Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

Robert Knight Wotton was born on 6 March 1888 at Invercargill, the eldest son of Robert Hampton and Mary Elizabeth (née Knight) Wotton. Robert was educated at Temuka School from 1894 to 1902, with a brief spell in Dunedin in 1895. At Temuka District High School in December 1896, Robert received a prize and 1st class certificate for Attendance, his sister Violet also being rewarded for Attendance. In 1897 it was a prize and 2nd class certificate for Standard II Attendance for Robert, recognition for Violet and William also. Robert again received a prize and first-class certificate for Attendance in 1899, this time for Standard IV. Violet and William were also in on the act. A prize came his way again in 1900 (Standard V). Wotton and Smith were placed second in a heat of the boys’ Three-Legged Race (Under 14) at the Temuka District High School Athletic Sports Association’s inaugural sports meeting earlier in December 1900. Robert was again rewarded at school in 1901, receiving a prize and second-class certificate for Standard VI Attendance, and William a Standard IV Attendance reward. On the last Sunday in March 1901, the children of the Temuka Presbyterian Sabbath School had been presented with the prizes and certificates won in the October 1900 examination. Robert Wotton was successful in the Middle Division, Violet and William in the Junior Division.

Robert Hampden Wotton died on 30 October 1902 at Timaru Hospital, just 38 years old and leaving a widow with six young children. He was buried in the Temuka Cemetery close to their two children who had died in infancy in 1898 and were buried with their Wotton grandfather. Mr Wotton had been a prominent member of the Good Templars and representatives of several lodges followed his remains to the cemetery where a Presbyterian Church burial service was conducted at the graveside. At the meeting of the Loyal Orange Lodge in Timaru in mid-November, it was decided that a letter of condolence be written to the widow of the late Bro. R. Wotton and that steps should be taken to endeavour to raise some financial help for the widow and children. A grand benefit concert in aid of the widow and family, who were left in very poor circumstances, was organized by the local Good Templars and was held later in November in the Temuka Volunteer Hall. Alluding to the large attendance, the Deputy-Mayor said it was a pleasing fact to see that the residents of the town were prepared to show practical sympathy where it was much needed. The concert netted a sum of over £15. Another concert, arranged by the Lifeboat Lodge of Good Templers, was held in the Theatre Royal, Timaru, in December. It was well attended, with more than £30 raised.

Shortly after Mr Wotton’s death, Mrs Wotton and her young family moved into Timaru where the younger children attended Timaru Main School. Robert Wotton was into football by 1906 when he was in the mix to represent Zingari against Celtic in August 1906. And in December 1906, he was surely the Private Wotton who was in the running to be picked for the team to represent the Port Guards against the Ashburton Rifles. In January 1907 he finished third in the Port Guards competition at 700 yards for two prizes. In the match fired at 600 yards a few weeks later he finished with the highest score. The Timaru Port Guards assembled at the Drill Hall on the evening of 15 April 1907 for the annual smoke concert and presentation of prizes. Among the recipients of prizes was Private Wotton who received a first prize donated by the Licensed Victuallers’ Association and two third prizes. In 1907 he played his football for Star, participating in the seven-a-side tournament in May and representing South Canterbury juniors against Ashburton in August. In October he fired very well in the match against the Ashburton Rifles, the Port Guards running out the winners. Private Wotton featured again at the 1908 prize night of the Timaru Port Guards.

Robert Knight Wotton married Lillian Gill at Timaru on 22 February 1911, at which time he was a wheelwright in Timaru. Lillian was a sister of Florence Gill who left with the first contingent of nurses in 1915, Lillian named as next-of-kin for Florence. In 1911, R. K. Wotton of Timaru sought to patent a clamp. The first child of Robert and Lillian – William Robert Wotton - was born on 7 August 1911 at Timaru; the second – Lillian Florence Emily Wotton – was born on 18 October 1912 at Timaru; and a third – Minnie Amy Wotton – was born on 6 November 1914 at Feilding. About 1914 Robert moved to Fairlie, continuing his trade as a wheelwright. On 17 May 1916, Robert K. Wotton, of Fairlie, registered at the local Defence Office, Timaru. Joining the Army Service Corps, he enlisted at Featherston on 30 June 1916. He had been medically examined at Fairlie on 18 March. He stood at 5 feet 7½ inches, weighed 140 pounds, and had a chest measurement of 34-38 inches, a fresh complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. His sight, hearing and colour vision were all good, his limbs and chest well formed, and his heart and lungs normal. Free of diseases, vaccinated, and in good bodily and mental health, he was fit for active service. A wheelwright, residing at Fairlie and Presbyterian, Robert named his wife as next-of-kin – Mrs L. Wotton, Brunswick Street, Timaru. He had served with the Timaru Port Guards until the force was disbanded. Brother R. K. Wotton had informed his lodge (A.O.F., Court Southern Cross) in mid-June that he was leaving for the Front shortly.

