Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

Ernest Wilfred Belcher, known as Ernie, was born on 25 May 1892 at Kaiapoi, the second surviving son of Thomas William and Mary Jane (née Young) Belcher. Thomas and Mary who married in 1888 had six sons, the second-born dying in early childhood. Thomas’ father Richard Belcher married at Kaiapoi in 1862. He and sons Thomas and John farmed at Coutts Island near Kaiapoi (also known as Kaiapoi Island). In the early 1900s Thomas and Mary moved to St Albans, Christchurch. Ernest started his schooling at Coutts Island School and moved to Elmwood School in September 1901 then on to Christchurch Normal School in 1903 and St Albans School in 1905. Finally, he had a year at West Christchurch District High School. By 1913, Ernest Belcher was farming at “Hackfall” Arundel (or Carew), his older brother William Thomas Belcher there with him. Their father, Mr T. W. Belcher may have acquired the farm in February 1913. In August 1913, both E. W. Belcher and W. T. Belcher were members of the Arundel championship team for the Miniature Rifle Shooting Association match. A week later they fired for Arundel in a friendly match with Woodbury.

E. W. Belcher, farmer, registered for the Infantry at Ashburton Defence Office on 11 February 1916. Mr E. Belcher and three companions were the guests of the Ealing Ladies’ Patriotic Guild on the evening of 30 March 1916 when many people from all parts of the surrounding districts came to bid them farewell before they went into camp. After the singing of the National Anthem, a musical programme, interspersed with dancing was carried out. The president of the Ealing. Ladies’ Patriotic Guild presented each of the departing guests with a parcel containing two pairs of sox, a pair of mits, a Balaclava, and a “house-wife,” all the work of the guild, and in each parcel there was also a scarf. Each of the recipients thanked the Ladies’ Guild for its useful gift and good wishes, and expressed his willingness to uphold the honour of our country and to do his share to keep the old flag flying. Three cheers were given and “For They are Jolly Good Fellows” was also sung. After partaking od an excellent supper, dancing was indulged in. Cheers were again given for the “boys,” and the gathering broke up with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” The Ashburton quota, consisting of 35 men, for the Fifteenth Reinforcements was entertained at the Drill Shed before leaving for camp on the evening of 5 April 1916. Addresses were given by the Mayor (Mr Galbraith), the Rev Todd of Rakaia and the Hon. Hardy. The Rev Todd stated that the men were going to fight for liberty, life and love. Headed by the Citizens’ Defence Corps and Salvation Army Bands combined, the procession marched to the station, where a large crowd of people had gathered. As the train steamed out the recruits were warmly cheered. Among those named in the Infantry was E. W. Belcher. They surely joined the South Canterbury recruits who came through from Timaru. So, it was that he enlisted on 5 April 1916 at Trentham and was posted to the 15th Reinforcements. He was still serving with C Company, 2nd South Canterbury Regiment. Single and Anglican, he named his father as next-of-kin – T. W. Belcher, Hackfall, Arundel, South Canterbury. Ernest was also at Hackfall, farming. Ernest Wilfred Belcher had been medically examined at Ashburton on 9 February 1916. He was 5 feet 9½ inches tall, weighed 8 stone 13 pounds, and had a chest measurement of 30½-35 inches. His complexion was dark, his eyes grey and his hair black. His sight, hearing, colour vision, heart and lungs were all normal; his limbs and chest well formed; and his teeth good. He had had no illnesses or diseases, was vaccinated, and was in good bodily and mental health.

In May 1916, a ditty was written for the Waimate Daily Advertiser about the Waimate boys at Trentham, the occupants of hut 123. Some others were also named, among them Ellery and Belcher, both from “Carew,” always at hand looking for stew, . . . In June 1916 while at Featherston, Belcher forfeited 3 days’ pay and was confined to barracks for 2 days for overstaying leave. Rifleman E. W. Belcher embarked with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade of the 15th Reinforcements, departing from Wellington on 26 July 1916 per the “Waitemata”. Disembarking at Devonport on 3 October, he marched into Sling then marched out for overseas (France) on 20 October and joined his battalion in France on 5 November. In April 1917, Mr T. W. Belcher, of Arundel, was advised that his son, Rifleman Ernest W. Belcher, of the 15th Reinforcements, had been admitted ill to Walton-on-Thames Hospital, England. His was initially reported as not a severe case. Admitted sick to No. 3 New Zealand Field Ambulance on 2 April 1917 then to a Casualty Clearing Station on 3 April and to Hospital in France on 8 April, he had embarked for England per “St Denis” and been admitted to the No. 2 New Zealand General Hospital with severe pleurisy on 11 April. He was transferred from Walton to the Convalescent Depot at Hornchurch on 18 May. Leaving Hornchurch on leave on 4 August 1917, he was taken on Strength and was to report at Codford on 20 August. Private Belcher was transferred to the New Zealand Machine Gun Corps at Grantham on 5 November 1917.

