Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

Robert Heaton Livingstone, known as Bob or Heaton, was born on 28 June 1892 at Timaru, the fourth son of Thomas and Mary Ann (née Potts) Livingstone. Thomas and Mary Ann were married in 1874 in Ireland and their first child was born in 1875 in New Zealand. By the Otago Police Gazette of 10 June 1875, Thomas Livingstone had been appointed a constable with the New Zealand Police Force. The Livingstone family, therefore, moved about the South Island, and even briefly to Gisborne, and the children attended many schools. Sergeant Thomas Livingstone took up detective duty at Timaru in March 1890. His longest posting was to be at Timaru where he held many positions. In mid-1902, Detective T. Livingstone was transferred to Dunedin. He moved to Lyttelton in 1906 and into Christchurch in 1908. After thirty-five years in the Police Force, Detective Livingstone retired at the end of June 1910 and intended living with his sons at Fendalton. Robert started at Timaru Main School two weeks after his fifth birthday. He transferred to Christchurch Normal School in January 1899. Two and a half years were spent at High Street (Dunedin), then in 1906 he moved to Lyttelton District High School. On 15 October 1901, Robert H. Livingstone, son of Detective Livingstone had met with a nasty accident. In company with two or three other boys he was riding along Colombo road, Sydenham, when by some means he was knocked down by a passing milk cart, and a wheel passed over his body. He was picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to Dr. Anderson’s, and from there to the Hospital in the ambulance. It was found that one of his arms was broken, and that he was suffering from concussion of the brain. Later in the evening, he was doing as well as could be expected.

On 4 February 1908, Robert Livingstone (Christchurch) was named among the successful candidates in the Civil Service examination for senior places in secondary schools, passing with credit. Robert went on to Lyttelton DHS, where he was the Gold medal 220 and 440 yds champion for North Canterbury in 1909. On 29 January 1909, Robert Heaton Livingstone, Christchurch, was named among the successful candidates in the Civil Service Junior examination, passing with credit. He had gone to Christchurch Boys’ High School, where he was prominent in football. In July 1909 he played in the High School team for the annual match with Christ’s College. The following month he was in the team to play Nelson College. He was elected to the committee when the Northern Football Club was formed in March 1910. Bob Livingstone who played in the forwards, turned out again for the annual match between the Boys’ High School and Christ’s College in June 1910, the Boys’ High coming away with the win. 1911 found him in the backs when he played for Canterbury College. There was R. Livingstone in both the Old Boys (forwards) and Canterbury College (backs) teams when they met in April 1912. And that continued throughout the season. R. Livingstone played in the forwards for Old Boys in 1913. Robert finished second in the One Mile Walk Handicap at the autumn meeting of the Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club in late March 1913. At the 1914 annual meeting of the Canterbury College Rugby Football Club, R. Livingstone was elected to the committee. In 1914, R. H. was secretary of the Canterbury College Students’ Association and half-back in the ‘Varsity first fifteen. It was surely Canterbury College that Robert Heaton Livingstone played for, as R. Livingstone was still playing for Old Boys in 1915. The Press of 29 April 1915 named members belonging to the different clubs of the Peninsula Rugby Football Sub-Union who had gone to the front, including R. Livingstone from Wairewa Club. When the Young Men’s and Young Ladies’ National Prohibition Guilds combined to hold a social in the Trinity Church Sunday School (Lyttelton) on 24 January 1912, Mr R. Livingstone acted as master of ceremonies, and much of the success of the gathering was due to his able supervision. Bob was selected to represent Canterbury College in the one mile walk at the 1912 Easter University Tournament at Dunedin. Robert Heaton Livingstone passed a section of the degree of bachelor of laws at Canterbury College in 1912.

