Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

Cecil Warren Webber was the youngest of the family of Edmund and Caroline Charlotte (née Birchall) Webber. He was born on 25 February 1892 at Crinan Street, Invercargill. Edmund and Caroline who married in 1873, had three daughters followed by four sons. Sadly, only three lived to adulthood. Frances Eleanor Webber died in 1876, aged 1 year; Edmund Rupert in 1881 at 7 weeks; Alfred Reginald in 1888 at 6 months; Constance Leonora, the first-born, died in 1890, aged 11 years. Edmund Webber was a schoolteacher who was employed at some country schools before settling at Invercargill and teaching at Invercargill South School where he was the headmaster for many years from 1883, including the time when his children were pupils there. Cecil started his education at Invercargill South School. In his first year (1897) he received a prize for General improvement in the Infants class. The year before he had been recognised for reading in the Kindergarten class. In 1898 he again received a prize for improvement, this time in Standard I. In 1900 it was a special prize for Standard III history. In 1902 he was admitted to both Forest Hill East (Hokonui) School and Seaward Moss School. Among the Otago and Southland candidates who passed examinations for scholarships and free places, as published on 21 January 1906, was C. Webber. Cecil went on to Southland Boys’ High School (1904-1908), playing in both the School XV and the School XI. In February 1907 it was announced that Cecil W. Webber had passed the civil service junior examination with credit.

At the Southland A. and P. Association’s summer show in December 1905, C. Webber was placed third with his pony (13 hands or under). At the “Rugby Rally” stall competitions in mid-1906, Cecil Webber got among the winners. He finished second in the finals of both the 100 Yards handicap (under 15) and the 220 Yards handicap (under 15) at the Southland Boys’ High School annual sports on 1 November 1906. Later in the month, Cadet Webber (H.S.C.) shared the best score in the Cadet match conducted by the Southland Rifle Association. C. Webber played at left back, starring on occasion, in the Southland hockey team which narrowly lost a splendid representative match against Auckland at Invercargill in August 1909. The following week he played splendidly in the representative match against Wanganui, which ended in a draw. The Southland Boys’ High School Sports – “the only amateur sports gathering in Invercargill” - were scheduled for 27 October 1909 and included several Old Boys events. C Webber was one who received entries and was also a handicapper. At the Lumsden Caledonian Society’s Christmas Day 1909 sports, C. Webber finished second in the Maiden Race (100 yards) and earned 10 shillings. July 1911 found him participating as a cyclist (light weight machine) in the combined motor run of car owners and cyclists conducted by the Southland Motor Association. A member of the Invercargill Football Club, he was selected in the Town Junior team to play in a representative match on 7 June 1911, and in a junior trial team August.

Cecil Webber started his working life with the National Bank in Invercargill, before making his way to South Canterbury by late 1910, where he competed in running events (handicap) at the Temuka Boxing Day sports, finishing second (20 shillings prize) in the 100 Yards Maiden Handicap and second on a heat of the 120 Yards Handicap. He entered several events at the South Canterbury Caledonian Society’s 1911 New Year sports. He scored £4 for winning the 75 Yards Handicap and 10 shillings for third place in the Running Long Jump (handicap). He finished third in the Running Long Jump N.Z. Championship and competed in the Hop, Step and Jump Handicap also. He was back at the Caledonian Society]s sports at New Year 1912, gaining 10 shillings for his third place in the Running Long Jump. At the Pleasant Point Caledonian Society’s annual sports in December 1912, he ‘earned’ 25 shillings for first place in the final of the 100 Yards Handicap. He entered the Long Jump for the South Canterbury 1913 New Year sports.

“The friends of Mr Cecil Webber, formerly in the Law office of Messrs Hall, Stout and Lilllcrap. and now with Mr W. H. Walton, Timaru, will be interested to know that he was successful in passing in four subjects at the recent solicitor’s examination.” [Southland Times. 19 December 1913.] Enlisting on 16 March 1915 at Trentham, Cecil named his father as next-of-kin – Edmund Webber, C/o Mrs Ferguson, 56 Albany Street, Dunedin. He also named Miss Ellen Webber, 12 Alexandra Terrace, Exmouth, Devon. Ellen was probably his aunt, the only girl in his father’s family, with seven brothers. She was born in 1851 and died in 1939, unmarried. His father Edmund was later of Ophir, Central Otago. Cecil was a law clerk, his address care of W. H. Walton, Timaru, the law firm for whom he worked. He was single and of Church of England affiliation. He had served with the Southland Mounted Rifles for five years, resigning on account of interference with studies. He had been with the Reserves since 1912 (including “J” Battery for 6 months.

