Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

William Bain, known as Willie or Bill, was born at Pleasant Point on 23 April 1897, the third child and second son of John and Ellen Isabel (née Burgess) Bain. At this time John Bain was a skin-dealer at Pleasant Point. William’s grandparents, Donald Bain and Helen Greig, came to New Zealand from Ross-shire, Scotland, with their family of four sons and three daughters in 1874 and took up land at Burke’s Pass. In 1893, their son John married Ellen Isabel Burgess, who had been born at Burke’s Pass in 1867, and had two daughters and seven sons (one dying in infancy), including William and Donald John who were to serve in World War One. John Bain who had taken up the licence of the Silverstream Hotel at Kimbell in 1908, died at Kimbell on 19 March 1916, when many of the children were still minors. He was buried at Burke’s Pass. Like his older sister Mary and older brother Donald, William started his education at Fairlie School before transferring to Cricklewood in 1903. Mr J. Bain was elected to the Cricklewood School committee in April 1907. After a few months at Silverstream School (Kimbell) William went back to Fairlie for a month, then returning to Silverstream in May 1908 with his siblings. He gained Competency in the 1911 Standard VI examinations while at Silverstream School.

William Bain, shepherd, Kimbell, Fairlie, was drawn in the Ninth Ballot for service with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in July 1917. His brother Donald had been drawn the month before. William enlisted at Timaru on 18 July 1917. He belonged to the 8th South Canterbury Mounted Rifles and had registered at Fairlie for compulsory military training. A shepherd at Kimbell, Fairlie, single and Presbyterian, he named his mother as next-of-kin – Mrs Ellen Bain, Kimbell, Fairlie. He was medically examined at Timaru the same day. Standing at 5 feet 6½ inches, weighing 126 pounds, with a chest measurement of 31-34 inches, he had a fair complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. His sight, hearing, colour vision, heart and lungs were all normal, his limbs and chest well formed. Free from illnesses, fits and most diseases (not from varicose veins), vaccinated, and in good bodily and mental health, he was assessed A. He had a mole on his left hip.

The men comprising the South Canterbury quota of the 32nd Reinforcement left Timaru by the north express on 23 July 1917 and were given a farewell send-off at the Drill Shed. After the distribution of gift parcels from the ladies of the Patriotic Society, the draft was drawn up facing the balcony, from which they were addressed by the Mayor (Mr J. Maling), who said that it was his privilege and duty to give them a hearty send-off, and to wish them good luck, and a safe and speedy return to Timaru. The Rev. J. H., Rogers, acting-vicar of St. Mary’s, told the boys that this was the chance of their lives — the chance to have their names inscribed with those which would go down to history as representing some of the finest men of our day. In order to avail themselves of this grand opportunity they had four things to do: (1) fight for honour; (2) fight for truth and uprightness; (3) fight for the keeping of promises; and (4) fight for the protection of the weak. His parting words to those before him would he: “Honour God, honour yourselves, honour those over you, and your names will go down to posterity with the best. God bless you, boys.” The roll having been called, the soldiers were marched outside and, headed by the Band of the 2nd (S.C.) Regiment, moved to the railway station. There was a good number of people about, and they gave the men rousing cheers as they passed along the street. Having arrived at the Strathallan Street crossing, where also there was a good number of friends assembled, the soldiers boarded the express, which left amid the cheers of the people. Among the names of the men who proceeded to camp was W. Bain. Private William Bain was posted to the 30th Reinforcements on 23 July 1917. On 28 July 1917 the Kimbell Patriotic Entertainment Committee tendered a farewell social to Privates G. Waters and Willie Bain. There was a large attendance, the departing soldiers being very popular young men. The Rev. H. O. Hanby spoke to their success on the field of action and a safe return to the district. On behalf of the people of the district, wristlet watches were presented to the guests and fastened on by two young ladies, amidst prolonged applause and musical honours. A very enjoyable dance followed and the ladies of the district excelled themselves in abundant supply of excellent refreshments.

Private W. Bain embarked with the Canterbury Infantry Regiment of the 30th Reinforcements, departing from Wellington on 13 October 1917 per the “Corinthic”. He had been admitted to hospital on the troopship on 19 November 1917 and rejoined his Unit a week later. Disembarking at Liverpool, England on 8 December 1917, he marched in at Sling the next day and was posted to the 4th Reserve Battalion, Canterbury Infantry Regiment. He proceeded overseas to France on 13 February 1918 and was attached to Strength at Abiele the next day. Posted to the Canterbury Infantry Regiment on 22 February, he joined his Battalion in the Field.

Suffering a severe head wound in Action in France on 5 April 1918, Private William Bain was admitted firstly to No. 1 New Zealand Field Ambulance and then the Casualty Clearing Station that same day. The next day he was admitted to the Canadian General Hospital at Etaples. He embarked for England on 23 April 1918 and was admitted to the No. 2 New Zealand General Hospital at Walton-on-Thames. As of 24 April 1918, he was dangerously ill at Walton on Thames Hospital – gunshot wounds to the head. Transferred to the seriously ill list on 27 April, he was removed from that list on 30 April 1918 at Walton on Thames, only to be listed again dangerously ill at No. 2 New Zealand General Hospital at Walton on Thames on 23 May. He was still dangerously ill on 25 May, but was progressing favourably. On 27 May 1918 he was transferred again to the seriously ill list. He was still seriously ill on 8 June 1918, progressing fairly. On 17 June 1918 he was removed from the seriously ill list. On 11 July 1918, he was certified unfit by the Medical Board. William Bain, Fairlie, embarked at Southampton on 31 July 1918 for transfer to “Marama” at Marseilles. So, he returned to Timaru, New Zealand per the “Marama” (Draft 175), which left Marseilles on 7 August 1918 and arrived on 20 September.