A meeting of Christchurch citizens was held in the City Council Chambers on the afternoon of 14 August 1914 to consider a proposal for a further patriotic demonstration to raise money for the Mayor’s Patriotic Fund. About a dozen persons were present, all representative members of public bodies and societies. The idea was that a public half-holiday be proclaimed from noon on Monday, August 24th, all associations, societies, and unions to unite in forming a huge demonstration and procession; that a committee be set up to take charge of the collection to be made in the streets; a torchlight procession in the evening at 7 o’clock to converge on the theatres in Gloucester street. The meeting approved the proposals and formed a committee, to which R. H. Livingstone was appointed. Robert Heaton Livingstone enlisted on the outbreak of war, doing so at Christchurch on 14 August 1914 and joining the 1st Canterbury Infantry. He was one of 1153 men who slept under canvas at Addington Camp on the night of 17-18 August. A Rugby football match was played at Lancaster Park on 22 August 1914, in aid of the patriotic and relief funds. It was preceded by a big parade of all the troops in camp at Addington - 1200 mounted men and 1700 infantry, two regimental bands accompanying the troops. The teams were both strong fifteens, the troopers’ representatives containing mostly prominent players who were to join the troops. In the team was Private Livingstone (1st Reg.) at half-back, who was prominent in the second half and scored to equalise the scores. He headed several dangerous rushes which allowed the Troopers a well-earned victory. A team from the Cavalry Division challenged the Infantry team to a challenge match on 29 August, which was won by the Cavalry. Livingstone was prominent for the Infantry in many moves.

On the evening of 22 August, the Canterbury College Students’ Association entertained the student members of the Expeditionary Force at high tea in the College Hall. There was a very large attendance, and speeches were delivered by the chairman and members of the Professorial Board. Among the members of the Force entertained was Private R. H. Livingstone, who had represented the College in football, cricket, and running, and had taken an active part in all the students’ activities. He was 5 feet 8½ inches tall, weighed 168 pounds and had a chest measurement of 35-39½ inches. His complexion was fair, his eyes brown and his hair dark brown. His sight, hearing, colour vision, heart and lungs were all normal, his limbs and chest well formed, and his teeth good. He was free from diseases, vaccinated, and in good bodily and mental health. He did have a small scar on the back of his head. He was a student at Canterbury College and a law clerk, single and Presbyterian, and had been serving with the NZ Forces (Territorial) for three years. His nominated next-of-kin was T. Livingstone, 436 Durham Street, Christchurch, presumably his father. He also had several contacts in England – Miss Buckworth, R. W. Dalgleish, and Miss Livingstone – presumably one of his sisters.

Private R. H. Livingstone embarked with the 1st Battalion, Canterbury Infantry Regiment of the Main Body, departing from Lyttelton for Suez, Egypt on 16 October 1914 and disembarking at Alexandria on 3 December. A letter written from the camp at Zeitoun by a Christchurch member of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force now in Egypt, was printed in the Press on 9 February 1915. “When war broke out a very large number of Christchurch football teams offered their services and sometimes a whole team joined a regiment. This was particularly so with the Christchurch and Canterbury College Football Clubs. The necessity of the moment, however, caused the men to be drafted to different units and up to the present they have been sadly disappointed in their anticipation of being able to frequently get together. Communication between ships on the voyage was prohibited and almost impossible. On shore training has been severe and prolonged, commencing at 5.30 in the early morning and continuing till late in the day. . . . . . The army rations have so far been very good and liberal in quantity. The cooking has been — well, indifferent. It occurred to someone therefore that Christmas would present an opportunity to kill many birds with one stone — get old chums together, have a “slap-up” feed, celebrate Christmas in the proper style, pay homage to the absentees and generally make life happy. . . . . . Shepheard’s Hotel, Cairo, was the rendezvous. . . . . . It is the resort of the elite, and the top-markers of the military. To sit down in a grubby uniform with tanned skin and hands with scarlet mess jacketed generals and colonels and fair women flashing with diamonds around you, gives one a feeling that his presence is an intrusion and almost an impertinence. . . . . . .” When all were seated there were 65 present. The diners were barely seated before one got to work with an autograph book, proving a complete list of those present at the unique function. One present was Private R. H. Livingstone, 1st Canterbury Infantry. “Over the wines the old Cantabrians toasted the absent ones, wished them every happiness, and trusted the influence of mind concentration would carry their thoughts to those at home. Through the haze of smoke they chatted of times past and hazarded as to when they would return.

