Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

Stanley William Toms was born on 9 March 1897 at Dunedin, the eldest son of Thomas James and Winifred Margaret (née Martin) Toms. Thomas and Winifred who had married at St Paul’s Cathedral, Dunedin in 1896, spent some years at the remote Mistake Station in the Mackenzie Country. Thomas and his older brother John were shepherds there in 1893. Stanley was educated at several schools in Otago and South Canterbury. In November 1903 he and his brother Raymond (born in 1898) were at Bannockburn School (Central Otago), their guardian Thomas Toms, probably their grandfather. A year later, both went to Western Australia. Stanley spent much of the first term of 1906 at George Street School, Dunedin, having come from Kimbell. He was admitted to Fairlie School from Silverstream (aka Kimbell) in July 1907 and left for carpentry at the end of 1911. A meeting of boys willing to enrol as boy scouts was held in the Fairlie School grounds on the evening of 22 December 1911. Scoutmaster W. D. Charteris who had recently settled in Fairlie, would undertake the work of training boy scouts if the boys were willing. There were ten boys present and it was unanimously decided to form scout patrols at Fairlie. Stanley Toms was appointed leader of the second patrol, and it was stated that sufficient boys to form at least two patrols had promised to join. Scoutmaster Charteris gave some instruction in the guiding principles of the organisation, and a commencement was made in flag signalling. Arrangements were made for weekly instruction and drill at the school, “and those present dispersed with the fixed determination to induce as many of their companions as possible to become boy scouts”. At the Fairlie Swimming Club’s carnival at the new baths in March 1912, S. Toms was placed first in the Local Boys’ Race (under 15 years of age), 50 yards, and also competed in the Springboard and High Diving Competition. At the Fairlie Swimming Club’s 1913 Boxing Day carnival, he was placed first in the boys’ race.

While Thomas James Toms continued to farm and manage Richmond Station in the Tekapo Fairlie district, Winifred took up residence at Fairlie about the turn of the century and at Timaru in 1913, perhaps in both instances for the children’s education. In December 1915, Mrs Toms made a very substantial donation to the Timaru Mayoress’ fund for the N.Z. Sick and Wounded. In late November, an afternoon in aid of the Mayoress’s Fund for sick and wounded soldiers had been held at the residence of Mrs Toms, 133 North Street (second house from Rhodes Street corner). There were a number of side shows, etc., dispensing amusement and good things in the shape of candies and afternoon teas. Young and old were cordially invited and were assured of a pleasant afternoon. Mrs Toms and her committee had spared no pains in getting up things well. The Eighth Regimental Band played a choice musical programme during the afternoon.

Stanley William Toms was medically examined on 5 January 1916 at Timaru. Standing at 5 feet 6 inches, weighing 142 pounds, and with a chest measurement of 33-35½ inches, he had a fair complexion fair, brown eyes and brown hair brown. His sight, hearing and colour vision were all good; his limbs and chest well formed; his heart and lungs normal. He had had no illnesses or diseases and was in good bodily and mental health. Stanley was not 19 years old when he enlisted on 12 January 1916 at Trentham. Did he intentionally change his year of birth to make him eligible? A carpenter, single and of Church of England affiliation, he named his mother as next-of-kin – Mrs Winifred Toms, 133 North Street, Timaru. He belonged to the 2nd South Canterbury Regiment. In early April 1916, Private Stanley Thoms [sic] (son of Mrs Thoms, North Street), who was leaving with the 12th Reinforcements, was given a hearty farewell and made the subject of numerous gifts at John Jackson and Co.’s where he had been employed for the past four years. His employers and his fellow workmen presented him with a wristlet watch, a leather hold-all, a soldier’s writing outfit, a combination knife, and a leather sovereign case. The gifts were accompanied by all manner of wishes testifying to the popularity of the departing soldier, and Private Thoms suitably replied, assuring his comrades that he would do his very best wherever he was placed.

Trooper S. W. Toms embarked with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade of the 3rd Reinforcements, departing from Wellington per the ‘Navua’ on 6 May 1916 and disembarking at Suez, Egypt on 22 June. Just over a month later he embarked at Alexandria, Egypt for overseas, disembarking at Southampton on 7 August. At Sling he was posted to the 5th Reserve Battalion of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. Sergeant Arthur Griffiths (14th Reinforcements) who had embarked on 26 June 1916, wrote in a letter home soon after arriving at Plymouth on 22 August 1916 and enduring a seven-hour train trip, that he had met Stanley Toms and six other Timaru pals – “all of them looking very fit” – soon after reaching camp. SW. Toms marched out from Sling for overseas (France) on 5 September 1916 and was posted to the 1st Battalion of the NZ Rifle Brigade.

