Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

John Michael Quinn, known as Jack, was born on 25 June 1897 at Geraldine, the son of John Thomas and Margaret Teresa (née Connolly) Quinn, of Point Road, Temuka. He was baptised Catholic on 27 June 1897 at Geraldine. His parents moved to Studholme Junction where John (senior) was a stock agent and sheep farmer. Mr John Quinn met with an accident about New Year 1899 and broke his arm in two places. Mr Quinn, who had been living in Waimate for some time, was riding a bicycle and leading a horse on 28 December 1898, with the result that he fell and came to grief. Jack may have had some early education at Hannaton School, the family living at Studholme Junction and his father being elected to the school committee in 1902. In May 1903, Mr John Quinn, of Studholme, claimed damages for injury to his land and fences caused by the Waimate County Council’s drays drawing shingle from the bed of the creek on his land. In 1910, John Quinn received a prize for general improvement in Standard III at St Patrick’s School, Waimate. In 1911, Jack Quinn received a prize for general improvement in Standard 4 at St Patrick’s School, Waimate. Was this John Michael? Ray and May Quinn received prizes in 1911, and Mrs Quinn donated a prize. May received a Standard IV prize in 1910, and Standard VI in 1912. Raymond had received a diligence prize in 1908 and an attendance prize in 1909.

On Saturday evening in November 1914, a large number of Mr Owen Connolly’s friends and neighbours assembled in the dining-room of the Studholme Junction Hotel to say farewell to him and Mr and Mrs John Quinn, whowere leaving Studholme. Proceedings commenced with the toast of “The King,” followed by the National Anthem, which was sung in a very hearty manner. The toast of “The Guests” was entrusted to Mr H. Shrimpton, who referred in complimentary terms to the many kindnesses extended by the guests to their neighbours, especially by Mrs Quinn, in time of sickness. On behalf of those present and a great many who were unavoidably absent, Mr Quinn was presented with a pair of military hair brushes, Mrs Quinn with a leather travelling bag and a lady’s companion, Miss May Quinn with a leather handbag, Master Jack Quinn with a razor strop, and Master Roy Quinn with a useful present. “The following toast-list (abbreviated to bring the function within the bounds of the licensing law) was carried out: — Army and Navy, . . . . ; Residents of Studholme District, . . . . ; New Zealand Railways, . . . . ; Agricultural Interests, . . . . ; The Ladies, the Chairman . . . . .” Songs were contributed by Mrs Quinn and others.

Mr and Mrs Quinn and their sons moved to the Temuka district, where they became well known. Previously a stock buyer at Geraldine and Waimate, Mr J. T. Quinn took up farming, successfully, at Arowhenua.

J. M. Quinn, Temuka, Infantry, was among the men who left Timaru by the second express for the north on 8 March 1916, as South Canterbury’s quota for the Fourteenth Reinforcements. He enlisted on 9 March 1916 at Trentham, giving his birth year as 1894 since he had not turned 18. He had been medically examined on 25 February 1916. He was 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighed 10 stone, and had a chest measurement of 32-36 inches. His complexion was dark, his eyes blue and his hair brown. His sight, hearing and colour vision were all “natural”. His limbs well and chest well formed, his heart and lungs normal, and his teeth fair. He was free of diseases, was vaccinated and was in good bodily and mental health. He did have one slight defect - slight flat foot, but it was not sufficient to cause rejection. He had a scar on his abdomen. He was serving with the South Canterbury Regiment (Temuka). A farmer, his address was Hally Garage, Temuka. Single and Roman Catholic, he named his mother as next-of-kin – Mrs John Quinn, Georgetown, Temuka. While at camp, Jack Quinn was admitted to Featherston Hospital, with influenza, on 17 April 1916. He was confined to barracks for two days and forfeited one day’s pay for overstaying leave at Featherston on 6 May 1916. Private J. M. Quinn was transferred to a Special Machine Gun unit in May 1916 and transferred back on 6 June. Rifleman J. M. Quinn embarked with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade of the 14th Reinforcements, departing from Wellington for Devonport, England on 26 June 1916 per the “Tahiti”. He forfeited pay again while at sea. Disembarking at Devonport on 22 August, he marched in to Sling on 23 August and was fined 2/6 for drunkenness on 28 August. He then proceeded overseas on 19 September 1916 and was posted to the 4th Battalion in the Field in France.

The name of John Michael Quinn (Mrs John Quinn, Georgetown, Temuka, mother) appeared in Casualty List No. 607, published in late June 1917 – wounded. The hospital report in July listed his as a not severe case. He had suffered a gunshot wound (slight) to his right foot on 13 June 1917. On admission to the 11th Casualty Clearing Station at Rouen on 15 June, he was reported to be progressing favourably. After time at the 1st Canadian General Hospital, he was transferred to the Convalescent Depot on 17 July and discharged to Base Depot a few days later, rejoining his unit on 28 August. He went to the UK on leave on 20 October, then rejoined his unit on 3 November. Quinn was admitted to hospital in France, sick, on 7 November 1917 (VD). He went first to Field Ambulance, then to the New Zealand Stationary Hospital at Wisques, and then to No. 10 Stationary Hospital at St Omer. Two days later he was admitted to No. 51 General Hospital at Etaples, from where he was discharged on 18 December.

