Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

Thomas Joseph Brosnahan, born on 9 January 1891 at Arowhenua, Temuka, was the second son of Jeremiah and Hannah Brosnahan. For whatever reason, his birth was not registered until 1921.He was baptized Roman Catholic on 25 January 1891 at Temuka (Thomas, as his birth was registered). Jeremiah Brosnahan who came to New Zealand from his native Kerry, Ireland in 1876, married Hannah Breen, also from Kerry in 1887. They had five sons and three daughters. After working for a time on the Arowhenua Estate, he started contracting and farming on his own account at Arowhenua and Seadown. Like his immediately younger brother Michael, Thomas would have been educated at Temuka St Joseph’s and Kerrytown schools. He was likely the Master Tom Brosnahan, one of seven schoolboys, who gave a number of dumb-bell exercises to a piano accompaniment at the annual entertainment in aid of the school conducted by the Sisters of St. Joseph, at Kerrytown on 3 November 1903. “The boys did well indeed, going through a large number of exercises with an energy and precision that showed plainly how well the Sisters had drilled them. Exercises gone through in such a manner cannot fail to benefit the boys physically.” Thomas and his brothers followed their father into farming, Thomas a farm hand at Seadown in 1914.

Thomas Joseph Brosnahan was medically examined at Timaru on 2 February 1917. He was 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighed 146 pounds, with a chest measurement of 35-38 inches, and had a dark complexion, brown eyes and brown hair. His sight, hearing, colour vision, heart and lungs were all normal, his limbs and chest well formed. He was free from diseases and in good bodily and mental health. He did have slight defects which were not likely to cause rejection, and he was not vaccinated. He stated he had had chronic indigestion 2 years prior. He was passed Fit A. Thomas enlisted about the same time. He had registered at Seadown for compulsory military training and already belonged to the 2nd South Canterbury Regiment. A farmer employed by his father at Seadown, single and Roman Catholic, he named his mother as next-of-kin – Mrs Hannah Brosnahan, Seadown, Temuka. M. J. Brosnahan, T. J. Brosnahan, R. M. Brosnahan and B. B. Brosnahan were all in the draft of South Canterbury men who left for Trentham Camp on 20 February 1917. Thomas Joseph Brosnahan was of Seadown. Did he go? T. Brosnahan was among the men who would form South Canterbury’s quota for the 35A Reinforcements and were to leave Timaru for camp on 12 November 1917. Again, he may not have gone.

When the Second Canterbury Military Service Appeal Board sat in Timaru on 22 January 1918, Thomas Joseph Brosnahan, farmer, Seadown, asked for leave till after the harvest. He worked on his father’s farm on which there were 270 acres of crop. A brother had a crop of 250 acres, and appellant assisted in the harvesting of that also. He was allowed untill April 1.

Come 5 April 1918 and T. Brosnahan was in the South Canterbury quota of the Fortieth Reinforcements who left for camp. A public send-off was tendered to the Temuka and district recruits of the 40th Reinforcements in the Dominion Theatre on 3 April 1918. Shortly before 8 o’clock a procession was formed at Gunnion’s corner and, headed by the Temuka Junior Band, marched to the Theatre. As the men entered the theatre the large audience stood and cheered. The Temuka Patriotic Entertainment Committee secured the services of the Euterpean Orchestra from Timaru to supply the evening’s entertainment, and the Temuka Brass Band played selections outside the hall. The platform was tastefully decorated with flags, palms, etc. The soldiers – among them T. Brosnahan - on entering the hall had an enthusiastic reception. Mr T. Gunnion who presided, referred to the new military crisis and the appeal for more men. He said New Zealand had done a good deal, but not enough. We must be prepared to send men until final victory is obtained. A telegram from the M. P. for the district, was read: “Please pay my respects to the reinforcements going to prepare to help our brave divisions in France. May they be in time to stem the German tide, and add to the lustre already surrounding our noble men. . . . . . . . . . Ake, Ake, C. Talbot.” Each soldier was presented with a holdall by the Ladies’ Patriotic Committee. The National Anthem, sung by all, brought the entertainment to a close.