Having embarked at Alexandria for the Dardanelles on 12 April 1915, Livingstone was appointed Lance Corporal at Gallipoli on 7 May 1915. Suffering with influenza, he was admitted firstly to the Hospital Ship at the Dardanelles, then to the 17th General Hospital at Alexandria on 27 May 1915. It appears, however that he had been wounded. Newspaper reports following his wounding on 7 August noted that as the second time he was wounded. “The first time, early last June, he had a miraculous escape from death. A bullet went straight for his forehead, but was intercepted by a medallion in his cap, and being deflected, glanced along the top of his scalp, leaving a distinct parting, but inflicting no other injury.” He was discharged, cured, to duty on 31 May and attached to Strength at the New Zealand Advanced Base Depot at Mustapha. When Miss Ray Livingstone (Rachel) received a telegram in early June, advising that Private R. H. Livingstone had been discharged from hospital, it was the first intimation that Private Livingstone’s relatives received that he was wounded. “The Defence authorities in Wellington have informed the relatives of Private R. Livingstone that he is now convalescent. This message came as a great surprise to his people, as they had not received word that Livingstonc had been wounded.” [Star, 7 June 1915.] “Private R. H. Livingstone (Canterbury Battalion), reported discharged from hospital, was not previously reported wounded and his relatives received no intimation beyond the fact that he has been discharged. Naturally they were considerably surprised when the telegram arrived yesterday.” [Lyttelton Times, 8 June 1915.] It was the 56th Casualty List issued on 9 June that recorded him amongst the sick and wounded (previously reported in hospital/not previously reported). His was one of a number of names which had appeared in progress reports and in other reports on the condition and location of the wounded but had not actually appeared on casualty lists. He had spent seven weeks in hospital.

Embarking for the Dardanelles again on 3 July 1915 per the “Scotian”, he rejoined his Unit a few days later. Just a month later, on 7 August 1915, Lance-Corporal Robert Heaton Livingstone suffered a severe bullet wound in the right shoulder at Suvla Bay, Dardanelles. He was admitted to the Hospital Ship “Delta” on 8 August and three days later to the 1st Australian Hospital at Heliopolis. Robert and his brother Thomas who was serving with the Australians, both suffered bullet wounds about the same time and were together in the same hospital. As of 19 September 1915, when there was discharge around the shoulder joint and stiffness of the joint, the Medical Board recommended return to New Zealand for Robert. Lance Corporal R. H. Livingstone was invalided to New Zealand per the “Willochra”, embarking on 25 September 1915 and arriving on 30 October. The cap worn by Lance-Corporal R. H. Livingstone, of the Canterbury Infantry Battalion, on the day he was first wounded, was received by his relatives in Christchurch, before he even returned. “It bears eloquent testimony to the miraculous escape he had from death. A Turkish bullet was going straight for the brain, but the medallion in the front of the cap deflected it upwards through the top of the cap, merely making a heat parting upon Lance-Corporal Livingstone’s scalp. The chipped medallion and the holes in the cap made by the bullet in its upward course can be easily seen.”

Corporal R. H. Livingstone, of the 1st (Canterbury) Regiment, had written from Cairo on 8 June 1915 to the secretary of the Albion Rugby Football Club, expressing sympathy with Mrs Cogle, of Heathcote Valley, whose son had not been heard of since the morning of the landing on Sunday, April 25, and who was now reported killed in action. He was one of a party of 14 which included some Rugby enthusiasts who went forward to reinforce the weakest part of the line on the left flank. “After suffering terribly for six hours, we were compelled to retire to cover of the ridge, some 15 yards in our rear, and when we counted our party, R. Cogle was among the missing. . . . . I felt compelled to write and let you know how he had upheld the worthiest traditions of the club.” He also wrote to the father of Private Francis Leslie Sapsford, another Canterbury footballer who was killed in action on that fateful day at Gallipoli. A photo of Lance-corporal R. H. Livingstone, Canterbury Infantry, wounded, was printed in the Otago Witness on 8 September 1915; a photo of his brother – Private T. M. Livingstone, 4th Australian Battalion, wounded was printed in the Christchurch Star the next day.