At the beginning of September 1917, a very successful gift afternoon had been held at the Carew School, in order to help to supply comforts for the soldiers in the trenches. A programme of musical items and recitations was given by the pupils. During the interval a Roll of Honour was unveiled by the senior pupil, and as each soldier’s name was called out, he was accorded a round of applause. Among the names of the soldiers which were inscribed on the Roll of Honour as representatives of the Carew district at the front was Rifleman Ernest Belcher, Fifteenth Reinforcements. At the conclusion of the programme, three ringing cheers were given for the soldiers. Substantial gifts were received from many, including Mrs T. Belcher and Mr Lester Belcher, also cash donations. Later in the year, the president of the Geraldine Football Club was handed an interesting and humorous letter from one of the many club members on duty on the Western front (Ned). “Well, Mac, as many of my Geraldie cobbers are near the end of their convalescent career (including myself), and will be stirring up mud and tripe in Belgium in a few days I would like to mention that Bill Scully, Chas. McDonald, Ernie Belcher (Carew), Chas. Johnstone (Arundel), Ken McKay (Point), P. L. Cullen (Ashburton) are recuperating here, and run a big risk of going across the Channel with men a week or two. . . . . .” In February 1918, Mrs Ellery and family, of Belfield, received a letter from Private E W. Belcher, N.Z. Machine Gun Corps, dated Grantham, Lincolnshire, Dec. 16 1917, expressing sympathy with the family in loss by the death in action of their son George, who had been his constant companion and closest friend from the time they went into camp up to the time the writer left France for Blighty. “From all information I can gather he fell in the attack on the Heights of Abraham, Passchendale, Ypres, on the 12th October, while gallantly leading his section against the enemy, and I hope you will find some consolation in the fact that he died doing his duty, and with his face to the enemy. I am going back to France next month, and will endeavour to find out where he was buried, and further particulars if possible.” Prior to the receipt of the above letter the only information received by the family concerning Lance-Corporal F. S. G. Ellery was that he was reported missing on October 12.

Belcher proceeded overseas to France again on 17 March 1918, marched into camp at Camiers and joined his Battalion on 4 April. It was reported that he had been wounded in action on 13 September 1918 and admitted to the Casualty Clearing Station the next day. On 15 September he was admitted to No. 7 Stationary Hospital at Boulogne, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds – to thigh, scalp and foot. Just over two weeks later he was transferred to England and admitted to No. 2 NZ General Hospital at Walton with the gunshot wounds to his left thigh and right foot. “Private Ernest W. Belcher (wounded) is the second son of Mr T. W. Belcher, of Arundel, Sonth Canterbury) formerly, of St. Albans. He left with the 15th Reinforcements, and served in the Rifle Brigade, in France, for nine months. He then contracted pleurisy, and was in hospital in England for 13 months. On recovery he joined the Machine-Gun Corps, and was with that body in France when he was wounded. He was educated at the Coutt’s Island, St. Albans, and Normal Schools.” [Press. 27 Sep 1918.] A medical report on 15863 Private Ernest Wilfred Belcher was prepared at Walton-on-Thames on 2 December 1918, with a view to invaliding. His disability was gunshot wounds to the right foot with fracture of the 4th metatarsal bone, which had occurred on 12 September 1918 in France. Wounded by a shell fragment, he was admitted to No. 2 New Zealand General Hospital on 30 September with an obstinate small wound to the right foot, which was attributable to Active Service during the War. His general condition was good, a small wound over the 5th metatarsal bone almost healed but an X-ray showing a fracture of the 4th metatarsal. As of 11 November, he had scabies and callus was present. It was recommended that he return to New Zealand as unfit for 6 months, classified C1. Discharged from Walton on 14 December 1918, Belcher was to report at Codford on 4 January 1919. Medical Board proceedings were carried out on the “Athenic” on 10 February 1919, his progress then reported as fair, with some pain on movement. He would be fit for Territorial Service and Home Service but not for Active Service. A dental examination on 13 March 1919 showed no dental disability. A further assessment was conducted on board the “Athenic” at Wellington. The finding was that he still required treatment, and it was recommended that he receive treatment as an in-patient of a Convalescent Home at Timaru after 7 days sick leave. A Medical Board was next assembled at the Drill Shed, Timaru on 22 May 1919, when it was estimated that his disability would continue for 3 months.

