Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

George Tuthill Wardell was the son of Mr John Toothill (John Tuthill) and Mary Ann (née Chapman) Wardell of Hull, England. He was born on 18 July 1885 at Hull, Yorkshire, England, his birth registered as George Toothil Wardell. John and Mary who married in 1874, had a family of thirteen – eleven sons and two daughters, although the eldest son died at the age of eleven, the second-born son in infancy and the youngest son at the age of three. The family lived at Sculcoates in the vicinity of Hull for many years. George was a scholar at home with his parents and siblings in 1891. An apprentice bricklayer in 1901, he was still at home. Come 1911 and at least four of the family had emigrated – Joseph (possibly before 1901), William (an apprentice painter in 1901), George and Ethel. In January 1911, William had a very narrow escape from drowning while bathing with his brother (Joseph) in the river Avon. Joseph married in 1907 in New Zealand, and both William and Ethel in 1914. George had come to New Zealand in about 1906. Did all four come together? George Luthill Wardell was a bricklayer residing at Werry’s Hotel, Timaru in 1911 and at the Empire Hotel in 1914. In January 1920, their parents (John T. and Mary Ann) and three other siblings (Elsie, Frank and Stanley) set sail for Christchurch, New Zealand per the “Athenic”.

G. Wardell was one of the strokes selected for crews in the Timaru Rowing Club’s “President’s Fours” in January 1911. In September he was elected to the committee of the new society formed for “the further improvement of Caroline Bay and its surroundings”. In January 1912, G. Warner was appointed a judge at the Caroline Bay Swimming Club’s carnival to be held on 8 February. These interests continued throughout 1912. In September 1913 he donated three chairs towards the seating accommodation in the new pavilion of the Caroline Bay Association. In late January 1915, G. T. Warner was present at the sub-committee meeting of the Patriotic Carnival Committee. When a subscription list for the New Zealand Hospital Ship was started a few months on, he gave £1. In July the same year, G. Wardell was doing the brickwork on the new mill for the new milling company in Timaru. In March 1916, G. T. Wardell submitted a tender price of £1178 for the erection of the Baptist Church in Wilson Street.

It was on 12 January 1917 that the name of George Luthill [sic] Wardell, bricklayer, Empire Hotel, Timaru, was drawn in the Third Ballot under the Military Service Act. The Hon. James Allen stated on 11 January that “he had no intimation yet as to the number of ballot men who have not yet obeyed instructions to report to the Medical Boards or have not turned up when ordered to mobilise. If there were any such men he urged them to fulfil their instructions, as the Government would have to carry out the provisions of the Act. He hoped, and much preferred, that men would come of their own free will and be treated as only absent without leave instead of for a more serious offence — desertion.”

George Tuthill Wardell was medically examined and enlisted on 31 January/2 March 1917 at Timaru. He was 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighed 140 pounds, and had a chest measurement of 31½-35 inches. His complexion was dark, his eyes blue, and his hair brown. His sight, hearing, colour vision, heart and lungs were all normal, his limbs and chest well formed. He was free from disease and defects, was vaccinated, and was in good bodily and mental health. He had a small mole on his back. He was assessed Fit, Class A. A master builder, residing at the Empire Hotel, Timaru, single and of Church of England affiliation, he named his father as next-of-kin – Mr J. T. Wardell, Hull Times Office, Whitefriar Gate, Hull, England, noting that his parents had never resided in New Zealand. He also named his sister (Ethel) - Mrs A. Rowland, 68 Ferry Road, Linwood, Christchurch, later of 28 Lincoln Road, Christchurch.

“Mr G. T. Wardell, a well-known Timaru building contractor, was a passenger for the south by the first express this morning. Mr Wardell has been in | Christchurch expediting a special building contract, in order that he may have his business so arranged as to permit him to go to camp shortly.” [Sun. 6 February 1917.] At the sitting of the Second Canterbury Military Service Appeal Board on 28 February 1917, George T. Wardell, Timaru, said he had important building contracts to attend to. He had two brothers at the Front, and two had been called up in the ballot. He was allowed till April 30. Those already at the Front were probably two of George’s brothers still at home in England – Walter, Harry, Frank; while those called up may have come from the same group plus Arthur (also at home). Joseph and William, who were in Christchurch, New Zealand, were both called up in 1918, Joseph (an engine fitter) in January, a ballot draw following in June, and William (a painter) in April.

The South Canterbury quota of the 29th Reinforcements, which included George L. [sic] Wardell, left Timaru for Trentham Camp on 30 April 1917 at short notice because of transport rearrangements. George was posted to the 32nd Reinforcements with the rank of Corporal. Reverting to ranks (Private) on 28 August at his own request, he was transferred to Headquarters Stores the next day. There followed promotion to Corporal then to Quartermaster Sergeant before he was transferred to the 35th Reinforcements on 14 October 1917.

