Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

Charles Benjamin Tiplady who was known familiarly as Charlie was born on 14 December 1896 at Winston, County Durham, England, the fifth son of William Tiplady and his wife Esther Jane née Harmer. William who had come to New Zealand in about 1871, married Esther at Woodbury, South Canterbury, New Zealand in 1886. before they returned to England. Their first child, Ella Madeline Harmer, was born at Geraldine, New Zealand in 1885. Another twelve (five daughters and seven sons) were born in England, one (Robert Arthur/Albert) dying in 1905 at the age of 7. In 1901 Charles was at home with his family (nine children) at Church Farm, Winston, Durham, England, his father a farmer. The family came to New Zealand in 1908, William Tiplady taking up farming at Pleasant Valley where he remained until about 1929 then retired to Winston House in Geraldine. Another child was born in June 1913 in New Zealand – Mona Mabella Sarah Tiplady. Mr W. Tiplady was chairman of the Geraldine Flat Water Race Committee. In January 1931, a fire in a portion of the Geraldine Native Bush Reserve wiped out three acres of trees and shrubs and threatened the whole bush. Mr W. Tiplady had been burning blackberry in a farm paddock on his property when he realised that the fire had got beyond his control. He immediately sought help. Fire-fighters responded quickly and over a hundred men formed a bucket brigade, and the flames were brought under control almost two hours later. The Geraldine Borough Council decided to approach Mr Tiplady to help with the expenses incurred.

Charles attended the Orari Bridge and Woodbury schools before going to the Geraldine District High School, where he gained Proficiency in 1911. He left at the end of 1911 to join the Postal Service as a letter carrier. In September 1914, C. Tiplady represented the Geraldine Territorials in the A teams’ competition of the South Canterbury Miniature Rifles Championships. There was one fresh registration on 11 April 1916 at the Timaru Defence Office – that of Charles Benjamin Tiplady (Geraldine). One of the Tiplady boys who played hockey, Charlie was selected in the Geraldine juniors in June 1916 and in the main team in July. On 18 January 1917, C. B. Tiplady, letter carrier, single, Timaru, enlisted at the Timaru Defence Office. He had been medically examined at Timaru the day before. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches, weighing 124 pounds, and with a chest measurement of 31-33 inches, he had a dark complexion dark, brown eyes and black hair. His sight, hearing and colour vision were all good, his limbs and chest well formed, and his heart and lungs normal. He was free from illnesses and diseases, vaccinated and in good bodily and mental health. Residing at Seaview House, Timaru and of Church of England affiliation, he named his mother as next-of-kin – Mrs W. Tiplady, Geraldine. He already belonged to the P & T Corps.

On 5 March 1917, the Geraldine Drill Hall Geraldine was packed when the local members of the 27th Reinforcements were farewelled, and presentations were made to the Geraldine Queen and Princess in recognition of their services to the Red Cross Carnival. The Geraldine Band played selections, and the Geraldine Orchestral Society also contributed selections. A greatly appreciated musical programme was given as well as dances and a haka. At the invitation of the chairman, Messrs G. and C. Tiplady and six comrades walked on to the stage. Mr T. Gunnion of Temuka wished the young fellows well, and when they came back they would be welcomed as men. The chairman then made presentations to the Geraldine men - wristlet watches to Privates C. and G. Tiplady, as a token of their esteem, and added good wishes; and Mrs Hislop, the Mayoress, on behalf of the Home and Empire League, presented each of the men with a parcel of comforts. As the men resumed their seats, the Band struck up “Soldiers of the King,” and the men were loudly cheered. Leaving town the next day, the Geraldine soldiers of the 27th Reinforcements were guests at Temuka before all left for camp. The boys were going to do their duty nobly; they were going to fight tor liberty and for the smaller nations who were not able to fight themselves. They were wished God-speed and a safe and sound return home. The Temuka Brass and Pipe Bands headed the procession to the station, where short speeches were delivered and hearty cheers for the boys were given. Among those who answered the roll-call was C. B. Tiplady. The report presented at the annual general meeting of the Geraldine Hockey Club in late April 1917 read in part – “The past season has again been a very trying one on account of so many of our members answering the call of their King and country. . . . . During the season Messrs H. Herlihy, F. Tiplady, and C. Tiplady have left Geraldine for active service, and we tender to them and all other members at the front our congratulations on their patriotism, and trust that they may soon be back again playing in the ranks of the Club.” It was also noted that Sergeant H. Bryant had made the highest sacrifice by giving his life for his country.

Private Tiplady was posted to the 26th Reinforcements. At the end of May 1917 at Trentham Camp, Private C. B Tiplady, 26th Reinforcements, C Company, was appointed lance-corporal, the promotion taking effect on 1 June. Lance Corporal C. B. Tiplady embarked with the Canterbury Infantry Regiment of the 26th Reinforcements, leaving from Wellington per the “Willochra” on 9 June 1917 and disembarking at Devonport, England on 16 August. Marching into Sling on 16 August, he reverted to the rank of Private. On 28 November at Sling, he transferred from B Company to A Company. After marching marched out from Sling for Larkhill Camp in February 1918, Private Tiplady was posted to the composite Reserve Battalion and taken on as cook in camp three weeks later. He then marched out for Sling again in April. Ceasing to be cook, he marched into the Canterbury Infantry Regiment. On 8 May 1918 he proceeded overseas to France and two days later marched into camp at Etaples. Private Tiplady joined his Battalion – 1st Battalion Canterbury Regiment – in the Field on 13 May 1918.

