Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

James Raymond Walsh was born, he stated, on 10 March 1894 at Kerrytown, near Timaru, the second son of James and Annie (née Hoare) Walsh. His birth was registered, however, as on 28 March 1894, but he was baptised Roman Catholic at Temuka on 10 March 1894 - the day he was born. His birthdate was recorded as 10 March 1894 in the school admission record. It appears, therefore, that this was the correct date or shortly before. Perhaps the date was ‘adjusted’ to disguise a late registration. James Walsh, senior, who was from County Cork, Ireland, and Annie Hoare, who was born at Kerrytown, New Zealand, of Irish parents, were married in 1891 at Pleasant Point and went on to have fourteen children. In June 1904, James and his brother Michael, as well as other siblings, transferred to Gleniti School from the Kerrytown School, their parents having moved to Wai-iti (Gleniti) from Kerrytown. James left Gleniti for the Catholic School Timaru in February 1906. The younger children started at Kerrytown School or Gleniti School then went on variously to the Catholic School Timaru or the Marist Brothers School Timaru and Orari Gorge (Tripp) School (May 1910). In July 1905, the truant officer for the South Canterbury education district sued two parents for neglecting to send children (two in each case) to the school regularly as required by law. In the case of James Walsh, a fine of 2 shillings for each child was imposed. The four youngest Walsh children started at Orari Gorge School and left for Christchurch in December 1915. Mr and Mrs Walsh moved from Gleniti to the Tripp Settlement in 1910, Mr Walsh taking on farming. James Walsh had won a section of land in the Tripp Settlement ballot.

A sale of horses, harness, waggons, drays, seed sowers, etc., on account of Mr Jas. Walsh, at his farm, Levels Plains, on 29 September 1893. The sale was an unreserved one, Mr Wals having given up contracting. Then in mid-1894, James Walsh, a contractor of Levels Plains, got into financial difficulties, owing a great deal to creditors. He had a lease on 50 acres and had also taken up a house and 10 acres at Kerrytown. He attributed his difficulties to bad crops. “Had lost about £100 on the 50 acres in 1892; three horses had died whose value he estimated at £40, and he had losses in dealing.” He was allowed time to make an offer to his creditors. Mr James Walsh appears to have been an eloquent speaker. In November 1905, he proposed the vote of thanks to Mr Hall-Jones when he spoke on his political campaign at Gleniti. The meeting of the Trinity Debating and Social Society was held in the Gleniti Schoolroom on 5 July 1907, when a considerable number of members congregated to listen to the debate on “Home Rule for Ireland”. “The leader for the affirmative, Mr J. Walsh, very suitably and enthusiastically presented an excellent argument in favour of Home Rule. . . . . . An animated discussion, creating exceptional interest, ensued, most of the members present participating (frequently indulging in extraordinary flights of oratory). The chairman put the subject to the meeting, the vote resulting in a win for the negative, by the casting vote of the chairman.” In 1908 Mr J. Walsh was elected to the Gleniti School committee.

On moving to the Tripp Settlement, Mr Walsh had some of his contract tenders accepted by the Geraldine Road Board and the Levels County Council, especially as his prices were often the lowest. A clearing sale on behalf of Mr James Walsh, Tripp Settlement was to have been held at the beginning of May 1914 but was postponed until 12 May. At the November 1914 meeting of the Geraldine Road Board, “Mr Jas. Walsh, Orari Gorge, waited on the Board complaining of an excessive charge for horse feed supplied to four draught horses impounded by the Board’s pound-keeper. He said that a change of 2/6 per horse for a feed was exorbitant. The horses he alleged, were taken off the road at 3 a.m. and fed at 5 a.m., when they were not in need of it. The pound-keeper had practically taken the horses away from a feeder. He was sowing patriotic wheat at the time, and had no place to put his horses except bn the road. . . . . . The chairman said the Board made no exception of any ratepayer. Complaints had been received from all over the district, in regard to stray cattle and horses on roads, . . . . . Mr Walsh had not been singled out, and the feed charge made by the pound-keeper if not according to the schedule would be refunded. . . . . . Mr Walsh said he objected to the pound-keeper ‘scouting’ in the night for horses. The chairman said that the pound-keeper had to do some scheming to abate the nuisance. He found that unless he got out pretty early the owners of stray cattle and horses were there before him. The clerk said the pound-keeper could carry out his duties at any hour day or night. The clerk was instructed to make enquiries regarding the charger made by the pound-keeper for horse feed.”

