Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

James Thomas Ambler, known as Jim, was born on 17 December 1897 at Geraldine, the only child of Daniel Ritchie and Mary Anderson (née Scroggie) Ambler. His mother died at her residence, Creek Station, on 2 February 1903 and his father remarried in 1905, giving James two half-sisters. At the annual distribution of prizes at the Geraldine Presbyterian Sabbath School in February 1900, James Ambler received a Junior Division prize. On 4 November 1900, the “Paparoa” arrived from London, bring among the nine passengers for Timaru – Mr D. R. Ambler, Mrs M. A. Ambler and Master J. T. Ambler. When his mother’s sister married at the Geraldine Presbyterian Church in November 1901, Master James Ambler gave the newly-weds a pickle fork and serviettes. At another wedding in the district in September 1903, he gave a ruby cake stand. James was educated at Geraldine, Arundel and Orari Bridge schools and Geraldine District High School. The Geraldine district hunt meeting was held on 29 April 1912. Among the followers was J. Ambler on Monty. At the Geraldine Hunt race meeting in July 1913, in the thrusters’ Steeplechase Handicap (for horses that have been hunted during the 1913 season to the satisfaction of the committee), Mr J. Ambler’s Montie was placed second. At the Geraldine Court in August 1913, James T. Ambler was convicted and discharged on a charge of failing to attend parades. In June prior, he had been fined 10 shillings for failing to complete his drills. In May 1915, J. Ambler (Geraldine) was elected a member of the Temuka and Geraldine A. and P. Association.

James Thomas Ambler, farming, Rangitata, was listed on the 1916 Reserve Rolls. He registered at Major J. Kennedy’s recruiting office in February 1917. Medically examined on 24 February 1917 at Temuka. He stood at 5 feet 7 inches, weighed 138 pounds, and had a chest measurement of 32½-35½ inches. His complexion was dark, his eyes brown, and his hair dark. His sight was fairly good, his hearing good, his colour vision, heart and lungs normal, and his teeth fair. His limbs and chest were well formed. He was free from diseases, vaccinated, and in good bodily and mental health. He enlisted on 16 March 1917 at Temuka, and had belonged to the 8th South Canterbury Regiment for five years. A farm labourer residing at Geraldine, single and Presbyterian, he named his father as next-of-kin – Mr Daniel R. Ambler, Geraldine, South Canterbury. Granted leave to 11 April 1917, Ambler proceeded to camp on that date. A farewell had been tendered to departing members of the 28th Reinforcements 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.

Private Ambler was posted to C Company, 28th Reinforcements, for which he had volunteered, on 11 April 1917. Ten days later he was transferred to the Mounted Rifles of the 28th Reinforcements. Trooper J. T. Ambler embarked with the 28th Reinforcements, Mounted Rifles, departing from Wellington on 7 June 1917 per the “Westralia” and disembarking at Egypt from the “Port Lincoln” on 6 August. He marched into the New Zealand Training Unit at Moascar on 6 August. After being posted to the Canterbury Mounted Rifles Squadron on 3 September, he was transferred to the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade on 26 September, leaving the Training Unit two days later. Admitted to hospital in the Field on 1 November 1917, then to the 24th Stationary Hospital, Egypt, sick with tonsilitis, on 4 November 1917, he was transferred to the hospital train at Cairo on 5 November 1917. He was posted from the Rest and Details Camp at Kantara on 7 November and was attached to the NZ Mounted Rifles Brigade again at the end of the month.

Trooper J. T. Ambler, 52549, 28th Reinforcements, was reported in Casualty List No. 825/5 on 8 April 1918. He had been wounded in action – gunshot wound to the head - on 30 March and admitted to the 24th Stationary Hospital. As of mid-April 1918, he was in the military hospital at Choubra with diphtheria – he had been admitted to the 27th General Hospital at Abbassia on 5 April. By 10 May his condition was satisfactory. On 16 May 1918 he was admitted to the Convalescent Home at Aotea, still affected by diphtheria. Leaving there for duty on 17 June, he was transferred to the NZ Mounted Rifles Brigade and was posted from the Training Regiment to the 8th Squadron. Late in 1918 Ambler embarked for the Dardanelles, disembarking back in Egypt on 31 January 1919. The medical examination conducted at Rafa on 28 February 1919 recorded that James Ambler was in good health and physical condition. He had been in hospital for four weeks in April 1918 with the gunshot wound to his head and for four weeks in May 1918 with diphtheria. A dental examination in March 1919 showed that Ambler required one tooth to be repaired.

