late May 1915, and on 25-26 May no fewer than fifty men offered. “The recruits are from all over the district and the men are of the right stamp.” Among those who offered was D. Bain, Temuka (Infantry). He was medically examined on 1 June 1915, probably at Timaru. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches, weighing 161 pounds, with a chest measurement of 35-39 inches, he had a complexion between ‘dark & ...’, grey eyes, and dark brown hair. His sight, hearing and colour vision were all good, his limbs and chest well formed, his heart and lungs normal, and his teeth only fair, with an upper plate. Free from diseases and vaccinated, he was in good bodily and mental health. A self-employed farmer at The Stumps, single and Presbyterian, he enlisted at Trentham on 14 June 1915, naming his mother as next-of-kin – Mrs P. Bain, The Stumps, Temuka. Posted initially to the Canterbury Mounted Rifles, 6th Reinforcements, he was transferred to the 7th Reinforcements on 8 October. He had been admitted to the Tauherenikau Military Hospital on 5 August 1915, a suspected infection carrier. He returned to Tauherenikau Camp on 6 September. He did not go with the 6th Reinforcements as he was on sick leave. Trooper D. Bain embarked at Wellington on 9 October 1915, probably with the 7th Reinforcements, and disembarked at Suez, Egypt on 20/30 November.

On 26 January 1916 he left Zeitoun for Canal. He was transferred to the 8th Squadron on 3 June. As of 1 August 1916, Bain was in Egypt with the Canterbury Mounted Rifles. At the twenty-ninth annual meeting of the Temuka Caledonian Society on 6 October 1916, it was noted that another year of the war had passed, and the constant demand for reinforcements had been felt by the Society, together with all classes of sports. Besides the nine members mentioned in the last report, Messrs Arthur Donnithorne, D. Bain and M. Horgan were now in France, and Mr W. Spillane was about to leave with the next reinforcements. Trooper Bain was reported wounded on 9 January 1917, having suffered a gunshot wound in the fighting at Raffa, a bullet entering his right thigh and coming out his right buttock. There was no fracture. David was admitted to the 24th Stationary Hospital at Kantara on 13 January 1917 – gunshot wound to right thigh (slight). Admitted to the 27th General Hospital at Abbassia on 15 January, he was then transferred to the Aotea Convalescent Hospital at Heliopolis on 29 January. He was discharged to duty at Moascar from hospital and posted to the Training Regiment on 24 March. Mrs Bain, “Stumps Farm,” had received word from her son, Private David Bain of the 7th Reinforcements, on 18 January saying that he had been admitted to 24th Stationary Hospital, Cairo, on 13th January, with slight gunshot wounds in right thigh. Another cable stated that Private Bain was progressing favourably. He joined the 6th Reinforcements, and since leaving New Zealand had been in the New Zealand Mounted Brigade, Egypt.

He was then admitted to the 26th Stationary Hospital at Ismalia on 10 May 1917 because of his old gunshot wound (slight), and to the 27th General Hospital on 14 May. As of 18 May, when he was transferred to the Aotea Convalescent Home at Heliopolis, his progress was satisfactory, and again on 16 June. The Medical Report compiled at the Aotea N.Z. Convalescent Home at Heliopolis, Cairo on 23 June 1917 considered his disability had been caused by Active Service. By that date his wounds had healed. There was a wasting of the thigh and buttock muscle. Bain complained of weakness and pain at times. He was unable to walk far on account of the feeling of weakness and pain in his thigh and hip. There was very slight lameness. It was recommended that he return to New Zealand and be discharged as permanently unfit. He was discharged to duty and posted to the Training Regiment from hospital again on 26 June 1917.

David Bain embarked at Suez on 11 July 1917 for the return to New Zealand, invalided per the “Port Sydney”. At the beginning of August, Mrs Bain, “The Stumps,” Temuka, received word that her son Trooper Dave Bain, had been invalided home, and was expected to arrive in Temuka at an early date. Trooper Bain, who was a South Canterbury representative forward, was wounded in action in Egypt. The Provisional Medical Board assembled on board the Troopship “Port Sydney” at the Port of Auckland (probably on 9 September 1917) recommended that the soldier be treated as a convalescent and attend Timaru Hospital as an out-patient for 28 days.