The Medical Board, which was assembled at Dunedin in October 1915, found that the gunshot wound to his right shoulder, inflicted at Gallipoli on 7 August, had just healed. He was considered not fit for “general service”. Two months sick leave and Outpatients treatment at Christchurch Hospital were recommended. A Medical Board was assembled again, at Christchurch on 28 December. His disability was likely to continue for three more months. He was not fit for general service or home service. A Sick-Leave Certificate was issued for 6/86 L/Corporal R. H. Livingstone from 28 January 1916 to 2 February, when the Medical Board was again assembled at Christchurch. There was now some wasting and although R. H. Livingstone was improving, the disability was likely to be permanent. The Board recommended discharge and a pension. Newspapers of 1 November 1915 related the experiences of Livingstone, who was well-known to athletes all over Christchurch, being a crack forward and runner of considerable promise. ‘It is probably a result of his hard training on the football field that, although twice wounded, he has arrived, and looking as fit as a fiddle. He went with the Main Body, and hardly arrived at Gallipoli before he was shot in the top of the head and the back. He went to Alexandria, and after a month in hospital, returned to the firing-line, where he spent four months, and it was in the big drive early in August that he received his second wound. He was shot in the shoulder, at daybreak, and lay all day where he fell, and beside him lay Lieutenant R. A. R. Lawry, an old Boys’ High School and Canterbury College chum, . . . . Although wounded himself, Lieutenant Lawry looked after his friend, who was, as he put it himself, “in a bit of a mess.” Finally, they got down to the shore, and Sergeant [sic] Livingstone came back on the Willochra. . . . . . . .’ Sergeant Livingstone admitted frankly that he had never stuck his bayonet into anyone, but he had four months of the fighting, and a short spell was not acceptable. “I am going back all right as soon as I am fit,” he declared. “I cannot say that I am particularly fond of the life, and I never expected that I would like it much, but I regard it as a duty to see it through as far as I am able.”

He was discharged and struck off the Strength of the NZEF on 25 February 1916, medically unfit for active service but fit for civil employment. Having served in Egypt and at Gallipoli, he was later to be awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. Back home in Christchurch, he acted as a recruiting officer. But his war was not over just yet. Just as he had said soon after arriving home, “I am going back all right as soon as I am fit, . . . . . I regard it as a duty to see it through as far as I am able.”, he did go back. But not before being voted to the chair at a meeting of returned and discharged soldiers, held at the Returned Soldiers’ Club Rooms in the Citizens' Defence Corps offices on 5 May 1916, to proceed with forming a Christchurch branch of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association. Later in May, he proceeded to England as a civilian and enlisted with the British Expeditionary Force in England on 5 September 1916. Posted to No. 7 Officers Cadet Battalion at Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland for training, he sat for his lieutenant’s examination in December and was commissioned as Private to the 4th South Staffordshire Regiment (Imperial Forces) on 19 December 1916. He proceeded to France with the South Staffs in February 1917. Then, in May 1917, private advice was received that Second-Lieutenant R. H. Livingstone (2nd South Staffordshire Regiment) had been admitted to No. 2 Stationary Hospital, Abbeyville, suffering from a gunshot wound in the neck received in heavy fighting at Bullecourt, France on 12 May [1917]. He was transferred to hospital in London and was reported to be making satisfactory progress.

As of mid-August 1917, 2nd Lieutenant R. H. Livingstone, 4th S. Staffs. Regt. (Christchurch) was a recent caller at the High Commissioner’s office. Convalescent now, he hoped to stay for a few weeks at the Officers’ Convalescent Home, Shrewsbury, before going upon three weeks’ leave.

By a strange coincidence Livingstone and two Anzac mates who also went through Gallipoli and were subsequently invalided back to New Zealand and discharged, met again in London, having not seen each other for nine months. At the Canterbury College Board of Governors meeting on 24 September 1917, in regard to the Home scholarship scheme for overseas soldiers, it was reported that the scheme was for free tuition for one year for one disabled soldier from New Zealand, whose course of study had been interrupted by his enlistment. Among the names that had been submitted was Lieut. R. H. Livingstone.