Mrs D. Hopkinson, Temuka, received a letter from her son, Private James Hopkinson, written from the N.Z. Base Depot, France, on 30 December 1917. He mentioned three Temuka men – one of them Jack Quinn, who were at the Base and were doing fine. Marching out on 16 January 1918, Jack rejoined his Unit in the Field. Appointed Lance Corporal on 28 April 1918, he relinquished the appointment and reverted to the rank of Rifleman on 22 September at his own request. On 30 April 1918, while a Lance Corporal, John Michael Quinn was awarded the Military Medal for acts of gallantry in the Field. A cable from London dated 14 May 1918, provided a list of New Zealanders who had had honours and awards conferred on them. In that list was 14149 Rifleman John Michael Quinn who had been awarded the Military Medal. His next-of-kin was his mother – Mrs J. Quinn, Georgetown, Temuka. He was still on active service. J. M. Quinn, M.M., Rifle Brigade, was wounded on 8 October 1918 and admitted to No. 7 Canadian General Hospital in France. His was again reported as a not severe case. Having suffered a gunshot wound to his right thumb, he was transferred to the UK and admitted to the 2nd New Zealand General Hospital at Walton-on-Thames on 12 October 1918. He was transferred to the Convalescent Hospital at Hornchurch on 23 November. Leaving Hornchurch on 28 November, he was to report to Codford on 13 December. Absent without leave from 15 November till 19 November 1918 at Oatlands, he was admonished and forfeited four days’ pay. Further absence without leave in December at Codford resulted in more loss of pay.

In November 1918, the Quinn family suffered a big loss, when Mr John Thomas Quinn, a victim of the prevailing epidemic, died of influenza on 18 November at the Temuka pneumonia hospital. Just over three weeks prior, Mr. J. T. Quinn, Point Road, had been advised of his son’s wounding and admission to hospital. His case had been a serious one and “was regarded as all but hopeless from the first”. Margaret Quinn and her family inserted a notice “In affectionate remembrance”.

Private J. M. Quinn (M.M.), of Temuka, of Timaru, returned home by Draft 211, with over a thousand troops aboard, per the “Briton” which was due at Lyttelton in late January 1919. He had embarked at Plymouth on 24 December 1918. “Temuka’s Greatest Day” saw over twenty boys from the Temuka district welcomed home. Flags were suspended across King Street and on many buildings. As the express train bringing the afternoon group reached the railway station the Temuka Pipe Band and the Juvenile Brass Band played welcoming airs and the people cheered. Heavy rain was falling, and as soon as possible the men were driven to the post office from the steps of which the Mayor and Mr Gunnion (chairman of the Patriotic Committee) addressed the large crowd assembled. Mr Gunnion thanked the men for what they had done. They had been willing to shed their blood for their country, and all were very thankful to see them back. Nothing could be too good for them, and he hoped that the Temuka people would see that their services were not forgotten. The Mayor said the sight of the men had brought smiles to the faces of all. They had met to do honour to the men who had proved themselves “neither laggards in love nor dastards in war.” Hearty cheers were given for the returned soldiers, among whom was Private J. Quinn, M.M., of Temuka.

Jack Quinn and a comrade were welcomed safely home at a social in the Arowhenua Hall and presented with a neat gold medal (suitably inscribed) on behalf of the Maori friends of the soldiers, “who wished to show their gratitude for the services they had rendered to the Maoris as well as the Europeans”. Reference was made to the services Trooper Quinn had rendered to his country, and the honour he had conferred on the district he had gone from by winning the Military Medal. “His friends were very proud of him, and hoped he would live long to wear his decoration and enjoy the happiness he was entitled to.” After the singing of “For he’s a jolly good fellow”, Trooper Quinn thanked his Maori friends for their kindness in giving him such a hearty welcome and such a nice present. A “dainty supper”, or a “capital supper”, was provided and music and dancing enjoyed, the function closing with the National Anthem.

John Michael Quinn was discharged on 26 February 1919, on the termination of his term of engagement, and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. All his service had been in Western Europe. All was well at his medical examination at the Timaru Drill Hall on 19 March 1919. There had been an examination by a Provisional Medical Board on 29 January 1919 on board the troopship “Briton”, the only comment being Demobilization. An impressive ceremony took place in the Drill Hall, Timaru, in mid-July 1919, before a large gathering of Territorials, Senior Cadets, and the general public, when Sir James Allen, Acting Prime Minister, and Minister for Defence, presented twelve decorations for bravery on the field of' action, and seven long-service medals. Sir James Allen said it was both his duty and his pleasure to present the rewards for bravery, which he hoped would be the means of conveying to future generations the finest example which could be set — that of self-sacrifice. His Majesty the King desired that all such rewards should be presented as publicly as possible, and so they had the ceremony of that night. He desired to welcome back the men who had won distinctions on the field, and to congratulate them on their fine achievements, their bravery, and their devotion to duty. By their courage and heroism they had assisted to win liberty and freedom for the world, and they were honoured for it. Among the recipients of decorations that night was Rifleman J. M. Quinn, Temuka, M.M., Sir James pinning the medal on to his breast and offering congratulations.