Trooper Dave Bain, a returned soldier invalided home from Egypt, arrived in Temuka on 11 September. Despite very wet weather a fair crowd assembled at the station. A procession was formed, and headed by Mr A. Cooper playing the bagpipes, marched to the Post Office, where Mr T. Gunnion, on behalf of the Temuka Patriotic Entertainment Committee, welcomed the returned soldier, assuring Trooper Bain that they were all very pleased to see him back again, and in a measure recovered from his wound. The Mayor (Mr A. Frew) said they were deeply indebted to the men who were fighting. Cheers were given for the soldier, and for the men who were still fighting. Trooper Bain thanked the Temuka people sincerely for their cordial welcome. He had been wounded in the Raffa fight on 10 February 1917, receiving a bullet wound in the right hip.

Another Medical Board was assembled at the Drill Hall, Timaru on 9 October 1917. He was not fit for Active Service or Territorial Service but fit for Civil Employment. He was discharged on 30 October 1917, no longer physically fit for war service on account of wounds received in action. All his overseas service had been in Egypt. He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. At a send-off at the Milford School on 5 October 1917, it had been proposed to give a welcome home to Sergeant G. Hayhurst, Corp. Christmas, Private D. Bain, and Gunner F. Brown at the next send-off. There was a good attendance at the Milford school on 16 November to welcome home Corporal Christmas and Troopers D. Bain and F. Brown. During a lull in the dancing the returned soldiers were warmly welcomed, and each was presented with the Milford Patriotic Association’s gold medal of honour. Mr T. Gunnion also made a patriotic speech. Dance singing and musical items were given.

In April 1918, Trooper Dave Bain spent a few weeks in the North Island. David Bain, of “The Stumps”, married Irene Dorothy Wareing on 3 December 1918 in a quiet wedding at the Temuka Manse, quiet probably because of the influenza epidemic. Subsequently Mr and Mrs Bain travelled to Napier where David had drawn a Government run. The engagement of Miss Irene Wareing of Temuka and Trooper D. Bain of the 7th Reinforcements had been announced in October 1915. The returned soldiers’ ballot for land in the Arapawanui block, held at the Hawke’s Bay Land Board meeting on 13 December 1918, resulted in Section 1, block XIII., Moeangiangi, 529 acres, going to David Bain. David and Irene were to spend their entire married life at Glen View, Arapawanui. Following a court case at the Napier Police Court on 15 December 1930, David Bain, farmer, Arapawanui, was bound over to keep the peace, as a result of a childish dispute between farmers. On 29 November 1933, the wedding was solemnised in Napier of Isabella, youngest daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Peter Bain, of Temuka, South Canterbury, and Hector Norman, son of Mr and the late Mrs McKinnon, of Wairoa. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr David Bain (Tangoio). The engagement was announced in October 1937 of Shona, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Bain, Arapawauui, Hawke’s Bay, to Allan Martin McClurg, of Napjer. And the engagement of Nancy, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Bain, “Glenview”, Arapawauui, Hawke’s Bay, to John Forrester Kerr, of Wellington was announced in August 1956. Nancy and John married at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Napier in November 1956. After the marriage service, the bride and groom were piped to the reception, held in a marquee in the garden of Glenview, where guests from many parts of the North and South Islands were entertained. Five men were admitted to the Napier Public Hospital on the evening of 27 May 1950 with injuries received when their car went off the road at Kaiwaka, 10 miles north of Napier, the accident occurring just after the car had passed an oncoming car driven by David Bain, of Arapawanui. The car was extensively damaged, but none of the men was in a serious condition.

David Bain died at his residence, Tangoio, Arapawanui, Naper on 15 June 1962, aged 73 years, and was buried at Wharerangi Cemetery, Napier. He was survived by Irene and his children, Shona, Alasdair, Nancy and Lachlan. His next-of-kin at death was his wife, Mrs I. Bain, Glenview, Arapawanui, Napier. He had signed his Will in 1955 and a Codicil in 1957. His four surviving children are named – Alasdair David Bain, Lauchlan Bain, Sheonald Irene McClurg and Nancy Bain. He had appointed his wife Irene Dorothy Bain, his son Lauchlan and an accountant as trustees and executors. Irene who lived on at Arapawanui for many years, died at Waipu House, Havelock North on 26 February 1986 and was buried with David. Ronald MacKinnon Bain, the eldest son of David and Irene was killed in action in Italy on 12 November 1943.