Cecil had been medically examined on 5 February 1915. He stood at 5 feet 8 inches, weighed 145 pounds, and had a chest measurement of 33-36 inches, with a fair complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. His sight, hearing and colour vision were all good, his limbs and chest well formed, his heart and lungs normal, and his teeth fairly good. He was free of diseases but not vaccinated, and he was in good bodily and mental health. Sergeant C. W. Webber embarked with the Canterbury Infantry Battalion of the 6th Reinforcements, leaving Wellington for Suez, Egypt on 14 August 1915. Joining his Battalion on 30 September at Mudros and reverting to ranks, he was promoted to Sergeant the next day at Anzac. After disembarking at Alexandria on 30 December 1915, he embarked at Port Said for France per the “Franconia” 6 April 1916.

Sergeant Webber was admitted to No. 1 New Zealand Field Ambulance in the Field in France on 6 August 1916, suffering from influenza, then six days later admitted to No. 2 Australian General Hospital at Wimereux. Embarking for England per Hospital Ship “St Denis” on 22 August, he was admitted to No. 2 New Zealand General Hospital at Walton, then transferred from Walton to the New Zealand Convalescent Camp at Grey Towers (Hornchurch) on 19 September. As of 1 November 1916, he was convalescent at Hornchurch. At the annual meeting of the Timaru Tennis Club on 26 September 1916, it was noted in the report that the Roll of Honour of the Club included one member who had been killed in action and twenty-one others who were on active service, C. W. Webber among them.

On 8 September 1917, he left Hornchurch for the New Zealand Command Depot at Codford where he was attached to Strength then went on leave on 24 September. He was taken on Strength from the New Zealand Command Depot at Codford on 17 October and detailed for a course of instruction, marching out to the Welsh Guards. On 28 November 1917, he was again attached to the New Zealand Command Depot at Codford. Promoted to Company Quarter Master Sergeant on 7 January 1918, Webber marched out to the New Zealand Discharge Depot at Torquay. A draft of returned troops (Draft 143) which arrived at Wellington on 6 March 1918, carried 6/2800 Sergeant Cecil Warren Webber, whose parents had moved to the School at Ophir, Central Otago. He had embarked, on duty, at Plymouth on 10 January 1918 per the “Arawa”. On reaching Timaru by the south bound express on 7 March, Webber and eight comrades were greeted by an unusually large crowd assembled outside the station. The men were then met on the platform by the Mayor and members of the Citizens’ Reception Committee. “The returned men were all looking particularly happy and the good effects of their long sea voyage were apparent.” From the station steps, the Mayor said that all were pleased to see them home once more and wished them a most hearty home-coming. It was not until 24 August 1918 that Cecil Warren Webber was discharged, no longer physically fit for War Service on account of illness contracted on Active Service. For his service in all theatres of war and some months at home he was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, The British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Lieut. Cecil Webber, formerly of the National Bank staff, Invercargill, who had seen three years active service in Egypt, Gallipoli, and France, returned to Trentham Camp on 26 March 1918. He next spent a week in Invercargill visiting old friends, then stayed with Mrs Irvine of Highfield, Timaru.

C. W. Webber reported as an out-patient at Timaru Hospital on 4 April 1918, complaining of cough, poor appetite and shortage of breath on exertion. He was admitted to hospital for investigation, but no definite diagnosis was made. He was sent to Christchurch for a chest examination. Cecil W. Webber was ordered to report as an in-patient at Timaru Hospital on 9 April 1918. The Medical Superintendent at Timaru Hospital wrote on 22 April 1918 – “This man has been suffering from general debility. I have found no definite lesion in the chest. He is troubled a good deal with cough. He has been in the ward under observation from 8/4/18 to 18/4/18 – during that time there was no rise of temperature after exercise, but the pulse has been found to be 120 a quarter of an hour after a walk. I am inclined to think that t would be wise to have him examined by Dr Blackman.” A Medical Board was assembled at the Drill Hall, Timaru on 23 April 1918 to examine and report on Q. M. Sgt. Cecil Warren Webber, of 29 Seddon Street, Timaru – that was Mrs Irvine’s address (mother of Ivy). His original disability was Trench Fever, caused by exposure while on Active Service. Consequent disabilities were cough, debility and tachycardia on exertion. Progress was stationary. He would probably be unfit for three months. Treatment as an out-patient at Timaru was recommended. When he was examined again on 21 May 1918, he was improving slowly, though he felt much the same. His disability was likely to continue for twelve months. It was recommended that he be re-examined in six months and be treated as an out-patient at Cromwell. The next Medical Board assessment took place on 28 June at Dunedin. He was improving and would receive treatment at Dunedin Hospital. A further examination was conducted on 23 August 1918 at Dunedin. He had improved, but discharge was recommended.