After serving for over two years in Egypt, J. T. Ambler, 52549, of Geraldine, returned to New Zealand from Egypt, in a draft of 1095, per the “Ulimaroa”, which was due at Auckland on 6 August 1919. He had embarked at Suez on 30 June. Private Ambler and eight other Geraldine soldiers arrived by the midday troop train and were met at Orari on 12 August 1919 by members of the local motor reserve. Arriving in Geraldine, they were officially welcomed by the Deputy-Mayor who expressed his gladness at the return of the boys and called for three hearty cheers for them. He was discharged on 9 September 1919, on the termination of his period of engagement, and awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

On 8 December 1920 at “Nortoft”, Arundel, (Ashby residence) James Thomas Ambler married Mary Isabella Ashby (known as May). He was attended by his cousin, Mr W. R. Barwick, Christchurch, as best man. Three surviving sons and one daughter were born to James and May - Eric James Ambler was born on 6 October 1922 at “Nortoft”, Rangitata, followed by Donald Ashby Ambler in 1925, Stanley Ritchie Ambler in 1928 and Mary Florence Ambler in 1932. James and May resided at Orari Bridge for a few years, where he was a farm labourer; from the mid-1920s to the mid-1930s they were at Rangitata, then moving to Cooper’s Creek where his father farmed. Both James and May were very active in the community, especially at Arundel and Orari Bridge.

At the Temuka and Geraldine A. and P. Show in March 1926, J. Ambler’s “Darky” filled second position for the best troop horse, ridden by member of any mounted corps, and third place in another category. At the Temuka and Geraldine A. and P. Show in March 1927, Jim Ambler gained a third placing for his hack in the light horse section. J. Ambler followed on Darky in the Geraldine Hunt’s meeting in June following. At the 1928 show, held at the Winchester Domain, he was placed third for the best troop horse, to be ridden by member of any mounted corps. When a cribbage match was held in September 1929 between players from Arundel and Orari Bridge, Jim Ambler was a member of the winning Arundel team. It was a consolation for Mr Ambler at the euchre evening held in the Orari Bridge Hall in August 1936. Miss R. Ashby and Mr J. Ambler (Arundel) presented a dialogue “A Lock of Hair” at a concert held in October 1931 under the auspices of the Orari Bridge Branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. The pair presented a dialogue again in 1932 at the Rosewill Women’s Institute first birthday.

J. Ambler was one of 37 returned soldiers present at the annual reunion of the Geraldine Returned Soldiers’ Association held in the Town Hall on 22 May 1931. The evening was occupied with musical items, war-time choruses, and reminiscences. In welcoming all, the president said “I am sure that everyone is of the same opinion – that we should drop work, worry and depression, and have an hour or two of jollification and good fellowship. This is not a business meeting, but a social gathering at which all are to enjoy themselves.” Many toasts were proposed and responded to. In 1932, Mr J. T. Ambler was elected to the committee of Arundel School, and again in 1933 and 1936. At the annual sale of work and competitions held in October 1932 in aid of the Arundel Sunday School funds, Mr J. Ambler won the sheep weight guessing competition, his guess being 89 pounds and the actual weight 90 pounds. In July 1934, Mr J. Ambler was elected to a committee to arrange a jubilee of Orari Bridge School in January 1935. There present at the very successful jubilee celebrations in January 1935 were Mr and Mrs J. Ambler, and at the ball following. Mr J. Ambler was elected secretary of a committee formed in April 1937 to arrange a gymkhana, the proceeds of which would to the Arundel Women’s Institute, Arundel School and Peel Forest School. When it was decided to form a branch of the New Zealand Defence League in Geraldine December 1938, J. Ambler was elected to the inaugural committee. The Arundel Women’s Institute annual picnic was held on 2 January 1939, Mrs Black and Mr J. Ambler winning the chain stepping competition.

