Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

Thomas Vincent (known as Tom) was born at Springbrook on 28 November 1899, the fourth child and second son of Thomas and Matilda (née Deans) Thomas. Thomas and Matilda who were both from Northern Ireland and married in October 1892 at Timaru, had five sons and two daughters. They lived for a while in Timaru before taking up farming at Springbrook in the mid-1890s. Young Thomas and his siblings were educated at Springbrook School, the younger ones moving to Pareora East School in 1918. He was successful in the Standard VI examinations held in December 1913, gaining his Proficiency certificate. He then left school. The 1913 annual distribution of prizes in connection with St Andrews Presbyterian Sunday School took place in the church after the service on 21 December. The teachers and scholars were complimented on the splendid results obtained at the Assembly’s examinations. Tom Vincent gained a third-class prize in Scripture and a second-class prize in Catechism. Mr T. Vincent was elected to the Springbrook School committee in May 1913. At the St Andrews Caledonian Society gathering in November 1914, Thomas, junior, finished second in the one-Mile Bicycle Race (Novice).

Thomas Vincent falsified his year of birth to enable him to enlist. Family say that he enlisted at 16 to get away from his strict and over-bearing father who treated him harshly. He was, in fact, only 16 years 11 months (not 20 years 11 months) when he enlisted on 26 October 1916 at Christchurch. He was medically examined at Christchurch Hospital that same day. He was 5 feet 7¾ inches tall, weighed 135 pounds, and had a chest measurement of 34-36 inches. There were no vaccination marks. Tom gave a Christchurch address, but he had been a labourer for the Canterbury Farmers’ Meat Company at Pareora. Single and of Church of England allegiance, he named his mother as next-of-kin – Mrs Matilda Vincent, Pareora, via Timaru, South Canterbury.

There amongst the Christchurch men of the 24th Reinforcements who left for Wellington in the evening of 5 January 1917 was T. Vincent, for Trentham Cam (Infantry). The parade was called for six o’clock in the King Edward Barracks, and here the men from Group IX (Christchurch) and Group XI (North Canterbury) assembled. There was a fair-sized crowd of members of the public, chiefly friends and relations, who were seeing the men off. Colonel Chaffey, in addressing the men before their departure, hoped that those of the 24th Reinforcements would show their friends that they possessed the same fine spirit as the men who had gone before. “He knew that many of the men who were going now were giving up more from a business point of view than many who had gone previously, and many of them had made great sacrifices. But it should be a pleasure to them to be allowed the privilege of making a sacrifice for the honour of the Empire and the great cause for which they were fighting in the biggest war ever known.” The drafts, headed by the band of the 1st Mounted Regiment (C.Y.C.) then marched down to the station, being followed by a large crowd of people who applauded the men loudly en route, and gave them a rousing cheer as the train moved out of the station.

So, on 5 January 1917 Tom had joined the 24th Reinforcements. Private Vincent was present when Private T. Mannix, down on final leave in early March 1917, was tendered a farewell social by the residents of Pareora East. On behalf of the ladies’ War Guild, Privates Mannix and Vincent were presented with a parcel containing a pair of socks and a cap. Private Vincent, who up to the time of going to camp was employed in the office of the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company, returned thanks. Both soldiers were enthusiastically cheered, and the audience sang “They are jolly good fellows.” On the afternoon of their departure from Pareora both men were entertained at afternoon tea by the Pareora branch of the Red Cross. Mrs Hayward, president of the guild wished them both God speed and a safe return.

On 20 February 1917 at Trentham, he had been transferred to the 23rd Reinforcements, and it was with the 23rd Reinforcements that Private T. Vincent embarked, departing from Wellington per the “Corinthic” on 2 April 1917. Disembarking at Devonport, England on 10 June 1917, he marched into Sling. Marching out for overseas (France) on 6 July 1917, he marched into camp at Etaples a few days later then joined the 2nd Battalion Canterbury Regiment on 25 July.