The Temuka Leader regular Active Service List – a list of those who have volunteered to serve the Empire with the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces and who have gone from the Temuka district – recorded on 6 January 1917 Private J. M. Quinn, 14th Reinforcements, Infantry. May Quinn, of Waimate, who contributed to the Lady Liverpool Trench Comforts’ Fund in 1917 and the Christmas Gifts’ Fund in 1918, was very likely Jack’s sister. Miss Mary (May) Quinn of Waimate entered the convent of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart and embarked on a teaching career. Jack’s younger brother, Raymond Martin Quinn (Ray), often contributed vocal items for farewell and welcome home presentations and other social occasions at Arowhenua. Mr J. M. Quinn was admitted to membership of the Temuka R.S.A. at the end of August 1920. Jack Quinn incurred a few fines in the 1920s for riding bis bicycle along the Timaru-Temuka road after dark without a light.

John Michael Quinn, of Georgetown, Temuka, married Florence Maude Esplin, of Seadown, on 30 July 1930 at the Sacred Heart Church, Timaru. Two daughters were born to Jack and Florence. Mary Quinn who died soon after birth, on 18 May 1933 at Temuka, was buried with her grandfather, John Thomas Quinn. Her grandmother Margaret was buried there in 1951. Teresa Bernadette Quinn was born on 14 February 1935. John’s younger brother, Raymond Martin Quinn, died in 1948 and was buried at Temuka, his wife with him 46 years later. Ray remembered his brother John in his Will. Jack and Florence farmed at Temuka, moving to Christchurch after his mother’s death in July 1951. Jack then became a postal worker. Their daughter’s engagement to Francis Anthony Illston (Tony) was announced in September 1956 and from 1957 she lived in the Rangitikei district.

John Michael Quinn died at Christchurch on 5 September 1961, aged 64 years, and was buried at Ruru Lawn Cemetery after a Requiem Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Mairehau. He was survived by his wife, his daughter Tess and three grandchildren. After Jack’s death, Florence moved to the Rangitike district, probably to be closer to her daughter and family. Florence Maude Quinn died on 12 November 1971 at Taihape Cemetery after a Requiem Mass at St Mary’s Church, Taihape, and, while she was buried there, she is remembered on John’s headstone, and he is remembered on her headstone. Tony Illston died in 2000. Teresa Bernadette Illston (Tess) died in April 2022 and was buried with her mother.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [16 October 2013]; Temuka Leader, 3 January 1899, 6 January 1917, 19 February 1918, 26 October 1918, 19 & 21 November 1918, 1, 18 & 22 February 1919, 19 July 1919, 2 September 1920, NZ Times, 27 May 1918, Waimate Daily Advertiser, 1 May 1902, 22 December 1911, 11 November 1914, Timaru Herald, 28 May 1903, 7 March 1916, 30 June 1917, 21 July 1917, 20 June 1918, 24 & 25 October 1918, 22 November 1918, 25 & 31 January 1919, 24 February 1919, 18 July 1919, 18 November 1919, 27 August 1930, 19 May 1933, Oamaru Mail, 22 December 1910, Otago Daily Times, 25 October 1918, NZ Tablet, 12 December 1918, Sun, 23 January 1919, Press, 11 July 1951, 15 September 1956, 6 September 1961, 13 November 1971 (Papers Past) [11, 16 & 18 November 2013; 28 April 2014; 26 March 2015; 19 December 2015; 08 & 14 August 2016; 06 November 2017; 28 July 2018; 22 August 2020; 08 September 2020; 09 April 2022; 24 June 2023; 01 & 02 July 2023]; Temuka Cemetery headstone images & burial records (Timaru District Council) [27 April 2014]; Ruru Lawn Cemetery burial records (Christchurch City Council cemeteries database) [05 May 2014]; Ruru Cemetery headstone transcription (Canterbury Branch NZSG) [2014]; Taihape Cemetery headstone image & burial records (Rangitikei District Council) [28 September 2016]; Baptism record (Christchurch Catholic Diocese Baptisms Index CD held by South Canterbury Branch NZSG) [02 October 2016]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [2014; 03 July 2023]; Probate record (Archives NZ Collections record number CH1145/61) 03 July 2023]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• Soldiers Letters - Temuka Leader – 19 February 1918 (pdf, 118.7 KB updated 19-Oct-2017)
• QUINN John Michael - newspaper clippings (pdf, 189.7 KB updated 26-Jul-2023)

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