Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

James Anderson, 6/401, was born on 3 October 1876 at Oamaru, the third son of William Kennedy and Elizabeth Elliott (née Paterson) Anderson. William Kennedy Anderson who was born in 1844 in Inverness-shire, Scotland, came to New Zealand with his parents in 1857. Elizabeth Elliott Paterson who was born in 1849 in Inverness-shire, came to New Zealand with her parents in 1859. William and Elizabeth who married in 1869 at Wangaloa, were to have four daughters and five sons, one of the daughters dying in infancy. The three oldest Anderson children started their schooling at Oamaru South School, transferring to West Christchurch School in 1882. James probably had all his education at West Christchurch and was joined there by his younger siblings. He left in April 1891 for Suckling Stationer. James Anderson was place first in a Standard I class in 1885. Perhaps he was the J. Anderson who received a Standard V Attendance prize in 1889, his sister Bertha (Roberta) also being recognized. In 1890 James did receive an Attendance prize, Bertha and Thomas also being rewarded. In 1911 Mr and Mrs Anderson moved from Christchurch to Gleniti, Timaru, and James, by then a carpenter, came with them. Mr and Mrs Anderson moved to Geraldine in 1914 and lived with their widowed daughter. The Christchurch Press of 30 September 1916, said of Private James Anderson (who had been wounded) – “He was apprenticed to the building trade, and while still in his early twenties left New Zealand for America, spending a number of years in the United States, subsequently going to England. Returning to New Zealand a few years ago, Private Anderson resumed his occupation as a builder in Timaru.” This would explain his non-appearance on electoral rolls until 1911.

James Anderson, Christchurch Imperial Rifles, was added to the roll of the Timaru branch of the Honorary Territorials late in 1913. When James enlisted on 15 August 1914 at Timaru, he had served with the Imperial Rifle Brigade and been discharged after completing three years. He was medically examined that day. Standing at 5 feet 5½ inches, and weighing 8 stone 10 pounds, he had a chest measurement of 33-35½ inches, a fair complexion fair, grey eyes and auburn hair. His sight, hearing and colour vision were all good, his limbs and chest well formed, and his heart and lungs normal. He had false, well-fitting teeth. He was free from diseases, vaccinated and in good bodily and mental health. He was a carpenter for Anderson and Brown, Timaru, his address care of Werry’s Hotel, Timaru. Single and Presbyterian, he named his father as next-of-kin – William K. Anderson, Geraldine. His brother – C. W. Anderson, 7 Rockley Rd, Kensington W – was also to be advised of any casualty. This was his brother Charles Walter Anderson. The address may be Kensington, London.

James Anderson left Timaru with the Infantry Contingent by the first express on 17 August 1914 after parading at the Drill Shed and being addressed by Archdeacon Jacob, who trusted God would guide and protect them, and the Deputy-Mayor (Mr W. A. Pearson), who said that all must “feel very proud to see that so many of the young men had volunteered to serve their country in this the greatest crisis they had ever known.” He did not wish to say “good-bye,” but simply “Au-revoir.” as he believed and trusted that they would soon come back and take up their accustomed callings amongst them again. As New Zealanders they felt proud of the men they were sending out to do their utmost in upholding the glorious traditions of the British nation and keeping the good old flag flying. He felt confident that the “boys” would all do their duty, and that they would return the better for their experiences and training, and with nothing but the greatest credit and honour for their services. He wished them God speed and a safe and speedy return. The concentration camp at the show grounds, Addington, is now in full swing, and it is estimated that by Monday night there will be 1500 men of all branches of the service under canvas. All the South Canterbury men are now in camp. All the men in camp recognise that they are “right up against it, and on that account are very keen. Thus, the Timaru Herald of 19 August 1914 reported. The Church of England Men’s Society and Young Men’s Christian Association are jointly conducting a Regimental Institute in one of the buildings on the ground. On Monday evening a very successful concert organised by Chaplain Taylor was held, Privates J. Anderson, C. Groves, and W. Osborne, from Timaru, contributing. Private J. Anderson (2nd South Canterbury Regiment) was appointed to No. 6 Platoon, B Company (Second South Canterbury Regiment), under Captain D. Grant, at the central camp at Christchurch in mid-August 1914.