Admitted to No. 2 New Zealand Field Ambulance on 9 August 1917, with a sprained right ankle, Tom was then admitted to No. 2 Australian Casualty Clearing Station two days later [11 August 1917]. He was, however, admitted to the No. 7 Canadian General Hospital in France on 13 August 1917, having a mildly sprained right ankle. Transferred from there to the 6th Convalescent Depot at Etaples five days later [18 August 1917], he was moved to the 5th Convalescent Depot after three more days [21 August]. A report stated that his right ankle sprain which occurred in the trenches on 9 August was of a trivial nature. He was on duty at the time and had slipped on a duck board. As he was not to blame, no disciplinary action would be taken. Reported as “accidentally injured”. He was discharged to the Base Depot at Etaples and attached to Strength again on 28 August then posted to the 2nd Battalion Canterbury Regiment on 22 September.

As of February 1918, Tom was with his Unit. He proceeded to the UK on leave on 19 February 1918, rejoining his Unit in the Field on 8 March.

He was evacuated to hospital in France on 7 August 1918, with dysentery. After being admitted to the No. 14 Stationary Hospital on 13 August, still suffering from dysentery, he was transferred to the Convalescent Depot on 23 August. The hospital list issued on 22 August 1918 recorded T. Vincent (Pareora) as a not severe case. He was admitted to the No. 14 Stationary Hospital at Boulogne again on 26 August (dysentery). Transferred from France to England per the Hospital Ship “St Denis” on 29 August, he was admitted to the 1st New Zealand General Hospital in the UK then to No. 2 New Zealand Hospital at Walton on 30 August. He was discharged from hospital in England on 7 February 1919. It appears that his condition was more serious than reported.

T. Vincent, of Pareora, returned to New Zealand by the “Hororata” which was due at Wellington on or about 20 September 1919. He had embarked at Plymouth on 28 July. Thomas was at Pareora, Timaru when he applied on 25 September 1919 for his Overseas War Service Gratuity. At this time, he had no Post Office Savings-bank account or any other bank account. Thomas Vincent was discharged on 21 October 1919, on the termination of his period of engagement. He had served overseas for well over two years in Western Europe and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. A welcome home social was given to Private T. Vincent in the Springbrook school on 10 October 1919. There was a very large attendance, “and things went merrily and without a hitch”. Dancing commenced at 8 o’clock and continued till nearly 11 when the presentation of a handsome medal to Private Vincent took place. “Mr Browne was called on to make the presentation, and in doing so claimed that Private Vincent had honourably won it, and was entitled to wear it with pride, as he had played his part well, volunteering when he was yet only a boy. Mr Drinnan also made a few remarks, paying a tribute to Private Vincent’s father for letting his boy go when still under age.” After the presentation, supper was served, after which dancing was resumed and carried on till after 2 o'clock in the morning. At intervals during the evening songs were given.

After the war through until the late 1930s, Thomas Vincent was a slaughterman at Pareora. He also set up a hairdressing and tobacconists business at Pareora, later adding a billiard room. When members from the Pareora and Otipua Miniature Rifle Clubs journeyed to the Fairview Club’s range in September 1928 to fire the final triangular match for a cup known as the F.O.P. Triangle Cup, T. Vincent was a member of the Pareora team. Tom may have been involved in rifle shooting competitions for some years. Mr T. Vincent was one of the schoolmates and friends who were guests at a party at Springbrook in November 1928 to farewell Miss Gertie Arden on the eve of her departure for England. Tom and Gertie were, indeed, schoolmates. He gave a recitation and his brother Samuel gave two humorous items. Mr Vincent wished Miss Arden bon voyage and called upon Mrs Moyle to make a presentation of an umbrella from old associates in Springbrook. Tom was a member of the committee which was responsible for the success of the annual spinsters and bachelors ball held in the Pareora Hall on 7 June 1929. He was elected president of the committee formed when the young men of Pareora decided to form an athletic club.

The picturesque little Church of St. Mary’s, Otaio (Esk Valley), was the scene of a pretty wedding on Wednesday, 5 November 1929, when Una, elder daughter of Mrs T. Galletly, St. Andrews, was married to Thomas, elder son of Thomas Vincent, of Pareora. Thomas Vincent married Una Alice Mary Galletly. Mr Sam. Vincent, brother of the bridegroom, was best man. match. Later in the day, the couple motored to North Canterbury for their honeymoon. Tom and Una were to have four children – Beaudry, Darwin, Verna and Cordell (Dell). It was in October 1932 that Mr T. Vincent (Pareora) applied for a permit to erect a kerbside pump in Pareora Avenue. It was approved proving the pump was erected on private property. He may have been elected a member of the Automobile Association in June 1933. At the 1934 annual meeting of the Pareora Football Club, he was elected a vice-president and a committee member. The following year he was elected senior vice-president. In the winter of 1935, Mr and Mrs T. Vincent were present at more than one ball at Pareora. And again, in the winter of 1936.