Driver R. K. Wotton, 18th, A.S.C., was promoted to Wheeler on 6 August 1916, then to Lance Corporal just over five weeks later. At a meeting of the Fairlie Patriotic social committee on 25 September 1916 it was decided to hold a small send-off in the Parish Hall on the following evening for Private R. Wotton, who had not received his final leave at the same time as the remainder of the eighteenths. This was because he had joined the Army Service Corps. But a farewell they gave him. “When he arrived by himself, however, a hastily arranged send off social was held in the Parish Hall in his honour. The attendance was not a large one, owing to the extremely short notice given, but the proceedings were marked by a good deal of enthusiasm. Dancing, cards and music filled in the evening, and the guest spent a most enjoyable time.” He was farewelled with every good wish. “His patriotic action in enlisting, though he had a wife and family, showed that his heart was in the game. He had several times displayed grit while in civilian life, and that courage would stand him in good stead at the front.” Private Wotton suitably replied, thanking his friends for their hospitality and appreciation. Refreshments were handed provided and music items were contributed. Earlier in the evening Private Wotton had been given a farewell social by his fellow members of the Fire Brigade, and an enjoyable hour had been spent in song and story. Lance-Corporal Wotton returned to Featherston in early October 1916 after spending final leave in Timaru. In the event, however, it was not final leave. On 10 October 1916 he was transferred to Army Service Corps Supply where he was promoted to Wheeler Corporal on 8 May 1917. Driver R. K. Wotton was posted to the New Zealand Army Service Corps on 27 June 1917. Transferred to Army Service Corps Reinforcements on 29 March 1918, he reverted to the rank of Driver Wheeler. He was granted leave with pay from 28 May 1918 until 1 June, after which he was attached to the 38th reinforcements for embarkation.

After serving with the Army Service Corps in New Zealand for some considerable time, Driver R. K. Wotton embarked with the Army Service Corps of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, leaving from Wellington on 13 June 1918 per the “Manuka”. After disembarking at Sydney on 18 June, he embarked there on 24 June per the “Port Lyttelton” for Suez where he disembarked on 3 August. He marched in at Cairo from overseas on 4 August 1918 and was posted to the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Training Regiment at Ismailia, relinquishing the appointment of Temporary Wheeler. After posting to the Training Regiment NZ Army Service Corps, he marched out to the New Zealand Mounted Field Ambulance on 26 September 1918. He was posted again from the Training Regiment on 17 October 1918. Then, on 27 October 1918 in Egypt he was appointed Temporary Wheeler, to assist with the New Zealand Mounted Field Ambulance. Appointed Temporary Wheeler Corporal on 10 January 1919, he was promoted to the rank on 17 March 1919.

Proceeding overseas, he marched out at Ismailia on 30 June 1919 and embarked for New Zealand at Suez on that date. Corporal R. K. Wotton, 17950, of Timaru, returned to New Zealand from Egypt, in a draft of 1095, per the “Ulimaroa”, which was due at Auckland on 6 August 1919. He and thirteen other South Canterbury men who had travelled from Christchurch by special train, arrived at Timaru in the afternoon of 12 August. They were given a hearty welcome by a large gathering of relatives and friends. The cheers were led by the Mayor and representatives of the Citizens’ Reception Committee. On his return, he went to Temuka. He was discharged on 9 September 1919, on the termination of his period of engagement. He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal, having served in the Egyptian Expeditionary Force Campaign. By an advertisement in the Timaru Herald and the Temuka Leader in early August 1921, “Mr R. K. Wotton, wheelwright, desires to notify the people of Temuka and district, that he has commenced business in premises at the back of J. McMeekin’s, blacksmith, in the main street. Mr Wotton’s capabilities as a first-class tradesman are well known, and he trusts, by good workmanship and strict business methods, to obtain a fair share of public patronage.” Wotton got into miniature rifle shooting, competing for Temuka in the South Canterbury Championships in September 1921. He was elected to the Management Committee at the 1923 annual meeting of the South Canterbury Tennis Association.

Young Willim had started school at Timaru Main, when his mother was living in Brunswick Street. In mid-1917, when his father was serving in New Zealand, he transferred to Tauherenikau School in the Wairarapa, returning to Timaru Main in March 1918. He transferred to Temuka School in 1920, then on to Geraldine District High School in 1923, to Shannon in the Manawatu in 1924, and maybe to high school in Timaru in 1926. Little Lily (Lilian, Lili) started her schooling at Tauherenikau, transferring to Timaru Main in March 1918, to Temuka in 1921 and on to Geraldine D.H.S. in 1923, before going to Shannon from where she moved on to the Palmerston North Technical School. Lili pursued a career in art. Amy started at Timaru Main School on her fifth birthday (1919), transferring to Temuka in 1921, Geraldine D.H.S. in 1923, Shannon in 1924, then back to Timaru Main in 1916. From there she went to school at Kurow in 1928.