On 8 August 1939, friends gathered in the Howard Hall to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs J. Ambler and family, who were leaving the district. After dancing and supper, Mr J. McComb said a few words on behalf of Arundel residents, speaking of the many good qualities of Mr and Mrs Ambler and their family. They were presented with two handsome fireside chairs and a hearth rug. Mrs Pithie spoke on behalf of the Arundel Women’s Institute, and Mr Ambler suitably responded. Mr and Mrs J. Ambler were present for the 1939 Christmas party in the Howard Hall, at which their son Eric sang a solo. Mr J. Ambler was in charge of the nail driving and Mrs J. Ambler in charge of the cake stall at the sale of work held in October 1940 under the auspices of the Ladies’ Guild. “Well attended meetings of the Geraldine County Battalion of the Home Guard were held throughout the Geraldine and Temuka districts on Monday evening. The Group Commander (Mr R. G. Charters) attended parades at Geraldine and Orari. There were about 14 present at Orari. Concern was expressed at the small attendance and it was urged to establish a local committee to make a canvass for enlistments. Those appointed were Messrs A. Black (chairman), J. Dixon, J. T. Ambler and A. W. Kibblewhite.” [Timaru Herald. 13 February 1941.] In June 1941, Mr and Mrs Ambler and family left to reside at Te Moana. A few years later they moved to Ealing, then to Flemington before settling at Ashburton with their daughter, Mary Florence who had married Kenneth Smith in 1954. Mary Isabella Ambler, who was a staunch worker for the Presbyterian Church and one of the first members of the Arundel Women’s Institute, died at Ashburton in January 1957.

James Thomas Ambler died on 19 May 1980 at Tuarangi Home, Ashburton, aged 86 years. After a service at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Ashburton, he was buried in the Ashburton Cemetery, alongside Mary Isobel (May) predeceased him by some 23 years. He was survived by his three sons and one daughter and their families, and by one of his half-sisters. James bequeathed his 1957 Ford Popular motorcar to his granddaughters Jillian Smith and Christine Smith, and all household items to his daughter Mary Florence Smith. He left the whole of his estate to granddaughters – Philipa ambler, Diane Ambler, Jillian Smith and Christine Smith. The value of his property was $5,303 – cash in possession $3,000, Post Office account $2,003, motor car $300.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [01 January 2015]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Ref. AABK 18805 W5520 0007957) [15 April 2015]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Ref. AABK 18805 W5562 0126880) [15 April 2015]; Timaru Herald, 13 February 1900, 5 November 1900, 18 July 1913, 27 August 1913, 5 May 1915, 22 March 1917, 10 April 1917, 6 October 1919, 15 January 1921, 7 October 1922, 21 June 1927, 1 October 1929, 25 May 1931, 22 October 1931, 29 August 1932, 22 October 1932, 3 May 1933, 24 July 1934, 19 & 21 January 1935, 2 May 1936, 25 August 1936, 10 April 1937, 3 December 1938, 4 January 1939, 12 August 1939, 19 December 1939, 16 October 1940, 20 June 1941, Temuka Leader, 5 February 1903, 30 April 1912, 20 February 1917, 7, 12 & 14 April 1917, 14 August 1919, 27 March 1926, Press, 19 June 1913, 27 August 1913, 21 January 1921, 7 October 1922, 1 April 1927, 28 March 1928, 21 April 1932, 24 November 1951, 14 & 22 January 1957, 20 May 1980, New Zealand Times, 11 & 12 April 1918, 31 July 1919 (Papers Past) [07 January 2015; 12 August 2015; 29 October 2020; 08 November 2020; 22 August 2022; 19 & 20 February 2025]; School Admission records (South Canterbury Branch NZSG) [07 January 2015]; Timaru Herald, 14 January 1957, 23 May 1980 (Timaru District Library) [ 08 May 2015]; Ashburton Cemetery records (Ashburton District Council) [20 February 2025]; Probate record (Archives NZ Collections – Record number CH993/1980) [20 February 2025]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [20 February 2025]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• AMBLER James Thomas - newspaper clippings (pdf, 124.0 KB updated 21-Mar-2025)

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