Sent to Hospital, sick, on 22 February 1917, he was admitted to No. 3 New Zealand Field Ambulance, then to the 1st Canadian Casualty Clearing Station, and on 23 February to No. 7 General Hospital at St Omer. He was afflicted with rubella. Discharged to duty on 5 March, he rejoined his Battalion. Having been detached to the NZ Wing 2nd Anzac Reinforcement Camp on 30 May 1917, he rejoined his Battalion in the Field on 12 June. After proceeding on Leave to the UK on 19 August 1917, he rejoined again on 4 September and was appointed Lance Corporal on 29 September. He was slightly wounded in France on 12 October 1917 but remained on duty with his Unit. Casualty List No. 706, in which his name appeared, was an exceptionally long list.

Detached to the Corps Lewis Gun School on 27 February 1918, he rejoined his Unit on 14 March and was promoted to the rank of Corporal on 5 April. The Third Supplement to the London Gazette dated 30 August 1918 recorded that Lance-Corporal Stanley William Toms (Rifle Brigade) was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) on 5 May 1918, the citation reading – “For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty whilst in charge of a Lewis Gun Section on an advanced post. Noticed a movement in front, he immediately jumped over the top and ran to the wire, where he found an enemy officer, ten men behind him. He shot the officer with his revolver and caused the rest to bolt under heavy Lewis Gun fire. This NCO’s dash and gallantry, on this and on many other occasions, had a most inspiring effect on all Ranks.” Archdeacon Jacob, of Timaru, who had himself gone to the Front, wrote to Mrs Toms, describing the bravery for which Lance- Corporal Toms was rewarded as had been told to him. “Stanley’s patrol saw some men in the mist about 50 yards away, but could not detect whether friends or foes. They all went away but one, and Stanley went over alone to find out who they were. He found the one who had stayed was a big regimental sergeant-major of the enemy, so he covered him with his revolver. The Hun tried to knock his revolver out of his hand with his stick, but Stanley was too quick and shot him, and then got back to his own men and unhurt. The result was that the Huns’ plans were known. It was an act of great bravery, and Sergeant Young was full of it, and said that Stanley’s father and mother ought to be proud of such a son. My very best wishes to you all. I hope I may see you again some day and that Stanley may be spared to you.”

Lance Corporal Toms was appointed Lance Sergeant on 15 July 1918. Having gone on Leave to the UK a few days later, he rejoined his Unit on 8 August. Seriously wounded in Action in France on 1 September 1918, he was admitted to the Casualty Clearing Station. On 4 September 1918, Toms was admitted to No. 2 Canadian General Hospital, a shell wound amputated his left leg. Nine days later he embarked for the UK per Hospital Ship, where he was admitted to No. 2 New Zealand General Hospital at Walton on 15 September [gunshot wounds – left leg amputated]. He was placed on the Seriously Ill List at the No. 2 NZ General Hospital at Walton on 20 September 1918. As of 28 September, he was still seriously ill and progressing fairly; by 9 November, though still seriously ill, he was making favourable progress. It was on 23 November 1918 that he was removed from the Seriously Ill List. In France for over two years, Lance Sergeant Toms took part in every offensive.

He was discharged to Leave on 24 April 1919, to report back on 7 May. He was, however, re-admitted to Walton Hospital on 7 May 1919, his left leg having been amputated because of the gunshot wounds. Still a patient at Walton on 30 August 1919, he was discharged to Staff from Walton on 9 September 1919.

Sergeant S. W. Toms returned to New Zealand per the ‘Arawa’, embarking at London on 5 October 1919 and disembarking at Auckland on 15 November. He reached Timaru by the express from Christchurch on 18 November 1919. He and his comrades were accorded a hearty welcome. They were met at the station by members of the Timaru Reception Committee and conveyed to their homes by cars provided. A ceremony was held in the Timaru Drill Shed on the evening of 25 November 1919 to present medals won at the war to the successful soldiers or next-of-kin. After a ceremonial parade of the local military group, the Mayor welcomed the large crowd, Colonel R. Young, military dignitaries and Captain Chaplain Jacob. “His Worship also took the opportunity of congratulating the officers and men present that evening who were to receive decorations. It was unfortunate, however, that some of their gallant boys were not there that evening – they were numbered amongst the unreturning brave. Their next-of-kin, however, would receive their decorations, and he was sure it would be a source of deep gratification to them to possess such tangible marks of the King’s appreciation of their services as those decorations symbolised. (Applause.)” The medals were presented by Colonel R. Young, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., N.Z. S.C., Officer Commanding the Canterbury district. “The friends and relations of those men who were to receive decorations that evening had every reason to be proud that those men had been selected as most worthy of those honours,” said Colonel Young. As the next-of-kin or the soldier concerned came for the medal, the gazette notice of each award was read, and each was heartily applauded. The list of the honours presented included 12294 Corporal Toms, S. W., D.C.M. 12294 L/Sergeant Stanley William Toms, NZ Rifle Brigade, DCM, was discharged on 16 December 1919, no longer physically fit for War Service on account of wounds received in Action. He had served overseas for more than three years and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. He was granted a pension for permanent disability.