By the mid-1920s Robert and Lillian had moved to Shannon. Robert worked for a time at Kurow while Lillian was based in Timaru. By the early 1930s they were at Wharanui in the Wairau district and Robert had turned to carpentry. On the outbreak of World War Two the family moved from Marlborough to Kaikoura. It was at Kaikoura that Robert Wotton demonstrated an interest in politics, presiding at the meeting at Aniseed when Mr Meachen, the Labour Party Member for Wairau visited. He presided again in February 1941 when Mr Meachen visited. At the conclusion of Mr Meachen’s political address in July 1943, Mr R. K. Wotton moved the following motion: “That this meeting of citizens of Kaikoura express thanks to Mr Meachen for his address, and also desires to express complete confidence in him as Parliamentary representative, and asks him to convey to the Prime Minister its confidence and congratulation on the Government’s magnificent war efforts.” The motion was carried by acclamation.

At a parade of the Home Guard (Kaikoura) in February 1941, R. K. Wotton was in Section 1 of No. 3 Platoon. The Medical Board examined Robert Knight Wotton on 21 July 1942 at Blenheim. He had suffered no illnesses or diseases but had had a cracked skull seven years before. It was determined that his grading was lower than Grade I because of age and eyesight. Attesting for Home Defence on 30 July 1942, he was a carpenter with the Public Works Department at Picton and named his wife as next-of-kin – Mrs Lillian Wotton, Picton. He entered camp at Nelson on 7 October 1942. Transferring to Army Reserves, 819222 Sapper R. K. Wotton was discharged on 1 January 1944. No certificate of discharge was required as he had not been mobilized.

After the 1939-1945 War, Robert and Lillian moved to Renwicktown where they remained until their respective deaths. At the 1946 annual meeting of the Kaikoura Branch of the N.Z. Labour Party, it was noted that during the year “the branch had lost the services of two valued members in Mr and Mrs R. K. Wotton, who had taken up their home in Blenheim. Both had been energetic workers in connection with the movement. As a token of the esteem in which they were held the branch made them a small gift.”

Robert Knight Wotton died on 13 September 1954 at Renwicktown, aged 64 years, and was buried in the Upper Wairau Cemetery, Renwick, Marlborough. He was survived by his wife Lilian, his son William, and his daughters Lili and Amy. Robert’s Will was succinct. Appointing his son executor and trustee, he left all his estate to his wife and, if she should predecease him, to his children in equal shares. Lillian Wotton died on 26 August 1964 at Nelson and was buried in the Upper Wairau Cemetery. Robert’s brother William Burnard Wotton was killed in action in 1916 at the Somme. “Private W. B. Wotton, son of Mrs M. E. W. Wotton, Arthur Street, killed in action September 22, left with the No. 2 New Zealand Stationary Hospital. He was in England on August 22, and on that date cabled to his mother that he was leaving for France.” [Timaru Herald. 7 October 1916.] Another brother was drawn in the Eighth Ballot in June 1917 - Charles Herbert (Bertie) Wotton, bootmaker, 92 Arthur Street, Timaru. An In Memoriam notice was inserted in the Press on 11 December 1950 by her sister, Mrs R. K. Wotton, and family – “GILL – In loving memory of the late Florence Gill, nursing sister of the 1st N.Z.E.F., passed away December 11, 1949.”

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [05 June 2014]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Ref. AABK 18805 W5922 0125491) [25 November 2014]; Probate record (Archives NZ/FamilySearch) [10 January 2015]; NZ BDM Indexes (Department of Internal Affairs historical records) [05 August 2014]; School Admission records (South Canterbury Branch NZSG) [05 August 2014]; Temuka Leader, 19 December 1896, 18 December 1897, 16 December 1899, 8 & 15 December 1900, 30 March 1901, 12 December 1901, 19 February 1903, 7 April 1921, 13 September 1921, Timaru Herald, 17 December 1900, 13 December 1901, 31 October 1902, 19 & 25 November 1902, 7 February 1903, 18 March 1903, 14 August 1906, 15 December 1906, 24 January 1907, 12 February 1907, 16 & 30 April 1907, 7, 23 & 24 May 1907, 5 August 1907, 10 October 1907, 14 April 1908, 30 August 1911, 18 May 1916, 7 & 21 June 1916, 27 September 1916, 5, 6 & 9 October 1916, 13 August 1919, 6 April 1921, 16 October 1923, Auckland Star, 20 September 1916, Evening Post, 8 May 1917, New Zealand Times, 31 July 1919, Press, 1 August 1919, 11 December 1950, Kaikoura Star, 26 August 1937, 13 February 1941, 19 July 1943, 1 April 1949 (Papers Past) [05 August 2014; 15 November 2015; 04 July 2016; 29 October 2020; 23 & 26 June 2024]; Upper Wairau Cemetery records (South Canterbury Branch NZSG records) [16 September 2016]; Upper Wairau Cemetery, Renwick, headstone image (from Carol Boulton [31 July 2019]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [23 June 2024]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• WOTTON Robert Knight - newspaper clippings (pdf, 87.6 KB updated 25-Oct-2024)

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