Ten South Canterbury wounded soldiers came by the Express from Christchurch on 24 September. They were met and welcomed by the Mayor, members of the Reception Committee, and a large number of the general public. From the steps of the station platform the Mayor extended a very cordial welcome home to the men and called for three cheers for them. These were heartily given, after which the soldiers were driven to their respective homes in cars which were in waiting for that purpose. Among the returned men was Private W. Bain (Kimbell, Fairlie). When a patriotic meeting was held in the Kimbell School on 1 October1918, it was decided to present a gold medal, suitably inscribed, to Private William Bain, the presentation to be made at a social by Mr C. J. Talbot, M.P. At a combined reception and send-off held in the Fairlie Public Hall on 4 October Private Bain, of Kimbell, was welcomed home, and Chaplain Hanby, of Fairlie, was farewelled. “The Hall was well filled, and the social was one of the best of the season, being exceptionally bright and sociable. The gathering was thoroughly representative, many coming from a distance to honour the coming and to speed the parting guest.” There was dancing and singing. “Mr C. J. Talbot, on behalf of the committee and the people of the district, warmly welcomed Private Bain to his home. He spoke of the varied experiences the soldier had gone through, including a trip that was almost world-wide in its extent. Unfortunately, Private Bain had been seriously wounded but he had made a recovery that was little short of marvellous, and though he was still far from his old form he was daily growing stronger. Mr Talbot was sure that all would help Bain to regain his former health, and to forget some of the sufferings and hardships that he had gone through. Cheers were enthusiastically given for the returned man.” Mr Hanby on behalf of Private Bain and himself thanked those present for their expressions of good will and esteem. Supper was handed round, and shortly after midnight the assembly broke up with cheers for the boys on all fronts. William was discharged on 25 March 1919, no longer physically fit for War Service on account of wounds received in Action, and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

William resumed his work as a shepherd, initially living at the Kimbell Hotel with his mother before moving to Irishman Creek Station in the mid-1920s. Both William and his brother Donald enjoyed success at the Fairlie Show in April 1920, William scoring a third prize for his hunter and Donald two first prizes. Willie married Annie Bertha Eliza Port in 1931. William Bain, Irishman Creek, was called up from the reservists (married men from 41 to 45 years) for service in the Armed Forces in December 1942 (Nineteenth Ballot). William, shepherd and station hand, and Annie remained at Irishman Creek Station until about 1960 when they moved into College Road, Timaru. William Baim died at Timaru (late of Irishman Creek) on 19 July 1968, aged 71 years. A graveside service was held at Timaru Cemetery where he was buried in the Services Section, a Services plaque marking his grave. Members of the South Canterbury RSA attended his funeral. His next-of-kin at death was his wife, Mrs A. B. Bain, 7 College Road, Timaru. He was survived by Anne, two sons (Peter and John) and their wives and three grandchildren. William had signed his Will in October 1940. He appointed the Public Trustee Executor and Trustee and bequeathed the whole of his estate to his wife Anne Bertha Bain absolutely. In October 1968, that estate consisted of Post Office Savings Bank Account (£230), Motor Car (£100), Life Insurance Policy (£1000) and Social Security Benefit (£10). Anne Bertha Bain died at Timaru on 7 August 1984 and was buried with William. By this time there were five grandchildren. His mother, Mrs Ellen Isabell Bain – remembered with esteem and respect for her hospitality and kindness – had died at Cricklewood on 6 April 1926 and was buried at Burke’s Pass.

William’s brother Donald also served in World War One, as did several cousins – Ronald George Bain (son of Alexander Bain), Donald Angus McMaster (son of Isabella Bain), John Duncan McLeod and Malcolm Alexander McLeod (sons of Johnina Bain). The four brothers younger than William and Donald were all drawn in World War Two ballots – James Gilbert Bain (Fairlie) in December 1942, Lawrence Alexander Bain, Thomas Albert Bain (Parnassus) in November 1942, and John Burgess Bain (Papanui) in June 1942. William Bain (Irishman Creek, Fairlie) was also called up in December 1942.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [31 October 203]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Ref. AABK 18805 W5520 0011407) [02 November 2016]; NZ BDM Indexes (Department of Internal Affairs) [31 October 2016]; School Admission records (South Canterbury Branch NZSG) [31 October 2016]; Timaru Cemetery headstone image (Timaru District Council) [31 October 2016]; Timaru Herald, 20 July 1968 (Timaru District Library) [01 November 2016]; Timaru Herald, 24 April 1907, 4 & 24 July 1917, 31 August 1917, 1 September 1917, 20 & 22 April 1918, 6 May 1918, 1 & 14 June 1918, 11, 24 & 25 September 1918, 2, 3 & 9 October 1918, 6 April 1920, 7, 8 & 20 April 1926, 23 December 1942, Temuka Leader, 25 January 1912, 15 June 1918, 24 September 1918, NZ Times, 30 April 1918, Nelson Evening Mail, 31 May 1918, Press, 25 June 1942, 12 November 1942, 23 December 1942, 20 July 1968, 8 August 1984 (Papers Past) [01 September 2014, 03 August 2016; 02 July 2019; 16 August 2020; 08 September 2021; 16 September 2022; 16 June 2023; 11 September 2023; 26, 28 & 31 March 2026; 03, 04 & 05 April 2026]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [03 April 2026]; Probate record (Archives NZ Collections - Record number TU304/1968) [05 April 2026

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• BAIN William - newspaper clippings (pdf, 134.5 KB updated 14-May-2026)

Researched and Written by

Teresa Scott, SC Genealogy Society

Currently Assigned to

TS