On the evening of 11 July 1935, two cars met with terrific impact in a head-on collision on the Main Road about three miles south of Timaru. One of the cars, which was driven by Mr T. Vincent, of Pareora, burst into flames soon after the accident and was completely destroyed. Mr Vincent who received severe cuts in the head, was conveyed to the Timaru Hospital by the St. John Ambulance. Two occupants of the other vehicle who were injured, were taken to a private hospital. The other passengers escaped with minor abrasions. Sometime after the crash, the petrol tank of Mr Vincent’s car exploded and the vehicle becoming a mass of flames, was completely destroyed by fire. In the rear of Mr Vincent’s car were supplies for his store at Pareora, and when the fire broke out an attempt to salvage them was made by two constables. They managed to save a large quantity of perishable foodstuffs, but a crate of cordials and three or four pounds of tobacco were lost. Mr Vincent, who was an inmate of the Timaru Hospital, had returned home by 17 July. The accident had its sequel. On 26 September in the Magistrate’s Court, Thomas Vincent, of Pareora, was charged as follows: (1) That he negligently drove a motor car; (2) that he failed to keep the car to the left of the centre of the road: (3) that he negligently drove a motor car, thereby causing the death of Samuel Kingston. Pleading not guilty, Vincent was committed to trial. Thomas Vincent was to go to trial in the Supreme Court at Timaru on 15 October, for (1) alleged negligent driving of motor vehicle causing death; (2) alleged negligent driving of motor vehicle causing bodily injury. Samuel Kingston who was a passenger in the other car died at his Fairview residence on 14 August, the cause of death being pulmonary embolism as a result of a fracture of the leg suffered in the collision on 11 July. Mr Thomas Vincent, of Pareora, took exception to remarks reported to have been made at the Coroner’s inquiry held in Timaru, and forwarded a letter to the committee of the Automobile Association (South Canterbury). In his opinion the remarks were entirely unwarranted. Had it not been for the Coroner’s remarks, Vincent would not have been prosecuted, but because of those remarks the police were compelled to take action. The letter was to be referred to the South Island Motor Union. In the Court, His Honour said that the charges were laid under the Motor Vehicles Act, which was a different code of criminal conduct to the ordinary criminal code. The prosecution was an important one, and it was one on which the jury would have to do their duty on the evidence before them, and not on other considerations. In the Supreme Court the next day, Thomas Vincent, storekeeper, of Pareora, was found not guilty of negligently driving a car at Kingsdown on July 11 so as to cause the death of Samuel Kingston. On a second count of negligently driving a car so as to do bodily injury to Kingston, he was found guilty and remanded for sentence till 10 o’clock the next morning. Vincent’s car was on the wrong side of the road, but he had been dazzled by the lights of the approaching car. In this case Vincent’s negligence was an error of judgment, his counsel said. Prisoner had a wife and three children and was only 36 years of age. He had been driving a car for seven years and had not previously had an accident, although he had been injured in a motor-cycle accident some time ago. He used his car a good deal in his business at Pareora, and while it was not for counsel to suggest to the Court what sentence should be passed, he asked that leniency should be accorded the prisoner. Thomas Vincent, storekeeper, of Pareora, was fined £25. As a further deterrent, His Honour ordered the cancellation of Vincent’s driver’s license and disqualified him from holding one until 12 months after the expiry of the present licensing year. The South Island Motor Union advised that the complaint made by Mr T. Vincent regarding the comment of the Coroner had been considered by the executive, members expressing the opinion that the coroner should not have made the remarks attributed to him in view of the possible criminal and civil prosecution.

During his time at Pareora, Tom was involved with the Pareora Football Club. At the annual meeting in March 1938, he was elected custodian. He was also into matters political. Thomas Vincent, hairdresser, tobacconist and billiard rooms proprietor, at Pareora, gave evidence in court in November 1936 with regards to a young man accused of obtaining credit by fraud. At the annual meeting of the Pareora Burns Club in December 1936, he was elected to the committee. Mr T. Vincent (Pareora) and two other South Canterbury men were welcomed to the annual general meeting of the South Canterbury Hairdressers’ and Tobacconists’ Association, Timaru, held in the Caroline Bay Tea Rooms in March 1937. The following month he was elected a vice-president at the annual meeting of the Pareora Basketball Club.