So, it was per the “Athenic” (Draft No. 222) that Private E. W. Belcher, of Arundel, returned to New Zealand, embarking at Liverpool on 3 February 1919 and arriving on 20 March 1919. On disembarking he was granted 7 days sick leave before reporting to Timaru Hospital; he received an advance of £4.6.7; he was issued with a steamer ticket from Wellington to Lyttelton and a railway ticket from Arundel to Timaru. He was, in fact, granted sick leave from 22 March to 28 March 1919 and was ordered to report at the Timaru Convalescent Home on 29 March 1919. He was discharged on 19 June 1919, on account of wounds received in Action (gunshot wounds to his right foot). He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. On 9 May 1919, there was a large gathering at the Howard Hall, Arundel, to welcome home Private E. Belcher and two other returned soldiers. After medals were presented to the returned men, the audience joined in singing “For they are jolly good Fellows,” and the soldiers suitably replied. The chairman then asked all present to stand in silence as a mark of respect to the fallen, after which the National Anthem was sung. The grand march was led by the soldiers, and all the ladies carried small flags. A very enjoyable evening was brought to a close at 1.30 a.m. with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” Mr E. Belcher and five comrades were guests at a second very enjoyable welcome home social held in the Arundel Hall on 9 July 1919. The Carew school children rendered several items, and Rev. Feron, of Hinds, and Col. McKenzie of Geraldine both gave much appreciated addresses. The chairman on behalf of the Carew Patriotic Committee and friends thanked the returned men for helping to keep the good old flag flying, and presented each with a suitable gift, the recipients suitably responding. Supper was handed round and the rest of the evening was spent in dancing.

Ernie returned to ���Hackfall”, Arundel and resumed farming. Private Ernest W. Belcher was best man when his brother William Thomas Belcher married Esther Jane Pearce on 29 April 1919 at St Mary’s Church, Timaru. Ernest married Iris Lilian Clement in October 1919. Their daughter Joan Noeline Belcher was born in 1920. Iris died at the coronation Hospital, Cashmere on 21 July 1922 and was buried at Geraldine. In 1928, Ernie married Ethel Emma Pearce, whose sister Esther Jane Pearce had married his oldest brother William in 1919 and died in 1927. Ernie and Ethel had two daughters and one son. About 1930 the family moved to Longbeach, where they remained until the mid-1950s. A licence to conduct motor services was granted to E. W. Belcher, Longbeach-Ashburton in March 1932. He was granted a renewal of his passenger licence from Ashburton to Longbeach in January 1934. The contract for the Ashburton-Longbeach rural mail service (1935-137) was let to Mr E. W. Belcher in October following. In March 1939, his existing licence was renewed for three more years. As of Jue 1944, he was still a mail contractor. In 1936, Ernest Belcher was elected secretary and treasurer of the Eiffelton School committee, and secretary again and committee member for some years after. Mr E. W. Belcher supplied music for dancing when a social from residents of the Longbeach Soldiers’ Social Committee’s area was tendered to four local soldiers in August 1941, and he was elected to the committee in October following. At the annual meeting in October 1943, he was elected auditor and to the committee. When the Eiffelton Drama Club was successful at their annual drama festival in August 1947, the work of Mr E. W. Belcher as secretary was acknowledged.

Ethel Emma Belcher died suddenly on 26 June 1957 at her Ashburton residence and was buried at the Ashburton Cemetery. After her death Ernest worked as a clerk until retirement in the mid-1960s. In 1961, Mr E. W. Belcher, of Ashburton, recalled that the S.S. Kairaki was the largest vessel to visit the Kaiapoi port when it came in on 1 September 1909. As a boy he was aboard the Kairaki when it made its first trip to the port. “The river was much wider and deeper then as a dredge was employed on the river to keep the turning basin at the wharf sufficiently wide.” said Mr Belcher. Ernest Wilfred Belcher died at Christchurch on 20 October 1974, aged 82 years, and was buried alongside Ethel at the Ashburton Cemetery, his service number inscribed on the gravestone. He was survived by his three daughters and one son. Ernest may have moved to Christchurch to be with his brother Percy, who was the only brother to outlive him and whom he seemed to care for. Ernest made specific bequests to his daughter Joan (first marriage), his brother Percy and his grandchildren, and left the rest of his estate to his daughters Joyce and Elaine and son Wilfred. Private E. W. Belcher is remembered on the Ealing Roll of Honour (served) and the Carew District Roll of Honour (served). The Ealing Roll of Honour was unveiled on 21 July 1921. “. . . the Roll of Honour stands first as a memorial to the honourable sacrifice of the men who gave their lives in the Great War; next, as a record of all the district men who served in that testing time; lastly, as a reminder to those who remained at home of what they owed their defenders, and as an incentive to the coming generation to uphold the district’s honour as bravely in years to come. . . . The main body of the memorial is in solid oak, with a central brass shield on which are inscribed the names of the fallen. Below, on an oak tablet devised as an open book, are inscribed the names of those district boys who were fortunate enough to be able to serve their country and to return to it to enjoy the peace they had won.” Seven men gave their lives. The names of the men who went on active service from the district include E. W. Belcher.