From January 1917, Trooper D. Bain (5th Reinforcements) appeared in the Temuka Leader’s Active Service List which was published regularly. His brother Lauchlin Bain was also listed there, having served in World War One. Two older brothers, Alexander Bain and Donald Bain, of The Stumps, Temuka, were both called up in 1916. Alexander had been drawn in the first military service ballot in November 1916. They appealed together on 28 December 1916. They were partners in a farm. They had two brothers at the Front and had four sisters Their parents were dead. The farm had an area of 1053 acres, and they had 1000 sheep on it, and some cattle. They employed casual labour. The chairman of the Military Appeal Board said the family had contributed well to the man-power, and it would take the two brothers to manage the farm. Both appeals would he adjourned sine die, but one would have to go at some time. In September 1917, Alexander who had been passed by the Medical Board as Class C2 (fit only for Home Service), had his appeal adjourned sine die, and was to be called when required. John William Bain, the second of the Bain brothers, was called up in 1917 and enlisted in Wellington, but he was not in good physical shape. Margaret Marion Bain, the eldest daughter of the Bain family married Leslie Ashwell, a returned soldier, of Kelso, Central Otago at the family home, “The Stumps”, in early November 1917. Mrs Peter Bain (Isabella Marion) died at her residence, “The Stumps”, on 25 July 1923. She was remembered as most hospitable and kindly, ever ready to give assistance. She was predeceased by her son John William Bain who died at “The Stumps” on 30 October 1921, just 35 years old.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [03 May 2015]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Ref. AABK 18805 W5520 0011371) [25 May 2015]; NZ BDM Indexes (Department of Internal Affairs); Wharerangi Cemetery, Napier headstone image & burial records. (Napier City Council) [05 June 2015]; Timaru Herald, 31 October 1904, 27 December 1906, 27 December 1907, 27 April 1909, 5 May 1909, 4 March 1910, 4 December 1912, 11 August 1913, 20 May 1914, 10 June 1914, 29 July 1914, 3, 11, 17, 20 & 24 August 1914, 7 September 1914, 27 May 1915, 23 October 1915, 7 October 1916, 25 November 1916, 29 December 1916, 20 January 1917, 3 August 1917, 12 September 1917, 9 October 1917, 10 & 21 November 1917, 28 October 1919, 31 October 1921, 23 December 1933, Temuka Leader, 1 & 3 May 1906, 27 April 1909, 4 & 11 May 1909, 20 July 1909, 3, 10 & 21 August 1909, 4 September 1909, 11 November 1909, 3 March 1910, 25 June 1912, 5 December 1912, 27 March 1913, 12 August 1913, 6 & 20 January 1917, 24 March 1917, 2 August 1917, 4 & 13 September 1917, 6 October 1917, 10 November 1917, 16 April 1918, 22 November 1918, 17 December 1918, 28 October 1918, 28 October 1919, 1 November 1921, 26 July 1923, Press, 22 January 1917, 10 September 1917, 29 May 1950, Ashburton Guardian, 10 September 1917, Sun, 10 September 1917, Lyttelton Times, 13 September 1917, Hawke’s Bay Tribune, 14 December 1918, 2 December 1933, 20 October 1937, Daily Telegraph, 15 December 1930, 2 December 1933, Dominion, 22 October 1937, Central Hawke’s Bay Press, 29 May 1950, Evening Post 2 August 1956, 17 November 1956 (Papers Past) [03 May 2015; 13 July 2015; 27 August 2017; 30 March 2018; 20 July 2021; 02 December 2024; 29, 30 & 31 March 2026; 07 April 2026]; School Admission records (South Canterbury Branch NZSG) [03 May 2015]; Probate record (Archives NZ Collections - Record number 1975) [30 March 2026]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.co.nz) [29 March 2026]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• BAIN David - newspaper clippings (pdf, 122.0 KB updated 14-May-2026)

Researched and Written by

Teresa Scott, SC Genealogy Society

Currently Assigned to

TS