Private J. Anderson embarked with the Main Body, Canterbury Infantry Battalion, departing from Lyttelton for Suez, Egypt on 16 October 1914, and disembarking at Suez, Egypt on 4 December. He embarked at Alexandria for the Dardanelles on 12 April 1915. He was admitted to the 16th Casualty Clearing Station at Anzac on 20 August 1915 with diarrhoea, then to No. 2 Australia Stationary Hospital at Mudros with septic sores and diarrhoea. On 25 September he was discharged to duty and rejoined his unit. Two months later he was admitted to the New Zealand General Hospital at Cairo, suffering with varicose veins. He was discharged to the Casualty Clearing Camp on 15 January 1916 (septic leg and varicose veins). Discharged to duty at Zeitoun on 31 January, he was attached to Strength and was able to rejoin his unit on 12 February 1916.

“Private James Anderson, son of Mr Anderson, of Geraldine, and formerly of Timaru, has had a record in the war which must be rare. Private Anderson left with the machine gun section, was present at the first landing at Gallipoli, and until the date when his letter was written, had served in all the fighting at the Dardanelles without receiving a scratch. At the time of writing, he had gone for a fortnight’s rest to the island of Lemnos, the first time he has been off duty.” [Timaru Herald, 17 November 1915.] But this was not to last. As of 7 January 1916, James had a septic leg but was improving. His mother was incorrectly informed in January 1916 that her son had been killed. This naturally caused much anxiety, not only for the family but also for James who had not received two letters written by his mother. As of 27 January, at Alexandria, he was convalescent. Attached to strength at the New Zealand Base Depot at Ghazireh (Ghezireh) on 31 January 1916, Private J. Anderson rejoined his unit at Ismailia on 12 February. He was transferred from the 1st Battalion Canterbury Infantry to the New Zealand Machine Gun Corps on 1 March 1916. He then embarked at Egypt for France on 6 April 1916.

James was wounded slightly - gunshot wound to the head - on 16 September 1916 in France and admitted to the 45th Casualty Clearing Station. Seven days later he was transferred to England per Hospital Ship “Panama” and was admitted to 1st Southern General Hospital at Birmingham on 25 September. Transferred to Hornchurch on 4 October, he proceeded on leave and was taken on Strength at Codford on 9 October. He was struck off the Strength of Codford on 10 November 1916 and taken on the Strength of Grantham the next day. On 18 December he was posted to No. 4 Company, NZ Machine Gun Corps.

Private Anderson proceeded overseas for France from Grantham on 7 February 1917. Detached to the NZ Wing of the Anzac Reinforcement Camp on 30 May, he rejoined his Unit on 24 June. There he was appointed Lance Corporal on 25 July 1917. He rejoined his Unit again in October following detachment to the NZ Divisional Employment Company. On 4 November 1917 he was admitted to hospital in France, sick with bronchitis. Two days later he was admitted to the New Zealand Stationary Hospital at Wisques, then on 15 November to No. 14 General Hospital at Wimereux. He was transferred from there to the Convalescent Depot at Boulogne on 22 November and discharged to the Base Depot in France the next day. The progress report issued at the end of November listed Anderson’s as not a severe case. He rejoined his Unit on 17 December. Lance Corporal Anderson again rejoined his Unit on 12 January 1918 from the Field Ambulance, having been admitted on 1 January – suffering from debility. A few days later he went to Paris on Leave, then rejoined his Battalion. But, on 4 March 1918, he was admitted to hospital, this time afflicted with scabies which lasted for much of March. On 12 April 1918 he was attached to the Strength of the New Zealand Divisional Wing of No. 22 Corps Reinforcement Camp. He rejoined his Battalion in the Field on 5 June.

On 30 July 1918, Lance Corporal James Anderson was evacuated to the UK on duty and marched in at Torquay on 1 August. After more than four years abroad in the Balkans, Egypt and Europe, Lance Corporal James Anderson, 6/401, returned home, on duty furlough, with Draft 191 of soldiers by the “Remuera”, embarking at Liverpool on 7 September 1918 and arriving on 22 October. James Anderson and a fellow soldier were expected at Geraldine on 23 October, but Anderson did not arrive. He did, however return home by the express on 25 October, when he was met at the steps of the Post Office by a number of citizens who had assembled. “There was not so great a number present as had gathered on Wednesday when Lance-Corporal Anderson was expected, but the Mayor said this was due to the people having only been made aware of his coming a short while before. When Dean Bowers’ car pulled up the soldier was greeted by some of his old acquaintances, and Mr B. R. Macdonald gave him a civic welcome, stating that another of their Main Body heroes had returned. Lance-Corporal Anderson had been at the landing at Gallipoli, and later had served in France, where he had been wounded. The Mayor called for cheers which were heartily given. Lance-Corporal Anderson said he had not expected a reception, but he thanked the people for their welcome.” James Anderson was to report at Trentham on 20 November 1918, but didn’t report. He was discharged on 13 December 1918, on the termination of his period of engagement. He had served for over four years overseas in all theatres of war and was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, The British War Medal and the Victory Medal. His intended address initially was in Christchurch or Geraldine (with his sister). By 1920, however, he was at 65 Alma Road, Gonville, Wanganui.