On 3 July 1918 at Dunedin, Cecil Warren Webber married Ivy Agnes Grace Irvine, of Timaru, the sister of Raymond Alexander Williams Irvine who also served in World War One. The celebrant was the Knox Church minister. Shortly after, he and others were the victims of theft when a burglar entered a house in Dunedin and stole 12 shillings, the property of Cecil Warren Webber. In the court in August an order was made for the sums to be restored to them. Better was the news in March 1920, when Mr C. W. Webber was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court, on the motion of Mr W. H. Walton.

In May 1919 at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the South Canterbury Returned Soldiers’ Association, Mr Webber spoke in support of the motion that the R.S.A. could not support the Y.M.C.A. with their building proposal as it overlapped their own plans. At a special meeting of the two associations two weeks later, Mr C. Webber spoke in appreciation of the work of the Y.M.C.A., but said the position was that the R.S.A. would prefer to go on their own in their building scheme. It was in no sense a personal matter. Cecil returned to the employ of Mr Walton and was admitted to the bar as a barrister and solicitor. In 1924 he established his own practice.

In 1920 Cecil got into golf and met with success in club competitions as well as at regional and South Island levels. At the Timaru Magistrate’s Court in May 1927, a judgement was given in favour of Cecil W. Webber for £1 11s. 6d in an undefended civil case. Another judgement was given in his favour in February 1931, this time for £41 6/8 plus costs. All the while he was appearing in court in his professional capacity. He incurred a fine in July 1932, one of twelve owners of unlicensed radio receiving sets. In May 1934, he experienced the courtroom from the other side, when he and several other motorists were charged with passing, and attempting to pass a vehicle within 150 feet of a crest of a hill, where the driver did not have . . . . . Cecil W. Webber pleaded guilty to a technical offence, stating that he drew out of the line to follow a small car, which was leading the line. He did not know why the small car had pulled out of the line, and fearing that . . . . . , he kept behind the car in front. The traffic inspector did not get the number of the car in front. ‘The Magistrate (with a smile): “You know what to do now. Mr Webber.” He said that the offence was not generally known, and this had been the first prosecution in Timaru. Motorists should strictly observe the regulations, however, as the offence might prove serious. The inspector: The cases have been brought more as a warning. Defendant was ordered to pay costs 3/-,’ considerably less than the other offenders. Charged with driving in Wai-iti Road at a speed exceeding 30 miles an hour on 25 May 1937, Cecil Warren Webber pleaded not guilty, questioning the traffic inspector on several aspects. He drew attention to the statement by the Minister of Transport that it was the duty of inspectors to warn motorists and assist them, but not to “be pimps and hide behind fences.” Satisfied that Webber had exceeded the speed limit, the Magistrate imposed a penalty of 10 shillings with costs. An uncommon charge, that of driving a car without reasonable consideration for other users of the road, was preferred against Webber in the Timaru Magistrate’s Court on 8 September 1938. The offence had been committed on the Hinds Road on 25 June. The Magistrate did not need to hear from defendant, because he did not consider the evidence showed a want of consideration, and the charge was dismissed. In December 1938, Cecil Warren Webber was fined £1 plus costs on a charge of having parked his car for over the 20-minute time limit in Stafford Street. In April 1944, Cecil Warren Webber sold a four-roomed wooden cottage at 129 Evans Street (Timaru) for £350. He was again fined in August 1944, this time for having no driver’s licence. All the while, alongside these indiscretions, Webber’s defence work continued. Subject to a reduction in price to £1350, approval was given for Cecil Warren Webber to sell a five-roomed brick veneer house at 2 Hertnon Street (Timaru) in September 1945. Perhaps one of his last personal connections with the justice system was in July 1965 when a mechanic was ordered to pay him £128 7s 6d.

Cecil Warren Webber died suddenly on 24 April 1974 between Timaru and Ashburton, aged 82 years. Following a service at St Mary’s Anglican Church, Timaru, he was cremated privately at Salisbury Park Crematorium. Members of the South Canterbury RSA attended his funeral service. He was survived by his wife Ivy who died on 24 March 1981 at Bidwill Hospital, Timaru and was also cremated privately. By his will, signed in February 1974, Cecil directed that his body be cremated and his ashes interred in his plot at Salisbury Park Crematorium. He bequeathed all to his wife, Ivy Agnes Grace Webber. Should she have predeceased him, his estate was to be divided among his nephews and nieces and a sister-in-law. Cecil had been predeceased by his sister Kate and brother John. He was the oldest practising solicitor in Timaru and one of the longest serving in New Zealand. He was also interested in racing, owning several gallopers, in fishing and in philately. His 1937 Ford V8 which recorded 500,000 miles was his pride and joy.