Admitted to No. 3 Field Ambulance, sick, on 21 June 1918, he was transferred to the 3rd Canadian Stationary Hospital on 22 June, then the next day to the 1st Australian General Hospital in France, suffering from inflammation of the larynx. Embarking for the UK per hospital ship on 2 July 1918, he was admitted to No. 1 New Zealand General Hospital at Brockenhurst with slight laryngitis on 3 July. He was discharged from there on 24 September and was to report at Torquay on 10 October 1918, having been classified unfit by the Medical Board a few days before. In early September 1918, Mrs Tiplady, of Geraldine, had received word that her son, Private C. B. Tiplady, who had left with the 27th Reinforcements, had been admitted to Brockenhurst Hospital, suffering from trench fever and gas. A letter received in July 1918 from a Geraldine serviceman overseas mentioned that he had met quite a number of boys from Temuka and Geraldine, including Charlie Tiplady.

Private C. B. Tiplady, of Geraldine, was due home in December 1918, having embarked at Plymouth on 8 November per the “Tofua”, one of a large number of invalided soldiers. Privates Tiplady and Jones, two of Geraldine’s returned soldiers, arrived home by the troop train late on 21 December, after disembarking at Port Chalmers, and were motored from Orari to Geraldine, where they were accorded an official welcome by the Mayor, a good number of the residents of the town being present. The Mayor said he was proud to again be able to welcome home men who had served at the front, and had been fighting for them, doing their share in bringing the great war to a successful conclusion. They had been gassed and had suffered in other ways. Private Tiplady thanked the people for their hearty welcome, and for what had been done for them. They hoped to settle down to their ordinary work again, and to enjoy Geraldine sunshine and peacefulness. He was discharged on 18 January 1919, no longer physically fit for War Service on account of illness contracted on Active Service, and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. When a welcome home social was tendered to the Hall brothers by the Gapes Valley and Beautiful Valley community on 14 February 1919, C. Tiplady was one of the returned soldiers present. He was there again on 9 May 1919 when another welcome social was held in the Gapes Valley Hall, this one for a prisoner of war. Charlie experienced 50% disability on account of TB (lung) contracted and spent time at the Cashmere Military Sanatorium.

Charlie Tiplady resumed his employment as a postal clerk at Geraldine. Charlie Tiplady was to represent South Canterbury in the hockey team to battle against Otago on 1 September 1923. In the event, however, the sympathy of all hockey players went out to Charlie “Tip” whose health did not permit him participating in the match. After a brief stint at Queenstown, he was back at Geraldine in late 1925, residing at the family home “Winston House”. In early April 1929, Mr C. B. Tiplady was a passenger in a car which went out of control at the foot of the Show Grounds hill, Timaru. Cut about the face by flying glass, he was admitted to hospital where his progress was satisfactory. He was again back in Geraldine in 1935 after two or three years in Timaru. He was elected a member of the South Canterbury Automobile Association in November 1936. A social evening was held by members of the Geraldine Hockey Club in March 1940 in honour of a young member about to depart for war service. In presenting him with a signet ring, Mr C. Tiplady said it was fitting that such an occasion should take place in the memorial pavilion, where the photographs of past members who had served in the Great War hung on the walls. In April 1938, he was elected president of the Geraldine Men’s Hockey Club and a delegate to the Geraldine County Hockey Sub-Association and Geraldine Sports’ Association. In 1940 he was still refereeing hockey. Earlier in April 1938, over 100 ex-servicemen had spent an enjoyable evening at the annual reunion of members of the Geraldine Returned Soldiers’ Association in the Town Hall, there being representatives from many areas and other dignitaries. After many toasts were honoured - “Absent Comrades”, “The Army, Navy and Air Force”, “The New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association”, “The Visitors”, and “The President”, the evening should be set aside to renew old acquaintances and the enjoyment of selections by the Geraldine District Band and other items. “An innovation this year was the appearance of the stewards, under Mr C. B. Tiplady, attired in smart white coats with blue facings.” Mr Tiplady was also elected to the committee of the Geraldine Returned Soldiers’ Association at the annual meeting in May 1940.

Charles Benjamin Tiplady, exchange clerk, Geraldine was drawn in the World War Two ballot - South Canterbury members of the First Division of the General Reserve for service in the Territorial Force - in November 1940. Mr C. B. Tiplady, senior exchange clerk in the Geraldine Post Office received advice of his transfer to Nelson, however, and left in mid-July 1940 to take up his new duties. To farewell Mr Tiplady, a representative gathering of returned soldiers assembled at Geraldine when the presentation of a fountain pen was made. The president in making the presentation referred to the services of Mr Tiplady as a member of the executive and wished him every success in the future. He asked him to accept the gift as a token of regard and esteem from the members of the Geraldine Returned Soldiers’ Association.