Robert Livingstone was discharged for the second time on 15 August 1917. He had served for three years and four months – one year 6 months with the NZ Expeditionary Force and two years 4 months with the British Expeditionary Force. By November 1917, he had joined the Royal Flying Corps and was in training outside Manchester. He was appointed Adjutant Royal Flying Corps Camp at Old Sarum for 3 months, then posted to the Regimental Depot as Assistant Adjutant for 3 months. Livingstone did a good deal of flying at the time of the Zeppelin raids in England, but he had to retire from the Air Force on account of failing health. Rejoining the South Staffordshire Regiment after serving with the Royal Air Force, Livingstone returned to France with the infantry in January 1918. Seconded to 4th Army Headquarters in January 1918, he was given the rank of Temporary Captain. He was gazetted First Lieutenant on 19 June 1918. 2nd Lieutenant R. H. Livingstone, South Staffordshire Regiment (Christchurch), who had served with the Main Body in Gallipoli, was promoted lieutenant later in 1918. He had served in France in charge of prison camps. After the armistice was signed, he went to Belgium and later got his discharge. He was granted leave in December 1918. Captain R. H Livingstone, South Staffs. Regiment, was mentioned in Earl Haig's last despatches (some time in 1918 or 1919) for gallant services in France.

Lieutenant Livingstone and other New Zealanders who were guests of Professor Phillimore of Glasgow at New Year 1919, got to experience the hospitality of the people of Scotland towards New Zealanders. Lieutenant R. H. Livingstone was discharged on 15 May 1919, after two years and 252 days of service with the Infantry (South Staffordshire Regiment, 4th Battalion) in France. Nominated by the War Office, Captain Livingstone returned to New Zealand in mid-May 1919 per the “Paparoa”. Captain R. H. Livingstone, South Staffs Regt, was medically examined on the “Paparoa” on 16 May 1919, on leaving the service. All was good except for very slight neurasthenia, dyspepsia, and slight weakness in right shoulder as the result of gunshot wound in action on Gallipoli 1915, which would reduce his earning capacity. On 3 June 1919 Robert wrote to Base Records, Wellington, from his Christchurch address, to know whether, as an Imperial Officer repatriated by the “Paparoa”, he might have the privilege of the 28 days free Railway Pass which was extended to all members of the NZEF. If so, he preferred to take it during the vacation as he was presently attending lectures at Canterbury University College. He also asked what privileges New Zealanders who had served with the Imperial Forces might enjoy on their return. The reply was that he should apply when he wished to avail himself of the privilege (Four Weeks’ Railway Tickets) and it would be issued. On 19 November, Livingstone acknowledge receipt of a letter dated 6 November and thanked Base Records for the enclosed B.R. 202 No. 25079. On 28 September 1919, he had made application for the difference between the Imperial and Colonial Rates of Pay as provided for in the Gratuity proposals recently confirmed by the House of Representatives. On 18 November 1919, R. Heaton Livingstone forwarded to the Paymaster-General the application form for additional allowance, pay and gratuity, and the only discharge Certificate he had – Final Letter on Demobilization. A follow-up re the additional pay he was entitled to was dated 16 March 1920. When the additional amount was credited to his account in April, Robert promptly thanked the Paymaster-General for his consideration.

Livingstone must have been in reasonable shape when he returned home.

R. H. Livingstone, who had just returned from the Front, turned out for ‘Varsity on 7 June 1919 and played a first-class game at first five-eighths, should prove very useful to ‘Varsity. The following week he was in scoring mode and was undoubtable one of the best of the ‘Varsity back division – “A real live, wideawake member of the scholastic team is Livingstone, to whom in a great measure is due the victory gained.” He continued to represent Canterbury College. Also in June 1919, Mr R. H. Livingstone, who was one of the founders of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, was appointed to the committee. Robert resumed his law studies at Canterbury College. On 14 June 1921 he was admitted as a barrister of the Supreme Court, having graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Robert Heaton Livingstone married Norah (Nora) Graham Buchanan Bennett on 21 March 1922 at St Matthew’s Church. Nora was born in England. Betty and Joan Kimbell, nieces of Robert – daughters of his sister Laura - were bridesmaids. Many of the Livingstone family, including Robert’s mother, were among the guests. Thereafter, Robert and Nora lived in Christchurch, he practising as a barrister and solicitor and a very active member of the community. Mr and Mrs Robert Livingstone were frequent guests at the Jazz Club’s dances at the Winter Gardens, and at other dances and social occasions. In 1923, Canterbury College published a list of the names of past and present students of the College who were known to have been serving with His Majesty’s Forces during 1914-18. Listed there was Flight-Captain R. H. Livingstone. Robert Livingstone, of Christchurch, joined three others in the formation of the national R.S.A. Mr R. H. Livingstone was secretary at a meeting of graduates of Canterbury College held in May 1923 to discuss matters in connexion with the Jubilee celebrations.