Tragedy struck the Walsh family in 1915. Annie Walsh – wife of James Walsh and second daughter of the late Richard Hoare, Kerrytown - died at her Woodbury residence on 26 January 1915. At the beginning of February, James Walsh, Tripp Settlement, posted a notice – “I wish to sincerely thank Dr Paterson and all the kind friends who helped to alleviate my trouble in my recent sad bereavement.” At this time the children of Annie and James ranged in age from 23 years to 6 months in age. Then on 27 April 1915, James Walsh died after a very brief illness, his funeral leaving the Tripp Settlement for the Geraldine Catholic Church, thence for the Geraldine Cemetery. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to septic peritonitis. Both died intestate. Only three of the family had reached adulthood – Mary Theresa Josephine (spinster), Michael Joseph Thomas (labourer) and James Raymond (labourer), all of Woodbury. William Dodds Fitzgerald, a long-time Kerrytown acquaintance, went surety for them as they sought administration of their father’s estate, which was given on 7 June 1915, on the grounds that the estate was small and was not liable to the payment of Death Duty. They stated that their father left surviving the following children – themselves; sons – Richard Augustine (17 years, labourer, Woodbury), Leo Redmond (15 years, labourer, Woodbury), Denis Patrick (14 years, labourer, Woodbury), Peter John (8 years, student, Woodbury), Francis Joseph (7 years, student, Woodbury); daughters – Margaret Gertrude (19 years, spinster, Woodbury), Monica Josephine (12 years, student, Woodbury), Agnes Julia (11 years, student, Woodbury), Amelia Josephine (9 years, student, Woodbury), Annie Catherine Madeline (10 months, Woodbury). William Dodds Fitzgerald also went surety for the same three eldest children, the only ones to have attained the age of twenty-one, as they sought administration of their mother’s estate. On 7 June 1915, it was ordered that letters of administration of the estate of Annie Walsh be granted to Mary Theresa Josephine Walsh, Michael Joseph Thomas Walsh and James Raymond Walsh. The surviving children of their mother were, naturally, the same as for their father; and their father had died after their mother but before June 1915. But on 19 June 1925, an order was made with reference to the administration of the estate of Annie Walsh – “Michael Joseph Thomas Walsh is hereby removed from the office of administrator of the estate of Annie Walsh.” James Raymond Walsh, labourer, and Mary Theresa Josephine Walsh, spinster, both formerly of Woodbury but then of Timaru, had petitioned the Court with regard to the administration their mother’s estate. The estate had not been valuable, consisting of a small parcel of land and an even smaller lot with a “cottage very much out of repair” in Timaru, with an undischarged mortgage. The land had been sold by Michael but with a condition that now required a transfer to the purchaser. Michael Joseph Thomas Walsh had left New Zealand for America about April 1922, “but to what part thereof we do not know and we have not heard from him since and do not know where he is now.��� James and Mary were anxious to complete administration.

At Geraldine on 11 February 1913, both J. R. Walsh and M. J. T. Walsh, and a number of other young men, were charged with failing to render personal service under the Defence Act. In several cases the defendant resided at a distance and His Worship decided to adjourn each case till the 3 June, to enable each defendant to make up in camp for the required number of parades. The New Zealand Police Gazette of 13 August 1913 carried the following Persons Wanted notice – “GERALDINE. — 17th June last, that a notice of fine and a summons for breaches of the Defence Act may be served on him, James Raymond Walsh, age about twenty, height about 5 ft. 11 in., labourer and shearer, native of New Zealand, thin build, pale complexion, dark hair, hazel eyes, inclined to stoop.” All was rectified by January 1915 – “GERALDINE. - James Raymond Walsh, breach of Defence Act, has paid the amount due to the Geraldine police. (See Police Gazette, 1913, page 488.)”

