Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

Alexander Beattie was born on 4 February 1873 at Lake Tekapo, the eldest son of William John and Bridget (née O’Shaugnagessy) Beattie. William from County Antrim, Ireland, and Bridget from County Clare, married in 1870 in South Canterbury, New Zealand. They had five daughters and three sons who were all educated at Kakahu School. Alexander married Lena Margaret Gaze on 28 October 1907 at Geraldine. A daughter, Gwendoline Joan Beattie (known as Joan) was born on 10 February 1908 at Temuka.

Medically examined at Temuka on 30 December 1916, Alexander enlisted there on 30 January 1917, volunteering for the 28th Reinforcements. A farmer at Hilton, married and Presbyterian, he named his wife as next-of-kin – Mrs Lena Beattie, care of A. W. Gaze, Bainesse, via Palmerston North. A farewell was tendered to departing members of the 28th Reinforcements – A. Beattie one of them - on 10 April at the Geraldine Drill Hall, the hall being decorated with flags and flowers and “capital entertainment” - orchestral selections, vocals, recitations - being provided. The musical programme opened with the National Anthem. Each recruit was presented with a wristlet watch and given a parcel of comforts on behalf of the Home and Empire League. Major Kennedy believed that “the gallant lads who were now leaving would worthily uphold the honour of their country and town.” The men were cheered on leaving the stage and entertained at supper and a dance.

Trooper A. Beattie embarked with the Mounted Rifles of the 28th Reinforcements. He departed from Wellington on 7 June 1917 and from Sydney on 11 June, per the “Westralia”, and disembarked at Suez on 19 October 1917. His health having given way in Egypt, he was discharged on 21 October 1917 to await invaliding to New Zealand. He and a comrade reached Temuka on 26 December. “Major Kennedy, of Geraldine, said these men had gone out and done their duty and deserved the very best we in New Zealand could give them. On behalf of the Geraldine people he had pleasure in welcoming Private Beattie back. He was an old boy who had followed the hounds for many years, was a good sport, and he was glad to see him back. (Applause.) Three hearty cheers were given for the men still at the front. Private Beattie on behalf of his comrade and himself returned thanks for the splendid reception they had received, and said he was pleased to be back in New Zealand again. Private Beattie left with the 28th Reinforcements, his health giving way in Egypt, and was invalided home.” In March 1918 a social was given in honour of Trooper Alex. Beattie at the Hilton Hall. “Major Kennedy presided and on behalf of the residents formally welcomed Trooper Beattie back and presented him with a gold medal, suitably inscribed. The presentation was duly acknowledged by the recipient. There was a large attendance, and the proceedings terminated with a dance.”

Alexander Beattie was discharged on 20 January 1918, no longer physically fit for war service on account of a pre-enlistment disability. He was suffering from traumatic ankylosis of the right big toe, right thumb and ankle. He was awarded the British War Medal. While Alexander returned to South Canterbury, Lena remained in the Manawatu district. In May 1923 a decree nisi was granted Lena M. Beattie who sought dissolution of her marriage with Alexander Beattie on the grounds of adultery and desertion. “Petitioner stated that her husband had never provided her with a home. After his return from the war, she had seen him, and he had promised to provide for her, but had not done so. When she commenced proceedings he had made further promises, but nothing had come of them. As a result of certain anonymous letters, she had caused a search to be made of the birth records at Temuka, when evidence of the birth of an illegitimate child of her husband’s had been found. The co-respondent (not cited) was known to her. The father of the petitioner gave corroborative evidence, stating that he had had to provide petitioner with a home.” Alexander Beattie married Florence Elizabeth May Woodhead on 26 May 1926 at Timaru. Alexander and Florence had had a daughter born in 1921; another was born in 1928.

Alexander Beattie died on 2 April 1935 at his residence, Main North road, Temuka. He was 61 years old. Members of the Temuka Returned Soldiers’ Association attended the funeral of their late comrade at the Temuka Cemetery. At the conclusion of the service the “Last Post” and the “Reveille” were sounded by bandsmen of the Temuka Municipal Band. Members of the Returned Soldiers’ Association present filed past the grave each dropping in a poppy. A Services Stone marks his plot in the Services Section of Temuka Cemetery. For a considerable time, Alexander had been in indifferent health as the result of war service. His death was caused by paralysis of respiration and progressive muscular strophy. “As he was an accomplished horseman, his services were always in request at the various agricultural shows in South Canterbury where he took part with success in the jumping competitions. He was a sportsman possessed of a genial personality, and had a wide circle of friends. He was a native of the Hilton district, where his father owned a farm in the early days of settlement.” Florence died in 1987 and was buried at Temuka with their elder daughter. Lena who remarried in 1923 died in 1953.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [21 February 2025]; NZ BDM Indexes (Department of Internal Affairs) [23 February 2025]; School Admission records (South Canterbury Branch NZSG) [23 February 2025]; Temuka Cemetery headstone image (Timaru District council) [23 February 2025]; Timaru Herald, 10 February 1917, 12 April 1917, 27 December 1917, 25 March 1918, 3, 4 & 5 April 1935, Temuka Leader, 12 April 1917, Manawatu Times, 14 May 1923, Press, 3 & 6 April 1935 (Papers Past) [07 January 2015; 19, 23 & 24 February 2025]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

No documents available. 

Researched and Written by

Teresa Scott, SC Genealogy Society

Currently Assigned to

Not assigned.