Come 3 August 1940, and Robert Heaton Livingstone was attesting at Christchurch for service (Home Defence) in World War Two. All was well at his medical examination. He stated that he had had war wounds – right shoulder in 1915 and the neck in 1917. Now married and a solicitor with an LL.B., he entered Camp on 7 August. His next of kin was Norah Graham Livingstone, 82 Weston Road, St Albans. He was granted the rank of Lieutenant and posted to the 3rd Battalion National Reserve. For the record of Lieut. R. H. Livingstone, 3rd Bn, National Reserve, as noted on 13 September 1940, see attachment. On 26 September he was posted to Headquarters Company. He was appointed Intelligence Officer Assistant Adjutant on 10 November. The report for Capt. R. H. Livingstone, dated 2 December 1940, after attending the Southern Military District Training course for Commanders and Staffs of Formations, read – “Suitable S.C. [Southern Command]. Very methodical. Worked very well during course. With more experience should make good staff officer in A. or Q. Branches.” Granted the rank of Temporary Captain on 1 January 1941, he was to be Commander of “HQ” Company from 20 January 1941. Transferred to Brigade Headquarters in December 1941, he was then transferred to Headquarters Fortress Command (Christchurch-Lyttelton) in January 1942. Relinquishing the appointment of Staff Captain, he was granted the temporary rank of Brigade Major in February. A Medical Board assessment at Redcliffs on 28 Jul 1942 noted previous war wounds to his right shoulder and neck, that he was permanently unfit for active service overseas (age) but was medically fit for active service in NZ; he had patches of psoriasis on his back. From 3 October 1942 to 4 May 1942, Livingstone was on furlough at Mt Pleasant. On 13 May 1943 he was moved from HQ Fortress Command to 3rd Battalion Canterbury Regiment (Reserve of Officers) and relinquished the appointment of Brigade Major, marching out of camp and pay ceased. Finally, on 1 April 1944, Livingstone was posted to the Reserve of Officers Supplementary List. He had been released from military service to return to civil employment, following the re-organisation of Forces. He would become a self-employed solicitor. He was awarded the War Medal 1939-45 and the NZ War Service Medal for his service in the Lyttelton-Christchurch Fortress Area, approval for issue being granted in May 1950. Lieutenant R. H. Livingstone was posted to the National List of Reserve of Officers on 13 August 1952. He had been transferred to this List when he was released from service on the Active List. It was merely a holding List to which officers were posted pending their final disposal. As of July 1952, The List served no useful purpose and was to be cleared. Because of his age, Livingstone was to be posted to the Retired List.