James Raymond Walsh was medically examined on 12 July 1916 at Geraldine. He stood at 5 feet 11¼ inches, weighed 161 pounds, and had a chest measurement of 36-39½ inches. His complexion was fair, his eyes brown-grey, and his hair dark. His sight, hearing and colour vision were all good, his limbs and chest well formed, his heart and lungs normal, and his teeth fair. He was free from diseases, was vaccinated, and was in good bodily and mental health. J. R. Walsh, Mounted Rifles, left on 23 August 1916 as part of South Canterbury’s quota for the 20th Reinforcements. There had been a very large gathering at the Geraldine Drill Hall on the night of 22 August, when the people of the district assembled in honour of the men of the Twentieth Reinforcements, the members of which were cheered as they entered the room. A musical programme was presented, which included selections by the Band, a duet, songs by an Ashburton guest and several locals, and recitations; every item was encored. Dr Hislop, the Mayor, said “it was a pleasure and a privilege to say a few words to the men who were leaving, and to congratulate those who had returned, . . . . . . Many people did not realise what they owed to those who had gone and were going to fight for them. . . . . . . The men who had gone had given of their best at Gallipoli, or in France, and in Egypt, and those going were ready to [do] the same. . . . . . .” He congratulated those who were going to the Front, and said he was perfectly certain that, having the example of those who had gone before, they would follow in their footsteps. He was sure they would uphold the honour of their district, their country, and their King. Cheers were given for two returned men and Messrs Gimson, G. W. Campbell, E. England, J. R. Walsh and D. Vernall, of the twentieth reinforcements, who had also ascended the platform, were cheered. Mr Hislop, on behalf of the Home and Empire League, presented each man with a parcel, while Mrs Hislop presented each man with a parcel of comforts and addressed to each some kindly words. Supper was then served by the ladies. At 2.30 p.m. on 23 August, Messrs Gimson and Walsh were motored from Geraldine, and as they left the post office cheers were given for them. Messrs Campbell, England and Vernall were picked up at Orari and from there they proceeded to Temuka. At Temuka they were treated to afternoon tea. About 4 p.m. a procession was formed, headed by the Temuka Brass and Pipe Bands, who played selections on the way to the station. On their arrival at the station speeches were delivered by the Mayor, who wished them the best of luck and a safe return, by Captain Dunn, of the Salvation Army, who voiced a prayer for their safety, and by Major Kennedy, of Geraldine. As the train steamed out three hearty cheers were given for the recruits.

Enlisting on 24 August 1916 at Featherston, James Raymond Walsh named his aunt as next-of-kin – Mrs K. Nolan, Levels, Timaru. This was his mother’s sister – Catherine née Hoare. A labourer for Alex. Ferguson, Woodbury, single and Roman Catholic, he gave Tripp Settlement as his address. He belonged to the 8th South Canterbury Mounted Rifles. Initially posted to the 21st Mounted Rifles, he was transferred to the 20th Mounted Rifles on 2 November 1916. Trooper J. R. Walsh embarked with the New Zealand Mounted Rifles of the 20th Reinforcements, departing from Wellington on 5 December 1916 per the “Waihora”. Disembarking at Suez, Egypt on 13 January 1917, he marched in and was posted to strength at Moascar. He was transferred to the Training Regiment for a week from 23 April 1917. Trooper Walsh incurred 3 days Field Punishment No. 2 for failing to do his duty while on guard in the Field on 11 July 1917. As of 31 July 1917, Trooper Walsh was with the Canterbury Mounted Rifles in Egypt.

He was reported wounded in action on 30 March 1918 at Cairo. Admitted to No. 43 Stationary Hospital on 2 April, he was discharged to Moascar a few days later. He had suffered a gunshot wound to the head. At the New Zealand Convalescent Home at Aotea on 13 April, he was improving. Posted from Hospital on 26 April 1918, he was detached to the Rest Camp at Port Said the next day, then rejoined the Training Unit on 8 May. He marched out to the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade on 26 June 1918. To hospital on 7 October 1918, he was transferred from the 36th Casualty Clearing Station on 12 October and admitted to a succession of hospitals (at Abbassia and Heliopolis), including the 27th General Hospital, in the following days, probably afflicted by pyrexia (fever) of unknown origin. As of 15 October 1918, he was at the New Zealand Convalescent Home at Heliopolis. It was not until 24 November 1918 that he was posted to Duty from Hospital. On 29 December 1918 he was boarded for New Zealand – malaria. It was, however, 30 June 1919 when he embarked for New Zealand.

Private J. R. Walsh, 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. He was discharged on 9 September 1919, on the termination of his period of engagement, and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. All his overseas service (three years) had been in Egypt. The ballot held at Timaru on 5 August 1920 for the Oakwood Settlement, Levels County, for returned soldiers, resulted in lot 4 (80 acres) being granted to J. R. Walsh. On his return from overseas service, James Raymond Walsh went initially to Orari Gorge before resuming farming at Gleniti where some of his younger siblings resided. By the 1925 electoral roll he was at Oakwood, Gleniti.