A big blow befell the Vincent family on the night of 5 February 1939, when the wooden building at Pareora, comprising a general store, hairdressing saloon and billiard room, owned and occupied by Mr T. Vincent, was totally destroyed by fire. “The outbreak occurred suddenly and in the space of a few minutes the whole building was blazing fiercely. A bucket brigade of residents was formed, but they had no chance of beating the flames and concentrated their efforts on saving the adjoining houses . . . . , which were seriously threatened. . . . . . . . The store was a total loss, the stock and two billiard tables being rapidly destroyed by the flames which were visible for miles around. Mr Vincent, who resides a few doors from the shop, was absent from home and arrived to see his former business premises collapse into a mass of smouldering ruins.

It is thought that the fire started in the main shop. So rapid was its progress and so intense the heat, that it was impossible to save anything. . . . . . . Mr Vincent’s premises were built about seven years ago. It is believed that the building and stock were insured but the insurances were not available last night.”

Thomas and Una and their family were living at Grovetown, Blenheim by 1940, Mr T. Vincent being elected in February [1940] to the committee of the Grovetown Home and School League, a position he filled again in 1945. Beaudry, Darwin and Verna were at Grovetown School in September 1940. In March 1940 Thomas was elected a new member of the Returned Soldiers Marlborough Association. Thomas continued to work as a hairdresser and a freezing worker.

Thomas Vincent, Blenheim, was one of a number of canteen staff on Air Force Stations who attested in 1940 for service in World War Two. Attesting on 5 June 1940 at Blenheim for temporary service, Thomas was a hairdresser residing at Schoolhouse Grovetown, Blenheim, he gave his correct birthdate and named his wife (Una Alice Mary Vincent) of the same address as next-of-kin. Having entered Tauherenikau Camp on 16 June 1940, he was discharged on 13 August because of a false attestation. When a sitting by the Armed Forces Appeal Board was held at Blenheim on 6 October 1942, the appeal of Thomas Vincent, abattoir slaughterman was adjourned sine die. Thomas Vincent attested at Blenheim again on 1 February 1943, giving his correct birthdate. He was residing at Grovetown, Blenheim, a slaughterman (killing and dressing meat) for the Blenheim Borough Council, employment which he had had for twelve months, and married with four children. He was also a qualified hairdresser. He could drive a car and light lorry, ride a motor-cycle but not ride a horse. His preference was for the Infantry. He had been medically examined at sea in 1919 and found fit. Now, at the age of 43 years 2 months, he was examined at Blenheim. He had had pleurisy 9 months prior. He had also suffered a compound fracture of the skull in a motor-cycle accident in 1928. His left eye was weak after the accident. He had had an operation to remove his gall bladder. And he had been rejected for life insurance. He stated that he had been rejected or discharged as unfit for HM Forces because of two gunshot wounds. It was found that he also had an inguinal hernia on both sides. Consequently, he was placed in Grade 4 because of (1) severe head injuries; (2) inguinal herniae; (3) operation on gall bladder. Private Thomas Vincent, 572597, saw only Home Service. His discharge came on 1 September 1948, no certificate being required. In September 1942, Mr and Mrs T. Vincent, of Grovetown, had donated to the Patriotic Appeal, and again in 1943.

A relative recounts that when the lease on his Grovetown house expired in 1945, Tom purchased a section at Springlands, Blenheim. The war having ended, the army camp in Wairau Valley closed and the buildings were sold for removal. Tom purchased the medical block and re-located it to his new section, converting it into a home for his family. Such was his ingenuity and versatility. Thomas was elected to the committee of the Marlborough Boxing Association in January 1945 at its first annual meeting since it had been reformed about a year before. In April 1949, he was elected a timekeeper at a meeting of the road cycling section of the M.A.A. and C.C. At the annual meeting of the Marlborough Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club in September 1949, he was elected a judge. Tom continued to officiate at events. At a committee meeting in January 1951, he was elected cycling handicapper and a member of the programme committee, and he was also appointed to the selection committee for a trip to Nelson later in the month. He kept up his involvement with the association. In March 1952, Mr T. Vincent was appointed manager of the team and Mrs Vincent the chaperon for the Hester Shield meeting at Nelson on 5 April 1952. Many of these commitments of Tom were to support his children.