James Anderson married Annie Violet McCallum (known as Violet) on 21 July 1920 at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Palmerston North. In 1991 Violet had been at the Caroline Bay Tea Rooms,Timaru. James and Violet lived at 65 Alma rad, Wanganui throughout the 1920s, James resuming his work as a carpenter. They had three children – Charles Gordon Anderson (Gordon) was born on 6 September 1921 at Wanganui and baptized on 31 October 1921 at the Geraldine Presbyterian Church; Edith Margaret Anderson was born on 27 July 1924; Kenneth James Anderson (Ken) was born on 23 October 1927. In 1931 the family moved to Wellington. Anne Violet Anderson died at Wellington Hospital on 21 November 1945, aged 53 years. She was cremated at Karori, her ashes interred there. James was still at their Khandallah address in 1949. James Anderson died at his sister’s residence, McDonald Street, Geraldine on 19 June 1950, aged 73 years, and was buried in the Geraldine Cemetery, a services plaque marking his grave. Members of the Geraldine RSA paid their respects at his funeral. There appears to be a memorial plaque on his parents’ grave, naming James and his brother John. James died of coronary thrombosis, hypertension and heart failure. James died intestate, his estate administered by the Public Trust. His daughter Edith Margaret Anderson and younger son Kenneth James Anderson were both in Wellington, while his older son was in London, England. Charles, a commercial artist, had arrived in London from South Africa in February 1950, intending to stay.

William Kennedy Anderson had died at his daughter’s Geraldine residence on 6 December 1921 and was buried at Geraldine Cemetery. Elizabeth Elliott Anderson died at her daughter’s Geraldine residence on 16 July 1930 and was buried alongside her husband. There is a plaque to their two sons who served in the war – James and John Elliott – on their grave. John Elliott Anderson was the youngest brother of James. Charles Gordon Anderson, the elder son of James and Violet, served in World War Two, as did his nephew – John Drayton Anderson, the son of Thomas Park Anderson and his wife Gladys.

A photograph of Private J. Anderson (Timaru) was printed in the Otago Witness on 11 October 1916 after he had been wounded. This portrait of James Anderson 6/401 is printed in “Onward: Portraits of the NZEF” Vol. 1.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [21 July 2013]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Ref. AABK 18805 W5520 0008322) [21 October 2014]; Geraldine Cemetery headstone image (Timaru District Council) [28 August 2013]; Geraldine Cemetery headstone transcriptions (South Canterbury Branch NZSG); Star, 14 December 1889, 19 December 1890, Press, 16 December 1885, 21 & 28 August 1914, 30 November 1916, 20 June 1950, Timaru Herald, 3 December 1913, 18 & 19 August 1914, 17 November 1915, 21 January 1916, 30 November 1916, 30 November 1917, 11 & 17 October 1918, 26 August 1919, 31 July 1920, 17 July 1930, Evening Post, 28 September 1916, 14 October 1918, 22 & 23 November 1945; Otago Witness, 11 October 1916, Temuka Leader, 12, 24 & 29 October 1918, 8 December 1921, Sun, 14 October 1918, North Otago Times, 18 July 1930 (Papers Past) [18 September 2013, 7 November 2013; 16 December 2013; 27 April 2015; 12 August 2015; 03 March 2020; 05 May 2022; 12 July 2023; 21 December 2024; 29 & 30 June 2025]; Timaru Herald, 20 & 21 June 1950 (Timaru District Library) [11 April 2014]; School Admission Records (Canterbury Branch NZSG) [2013; 29 June 2025]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [2013; 29 & 30 June 2025; known family history; Onward: Portraits of the NZEF, Vol 2 (held by South Canterbury Branch NZSG)

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• ANDERSON James, 6-401 - newspaper clippings (pdf, 120.6 KB updated 18-Jul-2025)

Researched and Written by

Teresa Scott, SC Genealogy Scoiety

Currently Assigned to

TS