The popularity of Mr C. B. Tiplady, of the Geraldine Post Office, was shown when the commercial community met to farewell him before his departure to Nelson. He was presented with a suitcase by the Mayor, who said their guest had been senior exchange clerk at Geraldine for a number of years, and his work had been greatly appreciated. Apart from his work, Mr Tiplady had been actively associated with the executive of the Geraldine Returned Soldiers’ Association and the Geraldine Hockey Club. All wished him every success and happiness in Nelson. They realised he had spent the best years of his life in service to the community. The postmaster said he would feel Mr Tiplady’s departure from Geraldine, as he was losing a very efficient officer. It was very gratifying to know that Mr Tiplady had taken an active part in the affairs of the town and that his services had been appreciated. In thanking the gathering for the gift, Mr Tiplady said if a further occasion arose to pack the case, he hoped it would be labelled to Geraldine. The presentation of a travelling rug was made to Mr Tiplady by members of the Post Office staff.

Charlie remained in Nelson, retiring in the early 1950s. Charles Benjamin Tiplady died suddenly on the Main Road at Stoke, Nelson on 8 October 1963, aged 66 years. He was cremated at Nelson, as per his instructions, his ashes being interred in the Returned Servicemen Area of Wakapuaka Cemetery, where a services plaque marks the plot. His next-of-kin at death was his brother – Mr H. G. Tiplady, Templer Street, Geraldine. Messages went to his nephew who lived at Stoke. The War Pensions Board decided on 20 November 1963 that the death of Private Charles B. Tiplady, 48865, was due to his war service with the forces. On 26 March 1918, 48865 had written – ‘I have already made a will and since making same have not been married, nor have I in any way cancelled or revoked such will. Further I do not wish to in any way, alter such will. Same is held by my Mother, Mrs Esther J. Tiplady, “Winston House”, Geraldine, South Canterbury, NZ.’ His last Will was signed on 8 October 1954. After the payment of funeral and testamentary expenses, he made bequests to his youngest sister Mona Mabella Sarah Veitch, and a friend, Elsie Doreen Burrell. If Elsie should predecease him, her share was to go to Charlie’s sister, Eva Annie Gutzwitz.

Charles’ brother, William Fred Tiplady, also served with the New Zealand Forces in World War One; three others – John James Tiplady, Hugh George Tiplady and Harmer Cecil Tiplady – enlisted but saw no service. Three nephews served in World War Two – Donald William Hugh Tiplady (Don), Albert Charles Tiplady (Snow) and Maurice James Tiplady (Jim); a fourth – Robert Arthur Tiplady, served with Jayforce. Esther Jane Tiplady had died on 20 July 1922 at her Geraldine residence (Winston House) and William Tiplady on 25 October 1942 at his Geraldine residence (Cox Street). Both were buried at the Geraldine Cemetery. In October 1914, W. Tiplady had contributed 2 bags of oats to the Home Relief Fund. By his Will, William Tiplady made bequests to eleven of his surviving children, noting that Harmer Cecil had already been provided for during his (William’s) lifetime.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [29 December 2015]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Ref. AABK18805 W5557 0114804) [21 May 2017]; School Admission records (South Canterbury Branch NZSG) [29 December 2015]; 1891 & 1901 England Census returns (ancestry.com.au) [30 December 2015]; Timaru Herald, 25 January 1912, 6 October 1914, 9 January 1915, 12 April 1916, 29 June 1916, 13 July 1916, 19 January 1917, 7 & 8 March 1917, 10 September 1918, 13 & 26 December 1918, 21 July 1922, 8 April 1929, 13 & 15 January 1931, 13 November 1936, 9 & 13 April 1938, 4 April 1940, 30 May 1940, 13, 16 & 17 July 1940, 7 November 1940, 26 October 1942, Temuka Leader, 19 September 1914, 6 March 1917, 8 March 1917 [x 2], 26 April 1917, 12 & 24 December 1918, 22 Feb 1919, 17 May 1919, 13 & 15 January 1931, NZ Times, 2 June 1917, Press, 18 April 1938, 25 March 1940, 10 September 1940, 26 October 1942, 10 October 1963 (Papers Past) [29 December 2015; 29 April 2021; 22 March 2022; 01, 02, 18, 22 & 24 September 2025]. Wakapuaka cremation & burial records (Nelson City Council) [29 December 2015; 01 September 2025]; Wakapuaka Cemetery plaque image (Find A Grave); Timaru Herald, 9 & 10 October 1963 (Timaru District Library) [30 December 2015]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [29 December 2015; 2025]; Probate record [16 June 2016]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• TIPLADY Charles Benjamin - newspaper clippings (pdf, 201.2 KB updated 16-Oct-2025)

Researched and Written by

Teresa Scott, SC Genealogy Society

Currently Assigned to

TS