John Oswald Webber, an older brother of Cecil, also served in World War One. Two cousins who were also born in New Zealand, to Edmund’s youngest brother Alfred Septimus Webber and his wife Emily, lost their lives in the war – Alleyne Gordon Webber, who served with the New Zealand Forces, was killed in action on 6 August 1915 at Gallipoli, and Gerard Kingsley Webber, who served with the Royal Fusiliers, died in Manchester, England, on 2 February 1917 of wounds received in action in France. The three sons of John Oswald and Ethel May Webber – Edmund Godfrey Webber, John Gerard Webber and Nevile Pritchard – all served in World War Two.

Mr Edmund Webber, who had landed at Caroline Bay in a surf boat when he came to New Zealand in 1867, was a cadet at a South canterbury station before going to Dunedin and embarking on a lengthy teaching career. Highly respected in his chosen profession, he retired in 1913. After retirement Mr and Mrs lived briefly in Dunedin before moving to Ophir in Central Otago, to help at the school, there being an acute shortage of teachers during the war. It was at Ophir that Caroline Webber died on 19 April 1923. She was buried in the local Blacks Cemetery. After her death, Edmund moved to Timaru, residing initially with Cecil and Ivy. He died suddenly at Timaru on 13 August 1938 and was buried there.

An interesting ceremony took place at Invercargill’s South School in August 1916, when a roll of honour was unveiled in the presence of a deeply interested gathering of parents and other relatives of men at the front. The roll “bore the names of 218 ex-pupils of the school who responded to the call of King and Country, with a number still to be added, to say nothing of those who may have enlisted elsewhere.” The school drum and fife band played several selections in the course of the afternoon, one, appropriately enough, being “The Heroes.” “The memories of the old boys who had volunteered for duty would be revered for generations to come, . . . . . Not only had they shown courage and bravery, but they had also shown that they were possessed of great initiative.” Seventeen had already made the supreme sacrifice. The gathering closed with the playing by the band of the National Anthem. The roll of honour contained scores of names, among them O. Webber and C. Webber.

A photograph of C. W. Webber (Timaru) was printed in the Press of 25 August 1930 when Cecil won the junior championship at the North Canterbury golf tournament. [See attachment]

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [08 January 2015]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Ref. AABK18805 W5557 0120231) [15 January 2016]; NZ BDM Indexes (Department of Internal Affairs) [08 January 2015]; School Admission records (Southland Branch NZSG) [08 January 2015]; Southland Boys High School Register (ancestry.com.au) [25/11/2016]; Salisbury Park Crematorium records (South Canterbury Branch NZSG records) [08 January 2015]; Timaru Herald, 26 April 1974 (Timaru District Library) [05 February 2016]; Southland Times, 27 February 1892, 17 December 1896, 20 December 1897, 17 Dec 1898, 21 December 1900, 14 December 1905, 25 January 1906, 4 June 1906, 2 & 12 November 1906, 9 February 1907, 26 August 1909, 2 September 1909, 2 & 25 October 1909, 28 December 1909, 2 February 1911, 1 June 1911, 29 July 1911, 12 August 1911, 4 November 1913, 19 December 1913, 17 August 1916, 18 May 1926, Temuka Leader, 24, 29 & 31 December 1910, 3, 5 & 15 January 1911, 2 January 1912, 17 December 1912, 31 December 1912, 28 March 1916, Timaru Herald, 18 December 1913, 27 September 1916, 8 March 1918, 10 July 1918, 22 May 1919, 7 June 1919, 19 March 1920, 5 June 1920, 12 May 1927, 19 February 1931, 8 July 1932, 25 May 1934, 11 June 1937, 15 & 16 August 1938, 9 September 1938, 2 December 1938, 4 April 1944, 18 August 1944, 26 September 1945, Southern Cross, 19 August 1916, 20 July 1918, 3 August 1918, Sun, 4 March 1918, Evening Post, 6 March 1918, Otago Witness, 10 & 17 April 1918, 14 August 1918, 24 April 1923, Evening Star, 17 July 1918, Press, 12 May 1927, 25 August 1930, 8 July 1932, 16 August 1938, 29 July 1964, 26 April 1974, 26 March 1981 (Papers Past) [08 January 2015; 15 January 2016; 21, 22, 23, 25, 26 & 27 May 2024; 03 June 2024]; Timaru Herald, 26 April 1974 (Obituary, held by South Canterbury Branch NZSG); NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [26 May 2024]; Probate record (Archives NZ Collections – Record number TU449/1974) [27 May 2024]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• WEBBER Cecil Warren - newspaper clippings (pdf, 576.7 KB updated 25-Oct-2024)

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