Two days later, the South Canterbury quota to the 40th Reinforcements left for camp, and at Temuka the Temuka, Geraldine, and district representatives and their relatives were entertained at luncheon in the Drill Hall by the ladies of the Patriotic Entertainment Committee. As usual, the ladies provided a bounteous repast. Mr Gunnion, chairman of the Temuka P.E.C., presided, grace was said by the Rev. A. H. Norris, and while the luncheon was in progress Mrs Hally’s group provided the music. Alter the meal had been done every justice the chairman said they had met to say farewell to some more of their boys who were going to the front, but had besides to welcome a soldier who had been to the war and had returned. The chairman then addressed the boys who were leaving for camp, advising them as he had advised others who had already gone, to do their duty as men, and always behave as men, and come back as men, and all would be pleased to welcome them. The people were proud of them. He trusted they would all be spared to come back safely. Major Kennedy wished the boys who were leaving every prosperity as soldiers, and hoped they would return at some future time safe and sound. The singing of “God Save the King” brought the luncheon to a close. A procession was then formed, and headed by the Pipers, and Captain Chapman carrying the flag, the men were accompanied to the railway station, where a large number of people had assembled. Mr C. Talbot, M.P., said the fact that they were that day sending away men to join the 40th Reinforcements showed that the war had now been going on for nearly four years, and how much longer it would go on only God knew. He wished the boys every success and hoped they would help to stem the tide of the enemy’s advance and assist in gaining the victory. Hearty cheers were then given for T. Brosnahan and the eight other boys going away, and for those at the front, and as the train steamed away more cheers were given for them.

Private Thomas J. Brosnahan was posted initially to D Company of the 40th Reinforcements, then a week later to A Company. On 28 April there was an alteration – to A Company of the 39th Reinforcements. By 25 May 1918, Private Brosnahan was spending his final leave with his relatives. Quite a number of soldier socials had been arranged in South Canterbury for 31 May, one for Private T. Brosnahan at Seadown. So, it was with A Company of the 39th Reinforcements that Private T. J. Brosnahan embarked, departing from Wellington for Devonport, England on 13 June 1918 per the “Athenic” (Transport 106). After disembarking at Jamaica on 12 July, he embarked on 2 August per the “Goentoer”. Disembarking at Liverpool on 31 August, he marched into Sling and was posted to the Reserve Canterbury Battalion. He next marched into Grantham (NZ Machine Gun Corps Depot , Lincolnshire) from Sling on 23 January 1919, then into Sutton [Coldfielden] from Grantham on 3 March. After reporting to Codford on 5 June 1919, he marched into the Canterbury Provincial Depot at Sling (awaiting a ship home).

On 25 June 1919, however, Thomas Brosnahan was admitted to the Military Hospital at Tidworth, suffering from a gastric ulcer. He was discharged to duty on 11 August and marched into the Wellington Provincial Detachment at Sling Camp (awaiting a ship home). But, on 14 August, he was admitted to the 2nd New Zealand General Hospital at Walton on Thames, from Sling, again suffering from a gastric ulcer. As of 30 August, he was still a patient at Walton. On 5 September 1919 he was admitted to the Military Hospital at Devonport, slightly sick.

Thomas J. Brosnahan returned to New Zealand per the “Arawa”, embarking at Torquay on 5 October 1919 and disembarking at Auckland on 15 November. Arriving at Temuka by the express train from the north on 18 November, he was given a warm public welcome. There was a large gathering of the public at the railway station, and as the train came in the Municipal Brass Band played a welcoming air. As soon as the train had left Private Brosnahan was motored to the Post Office, the Band playing inspiriting music. The Mayor said it gave him the greatest pleasure to welcome Private Brosnahan — another returned soldier — home. This time they had only got one back, and he had expressed the wish not to have any fuss but had consented to come to the Post Office, and they were much indebted to him for doing so. Addressing Private Brosnahan, the Mayor said they thanked him for the part he had taken in the Great War, and for the freedom and happiness that we now enjoy. He hoped he would enjoy many years of prosperity and happiness. Cheers having been given for the returned soldier, Private Brosnahan said he had to thank them for their welcome, and also for all they had done for the boys during the war. Further cheers having been given for the returned soldier, he was motored to his home. Asit happened, Private T. J. Brosnahan saw no active service, but he received a hearty farewell and a warm welcome back. He was discharged on 16 December 1919, in consequence of being no longer physically fit for War Service on account of illness contracted on Active Service, and was awarded the British War Medal. He headed back to the family home at Seadown.