Robert retired from his legal practice in the mid-1970s. Robert Heaton Livingstone - well known as a sportsman, Army officer, and lawyer - died at Christchurch on 31 August 1964, aged 72 years. Following a service at St Mary’s Anglican Church, Merivale, he was cremated at Harewood. His obituary noted that he received the O.B.E. for war service (WWI). Robert was survived by his wife, Norah, who died 0n 29 September 1999 at the grand age of 107. He was a brother of Alexander Reuel Livingstone and Eric Joseph Livingstone who were both killed in action. Brother Thomas McClelland Livingstone also served in World War I, with the Australian Forces. Another brother, Henry Gillies Livingstone who was also born in Timaru, was stationed as adjutant to the C. Y. C. (Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry) in 1917. Captain H. G. Livingstone, of the Defence Department, acted as prosecutor in court-martial cases and followed up on those who neglected their cadet parades. In mid-November 1918, he was a sufferer of the prevalent epidemic. Henry had a life-time interest in the Army, displaying prowess as a horseman and in soldierly ability. There were not a lot of children born to Robert’s siblings. A nephew, Claude Wilfred Alfred Kimbell (son of Laura Livingstone), served with the Royal Army Medical Corps in World War Two and was taken prisoner of war in Germany. Another nephew, Robert Reuel North Livingstone (elder son of Henry Gillies Livingstone), served with the New Zealand Forces in World War Two. Mr Thomas Livingstone, the well-known police officer, who had four sons on active service, two of whom were killed in action, one invalided back to New South Wales, and one invalided home then rejoining the forces, died on 23 November 1920 at his Christchurch residence. He was buried at Timaru with his children who had predeceased him – Percy in 1889 (2 years), Hamilton in 1895 (infant) and David William in 1906 (30 years). Mrs Mary Ann Livingstone who died on 2 November 1923 at her Christchurch residence was buried too at Timaru.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [08 May 2014]; NZ Defence Force Records (Archives NZ ref. AABK 18805 W5922 0068733), NZ Defence Force Records (Archives NZ ref. AABK 18805 W5948 0360898) [18 November 2014]; Air Ministry Department of the Master-General of Personnel Officers’ Service Records (The National Archives – AIR/76/303) [07 August 2025]; NZ BDM Indexes (Department of Internal Affairs) [08 May 2014]; School Admission records (Dunedin, South Canterbury & Canterbury branches NZSG) [2014]; Press, 16 October 1901, 10 March 1909, 27 August 1909, 1 May 1911, 22 April 1912, 31 March 1913, 15, 20, 22, 24 & 28 August 1914, 9 February 1915, 29 April 1915, 8 & 10 June 1915, 18 & 31 August 1915, 1, 16 & 20 November 1915, 6 May 1916, 4 January 1917, 25 April 1917, 22 May 1917, 25 August 1917, 1 December 1917, 16 October 1918, 30 January 1919, 16 May 1919, 1 October 1919, 15 & 18 June 1921, 30 November 1921, 8 April 1922, 10 & 12 May 1923, 1 & 2 September 1964, 25 March 1967, Star, 4 February 1908, 14 July 1909, 30 March 1910, 7 June 1915, 30 October 1915, 2 & 14 April 1919, 24 November 1920, 17 June 1921, 3 & 5 November 1923, Lyttelton Times, 30 January 1909, 30 June 1910, 25 January 1912, 30 March 1912, 16 April 1913, 14 & 18 August 1914, 6 May 1916, 25 August 1917, 3 & 14 April 1919, 18 June 1919, Sun, 26 March 1914, 8 June 1915, 10 & 30 August 1915, 21 May 1917, 24 September 1917, 27 January 1919, 12 April 1919, 2 May 1919, 9 June 1919, 24 November 1920, Oamaru Mail, 7 June 1915, Evening Star, 8 June 1915, 29 October 1915, 24 November 1920, Dominion, 10 June 1915, Waimate Daily Advertiser, 10 June 1915, 18 August 1915, Evening Post, 17 August 1915, 25 September 1917, Timaru Herald, 18 August 1915, 2 September 1915, Otago Daily Times, 2 September 1915, 1 November 1915, 24 & 25 November 1920, Otago Witness, 8 September 1915, Evening Star. 29 October 1915 (Papers Past) [08 & 09 May 2014; 17 June 2014; 06 September 2014; 12 May 2015; 03 July 2015; 25 October 2015; 23 November 2015; 27 November 2016; 11 & 29 March 2017; 12 May 2017; 29 September 2017; 02 May 2018; 01 June 2018; 01 June 2019; 25 March 2021; 22 March 2022; 07 April 2022; 23 November 2022; 15 July 2023; 27 December 2023; 01, 05, 07, 09, 10 & 11 August 2025]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [09 May 2014; 01 August 2025]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file
• Other military personnel file

Related Documents

• LIVINGSTONE Robert Heaton - newspaper clippings (pdf, 300.3 KB updated 21-Nov-2025)

Researched and Written by

Teresa Scott, SC Genealogy Society

Currently Assigned to

TS