Retiring in the mid-1950s, Tom and Una moved into Blenheim. His first heart attack in 1952 was a set-back for Tom. In ‘retirement’, however, Tom was for some time caretaker at the A & P Showgrounds. Tom “had a strong determination, was very hard working, well read, knowledgeable on many things, had beautiful handwriting and was a colourful character with an even more colourful vocabulary.” Thomas Vincent died at his Blenheim residence (131 Howick Road) on 27 February 1970, aged 70 years. He was survived by his wife Una, his four children and grandchildren. Following a service at St Christopher’s Church, he was buried in the RSA section of Omaka Cemetery, Blenheim. A services plaque noting both wars marks his plot. Una died on 26 June 1979, her ashes interred with Tom in August 1979. By his Will, signed in February 1968, Thomas Vincent bequeathed his body to the University of Otago Medical School, Dunedin for its use in furthering medical study or research. That appears not to have happened. Appointing his wife sole executrix, he left her all his property. In the event of Una’s predeceasing him, a Blenheim solicitor and his son Beaudry were to be executors. Tom’s older brother, William James Vincent, a labourer at Springbrook, was drawn in the Seventh Ballot in May 1917. In May 1943, the Canterbury Frozen Meat Co, Ltd, appealed for freezing works employees, Thomas’ younger brother – Samuel Craig Vincent, Pareora, one of them. He had been called up in November 1942. The youngest of the family, Robert Kitchener Vincent, was drawn in the Second Ballot for service in the Territorial Force in November 1940. Three nephews served in World War Two and a fourth was drawn in a ballot, all of them sons of his older sister, Matilda (Tilly). They were Norman Vincent Bee, Lawrence Roger Bee, Percival Thomas (Tom) Bee, and Derrick Raddon Bee.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [29 July 2014]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Ref. AABK 18805 W5969 0550788) [23 September 2016]; NZ BDM Indexes (Department of Internal Affairs) [01 August 2014]; Omaka Cemetery burial records (Marlborough District Council) [01 August 2014]; Omaka Cemetery headstone transcription (South Canterbury Branch NZSG Cemetery records microfiche) [01 August 2014]; Omaka Cemetery headstone image (Find A Grave) [January 2026]; School Admission record (South Canterbury Branch NZSG) [01 August 2014]; Timaru Herald, 5 May 1913, 23 December 1913, 9 January 1914, 27 November 1914, 5 March 1917, 9 May 1917, 23 August 1918, 28 August 1919, 21 October 1919, 21 September 1928, 19 November 1928, 22 June 1929, 12 November 1929, 10 February 1930, 6 October 1932, 16 June 1933, 2 April 1934, 20 March 1935, 21 May 1935, 18 June 1935, 12 & 18 July 1935, 27 August 1935, 27 September 1935, 9, 11, 16 [x 2], 17 & 18 October 1935, 9 November 1935, 13 December 1935, 8 January 1936, 30 November 1936, 15 December 1936, 10 March 1937, 21 April 1937, 5 October 1937, 26 March 1938, 6 February 1939, 7 November 1940, 12 November 1942, 21 May 1943, Press 6 January 1917, 2 March 1970, Sun, 26 August 1919, Marlborough Express, 17 February 1940, 7 March 1940, 15 September 1942, 7 October 1942, 31 January 1945, 8 April 1949, 22 September 1949, 12 January 1951, 21 March 1952 (Papers Past) [18 August 2019; 24 September 2022; 06 October 2022; 30 November 2022; 09 & 11 January 2026]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [09 January 2026]; Probate record (Archives NZ Collections – Record number 5723) [10 January 2026]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• VINCENT Thomas - newspaper clippings (pdf, 144.4 KB updated 16-Jul-2026)
• Tom Vincent biography, courtesy of R King (pdf, 1.9 MB updated 22-Jul-2015)
• Welcome Home social - Timaru Herald 21 October 1919 (pdf, 2.9 MB updated 22-Jul-2015)
• Car accident - Auckland Star & Evening Post 12 July 1935 (pdf, 1.1 MB updated 22-Jul-2015)

Researched and Written by

Teresa Scott, SC Genealogy Society

Currently Assigned to

TS