Stanley married Irene Alice Mary Roberts in 1923. They had a daughter Noelene and two sons Graham and Peter. All three children were baptized at St Mary’s and attended Timaru schools. Stanley resumed his carpentry work, becoming a war pensioner just a few years before his death. He and Irene spent the rest of their married lives at 6 Coonoor Road, Irene moving to Glenwood in the mid-1980s. Stanley William Toms died at Timaru on 10 December 1959, aged 62 years. He was buried at Timaru Cemetery, a Services plaque marking his grave. Members of the South Canterbury Returned Services Association attended at the cemetery. When his widow Irene died in June 1988, her ashes were interred with him. He was survived by Irene, his daughter and sons. Stanley appointed his wife, Irene Alice Mary Toms, and his elder son, Graham Stanley Toms, as executors and trustees of his Will. He bequeathed all his estate to his wife and, in the event of her death, to his children equally.

Stanley’s brother, Raymond Henry Toms, a carpenter of 133 North Street, Timaru, was selected by lot from the First Division of the Reserve in mid-June 1918. But sadly, Raymond Henry Toms had accidentally drowned in the Orari River on 16 April 1916, just 17 years old. He was attempting to fetch some cows for his employer. His headstone in Timaru Cemetery is inscribed simply “Ray”. In January 1930, Mrs W. M. Toms had put up for sale her North Street property and “choice household furniture”. There was a further notice for sale by auction of “choice furniture and effects” at 124 North Street on 30 September 1930. And so, in 1931, Mrs Toms was in Wellington. It is recorded that Thomas James Toms died at Wellington in 1941, but no burial has been found. Winifred Margaret Toms died on 9 July 1947 and was buried at Karori Cemetery. Stanley’s other brothers – Harold James Martin Toms and Stuart McKenzie Toms – both resided in Wellington for a time with their mother. Stuart served in World War Two, his mother named as his next-of-kin. Harold who was drawn in a 1941 ballot, may have served with the Air Force. In 1949, Harold, Stuart and their sister Lesley were all at their mother’s former Wellington address. Until that time Lesley had remained in Timaru, probably for her nursing training and employment. Also, there with them in 1949 was Graham Stanley Toms, a chemist, the elder son of their brother Stanley William. Stanley William Toms, Timaru, had himself been called up for service in the Nineteenth Ballot published on 22 December 1942. Norman Edward Toms Grocott, Wesley Horace Grocott, Richard Herbert Toms and Ronald James Toms who served with the New Zealand Armed Forces in World War Two and Noel Stewart Toms who served with the Air Force, were all cousins of Stanley William Toms. Wesley Grocott was a prisoner of war in both Germany and Italy.

A photo of Stanley William Toms is printed in Onward: Portraits of the NZEF, Vol. 2 (held by the South Canterbury Genealogy Society); a portrait of Sergeant Stanley Williams Toms, held by Archives New Zealand is attached to the Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database.

Sources

Auckland War memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [07 August 2014]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Ref. AABK18805 W5557 0115141) [21 May 2017]; NZ BMD Indexes (Department of Internal Affairs) [07 August 2014]; Timaru Cemetery headstone image (Timaru District Council) [07 August 2014]; School Admission records (Cromwell, Dunedin & South Canterbury branches NZSG) [07 August 2014]; Probate record (Archives NZ/Family Search); Timaru Herald, 11 December 1959 (Timaru District Library) [22 September 1915]; Timaru Herald, 26 December 1911, 16 March 1912, 29 December 1913, 25 November 1915, 9 December 1915, 5, 17 & 18 April 1916, 18 October 1916, 17 March 1917, 3 November 1917, 1 & 19 June 1918, 23 September 1918, 3 December 1918, 19 & 26 November 1919, 23 December 1942, Hawera & Normanby Star, 2 November 1917, New Zealand Times, 2 November 1917, 20 November 1918, Sun, 7 May 1918, 18 September 1918, 3 October 1918, Press, 8 May 1918, 4 October 1918, 6 November 1918, 23 December 1942, North Otago Times, 10 May 1918, Evening Post, 5 June 1918, 1 November 1918, Ashburton Guardian, 18 September 1918, Star, 28 September 1918 (Papers Past) [07 August 2014; 07 & 14 February 2016; 08 May 2016; 03 November 2017; June 2020; December 2020; 28 May 2025]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [28 May 2025]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• TOMS Stanley William - newspaper clippings (pdf, 130.4 KB updated 11-Jul-2025)

Researched and Written by

Teresa Scott, SC Genealogy Society

Currently Assigned to

TS