Mr Thomas William Belcher died at his residence “Hackfall”, Carew on 5 July 1927. His sons William and Ernest, and other Belcher relatives, were pall bearers at his funeral which took place at Cracroft Cemetery, a private cemetery in Mid-Canterbury. Mr Belcher had been stricken with paralysis some twenty years earlier and had been an invalid for many years. Thereafter, Mary Jane lived with family at Timaru and at Longbeach. She died suddenly on 16 November 1941 at Timaru and was buried at Cracroft Cemetery, the funeral leaving her son Lester’s residence. William Thomas Belcher, the eldest son of Thomas and Mary, was farming at Arundel when he was drawn in the fourth ballot in February 1917. When the Military Appeal Board sat in Timaru in mid-March 1917, William Thomas Belcher, farmer, Arundel, appealed on the grounds of hardship and financial obligations. “He was in charge of his father’s farm. His father was an invalid, and if appellant were called up his father was not in a position to engage outside labour. The farm carried 3000 sheep, and about 250 acres in oats. His father was a chronic invalid, and unable to do anything at all. Appellant and his brother looked after the farm. His brother was 22 years of age. There was another brother who was not able to do any farm work. Another brother had gone in the front.” He had never discussed the question of his brother enlisting. The chairman said that one of the two brothers would have to go. Apparently, appellant was the more important of the two. The appeal was adjourned till the next sitting of the Board, appellant being told to consult with his brother as to which of them should enlist. In May 1917, he was farewelled at Temuka as he was going into camp with the 30th Reinforcements. In May 1918, however, Wm Thomas Belcher (Arundel) had his appeal dismissed as he had been classed C2 by the Medical Board. His 22-year-old brother was Lester who did enlist. Both William Thomas and Lester were listed on the 1916 Reserve Roll. The brother who was not able to do any farm work was probably Percy. Percy Belcher, Arundel, Geraldine, was drawn in the seventh ballot in May 1917, to complete South Canterbury’s quota of the 31st Reinforcement. Eric William Belcher, the elder son of William and his first wife Esther, served in World War Two. Percy died in 1981, the loved uncle of Ernest’s family, whom he remembered in his Will. He was buried at Cracroft.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [23 July 2016]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives New Zealand ref. AABK 18805 W5520 0013376) [24 July 2016], NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives New Zealand ref. AABK 18805 W5562 0127561) [24 July 2016]; NZ BMD Indexes (Department of Internal Affairs) [24 July s2016]; School Admission records (Waimakariri & Canterbury branches NZSG) [23 July 2016]; Temuka Leader, 26 & 30 August 1913, 26 February 1917, 17 March 1917, 29 May 1917, 4 December 1917, 26 February 1918, 18 May 1918, Timaru Herald, 1 September 1913, 5 April 1916, 14 February 1917, 16 March 1917, 24 April 1917, 9 May 1917, 25 February 1918, 3 & 13 May 1919, 19 July 1919, 22 July 1922, 6, 7 & 20 July 1927, 17 & 18 November 1941, Ashburton Guardian, 11 February 1916, 5 & 6 April 1916, 13 February 1917, 5 September 1917, 26 September 1918, 22 July 1921, 22 July 1922, 23 March 1932, 30 January 1934, 20 October 1934, 28 April 1936, 27 April 1938, 27 March 1939, 23 April 1940, 23 August 1941, 10 October 1941, 16 October 1943, 1 July 1944, 30 April 1946, 28 August 1946, 30 August 1947, Waimate Daily Advertiser, 12 May 1916, Evening Post, 25 April 1917, NZ Herald, 25 April 1917, Oamaru Mail, 25 April 1917, Lyttelton Times, 26 September 1918, NZ Times, 26 September 1918, 8 March 1919, Star, 26 September 1918, Press, 27 September 1918, 2 May 1919, 22 July 1922, 6, 7 & 16 July 1927, 29 January 1934, 20 October 1934, 17 November 1941, 27 June 1957, 23 March 1961, 21 & 22 October 1974, 3 August 1981, Sun, 27 September 1918, 8 March 1919 (Papers Past) [22 May 2016; 23 July 2016; 07 & 09 August 2016; 13 August 2020; 27, 30 & 31 March 2025]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [27 March 2025]; Geraldine Cemetery headstone image (Timaru District Council) [23 July 2016]; Ashburton Cemetery records (Ashburton District Council) [24 July 2016]; Probate record (Archives NZ Collections – Record number CH1858/1974 [01 April 2025]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• BELCHER Ernest Wilfred - newspaper clippings (pdf, 172.5 KB updated 09-May-2025)

Researched and Written by

Teresa Scott, SC Genealogy Society

Currently Assigned to

TS