James Raymond Walsh, aged 26 years, and a mate, 22 years, appeared in the Timaru Magistrate’s Court on 24 October 1921, having been arrested at Gleniti. They had been involved in a savage assault on a constable in Stafford Street in the early hours of 23 October. Both lived only a few miles out of Timaru, and they had been attending a dance in the Bay Hall but appeared quite sober. It appears that Walsh became involved, coming to the aid of his mate and kicking the constable, when the constable was able to restrain the mate. When Walsh was arrested, it was alleged that he said: “Well, Constable, it’s very hard luck for me. I had nothing whatever to do with the assault. I was with . . . . , but took no part in the disturbance. That’s what a man gets for keeping bad company.” He later denied having said this, attributing it to the arresting constable. On judgment day (14 November), Walsh was deemed to have interfered wrongfully in the affair and was convicted and fine £10. The other offender was imprisoned. When counsel for Walsh asked for time for him to pay the fine, someone in the Court paid it.

James Raymond Walsh died on 2 March 1929 at [Christchurch], aged 34 years. He was buried in the RSA Section of Bromley Cemetery, Christchurch, his grave marked by a Services stone. A sad end to his life. He had collapsed and died in the back yard of a private hotel in the city about 3 p.m. on Saturday. An inquest was held at the Christchurch Hospital, Michael Joseph Walsh, a brother of deceased, who resided at 144 Norwood Road, Beckenham, giving evidence of identification. He stated that his brother, who had been a resident of Glen-iti, near Timaru, since he had returned from the war, was on a holiday to Christchurch, and had been staying at a private hotel for three weeks past. Up to some months ago, his brother had had a farm at Glen-iti, but he had now disposed of it. Evidence was given by a cook at the hotel that Walsh was seen wandering about the yard, evidently in pain. Later, he collapsed and died. There was a glass and a bottle containing a certain poison in Walsh’s room. There was still some poison in the glass - an ounce and a half, enough to kill many men. The Coroner returned a verdict of suicide by poisoning. His next-of-kin at death was his oldest sister, Mrs Mary Burns, Levels, Timaru. A letter the N.Z.E.F. Base Records Office dated 20 March 1929 was addressed to her – Information has been received at this office that your brother, 34559 James Raymonds Walsh, ex-member of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force died on 2nd March, and I am instructed by the Adjutant-General New Zealand Military Forces, to convey to you and the members of your family, sincere sympathy in the loss which has been sustained and to assure you it is not forgotten that Mr Walsh served the Empire during a period of great peril. On 18 July 1918, James Walsh signed that he had executed a Will which was in the custody of his sister Mrs Mary Burns, Levels, Timaru, and that he did not desire to make a new Will.

James’s brother, Michael Joseph Thomas Walsh, served in World War One, while his brother Richard Augustine Walsh attested but did not see any overseas service. Hugh Hoare, a cousin of the Walsh brothers’ mother, and Francis Joseph Nolan, their cousin, also served in World War One. A younger brother Denis Patrick Walsh may have served in World War Two. On 4 September 1916 at Timaru, D. P. Walsh, who had failed to put in a parade since August 24, was fined 5 shillings and 7 shillings 6 pence costs. The names of both Denis Patrick Walsh, Shirley, Christchurch, and Richard Augustine Walsh, Hanmer Springs, were drawn in the ballot of late 1942. Peter John Walsh had been drawn in a 1940 ballot. At his death in 1957, Denis Patrick Walsh was a war pensioner.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [21 November 2014]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Ref. AABK 18805 W5557 0118618) [20 December 2015]; NZ BDM Indexes (Department of Internal Affairs) [08 December 2015]; Bromley Cemetery burial records (Christchurch City Council) [30 June 2015]; Bromley Cemetery headstone transcription (South Canterbury Branch NZSG) [20 December 2015]; Temuka Leader, 28 September 1893, 30 April 1914, 19 November 1914, Timaru Herald, 16 May 1894, 29 July 1905, 17 November 1905, 6 July 1907, 14 March 1910, 12 February 1913, 2 February 1915, 28 & 30 April 1915, 23 & 24 August 1916, 13 August 1919, 24 & 28 October 1921, 4, 11 & 15 November 1921, 12 March 1929, NZ Police Gazette, 13 August 1913, 27 January 1915, NZ Tablet, 11 March 1915, 8 April 1915, Lyttelton Times, 30 April 1915, Colonist 10 April 1918, Press, 1 August 1919, 6 August 1920, 12 March 1929, Ashburton Guardian, 24 October 1921, Star, 5 & 12 March 1929 (Papers Past) [15 November 2015; 08 December 2015; 07 October 2022; 26 & 27 June 2024; 02 & 05 July 2024]; Roman Catholic Baptisms (Christchurch Diocese CD held by South Canterbury Branch NZSG) [December 2015]; School Admission records (South Canterbury Branch NZSG) [08 December 2015]; Probate records (Archives NZ/Family Search) [26 June 2024]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [20 December 2015; 26 June 2024]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record

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