Thomas, Mary, Michael, Hannah, Jeremiah and Joseph remained at Seadown, all but Joseph dying unmarried. At the time of his father’s death (1922), Thomas was farming at Kingsdown. He then returned to the family farm. Thomas had acted as best man when his older brother James Joseph Brosnahan married Margaret O’Connell at St Joseph’s Church, Temuka in June 1916. His sister Catherine Rose Brosnahan married Francis (Frank) Joseph O’Connell in 1920. Both couples remained in the district. Michael Joseph Brosnahan (born in 1892) was a farm hand at Seadown when he was drawn in the third ballot in January 1917. A farmer in February 1918, he said that he had been called up under Clause 35 and wanted time. He was allowed till 8 April. In July 1918, Michael Brosnahan was appealed for by his father, who said that without his son’s help he could not carry on his farm of over 500 acres. The appellant had first been classed C2 but had since been classed A. The case was referred to the Efficiency Board. In August, his case was adjourned sine die. Michael Joseph

Brosnahan died at the Timaru Hospital on 9 November 1936, after a brief illness, and was buried at Temuka with his parents. Like his father, he had enjoyed much success at local agricultural shows. His brothers - Thomas, James, Jeremiah and Joseph - were all pall-bearers at his funeral. Joseph John Brosnahan, the youngest of the family, married Bertha Cassidy in Aguust 1939. Just over three weeks later Bertha drowned while visiting family at Maungati. Bertha who had not been well was 20 years old. Joseph went on to serve with the New Zealand Army Service Corps in World War Two, his brother Thomas named as his next-of-kin. A services plaque marks Joseph’s grave in the Temuka Cemetery. James Timothy Brosnahan and Michael Brosnahan who served in World War One were relatives of Thomas Joseph; and there were perhaps other relatives who served. Jeremiah Brosnahan had died suddenly of heart failure at Seadown on 21 January 1922. He had made a specialty of raising fat sheep and growing potatoes and was a very successful exhibitor at many of the local Agricultural and Pastoral shows. Mrs Hannah Brosnahan died at Timaru on 12 September 1935 and was buried with Jeremiah at Temuka.

Thomas Joseph Brosnahan – the beloved second son of the late Jeremiah and Hannah Brosnahan – died at his Seadown residence on 7 July 1954, aged 63 years. Following a Requiem Mass at St Joseph’s Church, Temuka, he was buried with his parents and brother Michael at the Temuka Cemetery, a tall, beautiful headstone marking the plot. Thomas signed his Will in January 1937, two months after his immediately younger brother Michael had died. He appointed his two youngest brothers – Joseph John Brosnahan and Jeremiah Christopher Brosnahan as executors and trustees. He bequeathed all his estate to his trustees to handle and made provision for such of his brothers and sisters as were still living at his death. Mary, Hannah, Jeremiah and Joseph survived him. The trustees could carry on the business of farming carried on by Thomas at the time of his death. Thomas was probably very prudent in his life and farming. Pte. T. Brosnahan is one of the Returned Soldiers whose names are inscribed on an oaken honours board, which was unveiled in a ceremony at the Seadown School in August 1920. A large gathering of Seadown residents and visitors from neighbouring districts took part in the unveiling and the accompanying musical service, which concluded with the sounding of the “Last Post”. Below the names is the inscription: “Their names shall remain for ever, and their glory shall not be blotted out.”

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [29 July 2013]; N Z Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Ref. AABK 18805 W5530 0018546) [30 March 2014]; Temuka Cemetery headstone image (Timaru District Council) [03 April 2014]; NZ BDM Indexes (Department of Internal Affairs); Timaru Herald, 8 July 1954 (Timaru District Library) [11 April 2014]; Temuka Leader, 5 November 1903, 13 January 1917, 17 February 1917, 28 February 1918, 4 & 6 April 1918, 4 July 1918, 1 & 20 November 1919, 24 August 1920, 24 January 1922, Star, 13 June 1916, Timaru Herald, 13 January 1917, 20 February 1917, 8 November 1917, 23 January 1918, 27 February 1918, 4 April 1918, 25 & 31 May 1918, 3 July 1918, 30 August 1918, 19 November 1919, 21 August 1920, 24 January 1922, 13 September 1935, 10 & 12 November 1936, Lyttelton Times, 5 April 1918, Press, 8 April 1918, 29 October 1919, 25 January 1922, 13 November 1936, Sun, 28 October 1919, NZ Tablet, 9 February 1922 (Papers Past) [17 September 2013; 13 February 2016; 08 September 2017; 09 February 2018; 31 March 2018; 24, 28 & 29 August 2020; 20 & 22 October 2021; 06, 07 & 08 February 2026]; Probate record (Archives NZ/Family Search) [29 May 2014]; Baptism index (Catholic Diocese of Christchurch CD held by South Canterbury Branch NZSG); NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [06 February 2026]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• BROSNAHAN Thomas Joseph - newspaper clippings (pdf, 143.9 KB updated 06-Apr-2026)

Researched and Written by

Teresa Scott, SC Genealogy Society

Currently Assigned to

TS