Quartermaster Sergeant G. T. Wardell embarked with the 35th Reinforcements, leaving Wellington for Southampton, England per the “Tofua” on 2 March 1918. Disembarking at Suez on 8 April 1918, he marched in and was posted to Strength. Embarking again at Suez on 30 April 1918, he disembarked at Southampton on 15 May and marched into Brocton. On 18 May at Sling he was taken on Strength. A Sergeant with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, George declared on 18 June 1918 that he had made a Will in New Zealand which was left in the custody of Solicitors at Timaru. On failing to qualify at the N.C.O’s (Non-Commissioned Officer) course, he relinquished his Temporary appointment and reverted to ranks (Rifleman) on 19 June 1918. After undertaking a course of instruction at Brocton on 27 August and qualifying “Grade 1B” in the Lewis Gun course, he was posted to 1/NZ Rifle Brigade. Leaving for France on 11 September 1918, he marched into Base at Étaples on 13 September and joined his Battalion a few days later. On 19 October 1918 he was admitted to Hospital from the Field, suffering with irritability of the bladder. He was admitted to No. 38 Casualty Clearing Station on 3 November 1918, then to No. 20 General Hospital on 5 November, and finally to New End Hospital at Hampstead on 7 November. He was transferred from the Military Hospital at Hampstead to Hornchurch on 14 November, then discharged from Hornchurch to Codford on 26 November for leave until 11 December. It was noted that his complaint should read “Retention of Urine”.

A Medical Board was assembled at the N.Z. Command Depot at Codford on 28 January 1919 to assess 54216 Rfm G. T. Wardell. His disability – bronchitis – originated in France in October 1918. At first, he was never reported sick with cough. He was sent to hospital with urinary troubles, called retention but reports were contradictory. On 7 November 1918, he was admitted to New End Military Hospital at Hampstead, and on 14 November he was discharged to Hornchurch. At that date, the reason for admission was retention of urine; on 15 November it was cold in the head. He was discharged from Hornchurch to Codford on 25 November 1918, with the recommendation of B3. His disability may have been caused by the climate. As of January 1919, he was complaining of cough; his sputum was white and frothy; his B.S. [breathing?] under the right clavicle was harsh; numerous rhineti all over his chest. His disability was the result of active service and would last for at least three months. The degree of disablement was less than 20%. The Board recommended that he be classified B3 [awaiting a ship home]. 54216 G. T. Wardell returned to New Zealand per the “Corinthic” (Draft 236), embarking at Tilbury on 12 March 1919 and disembarking at Lyttelton on 22 April 1919. He was discharged on 21 May 1919, on the termination of his period of engagement, and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

George Tuthill Wardell, of Timaru, married Alix May Anstis on 6 December 1922 at the Basilica, Hill Street, Wellington. Ian Harris Wardell who was born on May 1927 and Jennifer Wardell who was born in 1934 were baptized on 4 October 1934 at St Mary’s Timaru, George’s brother Frank Wardell a sponsor for Jennifer. George and Alix resided in Timaru, George resuming his work as a bricklayer. By December 1923, the proprietress of the Empire Hotel had had the hotel extensively renovated and “brought thoroughly up to date in all its departments”. Tho whole work reflected credit on the architect (Mr L. L. Miles) and on Mr G. T. Wardell, who carried out the building work, and Messrs Hutton and Dawson, who executed all carpentry work. In July 1928, George T. Wardell tendered, unsuccessfully, for the erection of a Public Hall, Library and Offices, the lowest tender being accepted and his the second lowest.

“On Thursday next [31 January 1929] at 1.30 p.m., Morton and Co., Ltd., will sell on account of Mr George Wardell at No. 4 Hart Street, the whole of his very artistic household furniture and effects, also his beautifully situated 2-storey brick bungalow fitted with every modern convenience, and as Mr Wardell is taking over the Club Hotel everything is for absolute sale.” So, in 1929 George became a hotel proprietor in Timaru, firstly at the Club Hotel where his licence was renewed in 1931. At the annual meeting of the Timaru Licensing Committee held on 6 June 1929, George T. Wardell, Club Hotel, was granted a publican’s licence, also a conditional licence for the South Canterbury Racing Club’s meeting, and for the South Canterbury Hunt Club’s meeting, on July 27. It was at the Club Hotel in 1929 that he had a brush with the law. “George Tuthill Wardell was charged that, on Sunday, April 21 [1929], being the holder of a publican’s license in respect of the Club Hotel, he did, at a time when such premises are directed to be closed, in pursuance of the Licensing Act, 1908, and its amendments, open such premises for the sale of liquor. Two further charges were preferred against Wardell: (1) That he did sell liquor at a time when his premises, under the provisions of the Licensing Act, were directed to be closed; (2) That he did expose liquor for sale, in the premises of the Club Hotel, contrary to the provisions of the Licensing Act, 1908. Wardell pleaded guilty to the sale of liquor. The other two charges were withdrawn by the police. . . . . . . . Sergeant Peterson had visited the hotel and found eight men at the bar. . . . . . . . Wardell was only on a temporary license, and the police would have to decide as to whether he should be granted a license. At the time of the visit, Wardell was still in bed. . . . . . . . The Magistrate said it was carelessness on Wardell’s part. He would be fined £2 and costs for selling the liquor. . . . . . .” George T. Wardell, licensee of the Club Hotel, was charged with selling liquor after hours on the night of 14 November 1931. It was, in fact, a barman-porter who had supplied liquor after hours. Both pleaded guilty. The barman admitted having served the men. The licensee returned later, stating that he had been to the pictures, which statement the police had no reason to doubt. “Wardell was very reasonable about the matter, and put nothing in the way of the police.” The licensee was accustomed to visit the pictures on Saturday nights, leaving the barman-porter with the keys of the bar. “Referring to the case against the licensee, the Magistrate said that although Wardell was absent from the hotel, he was still liable. Wardell appeared to be a good hotel-keeper, and the Magistrate did not think he encouraged breaches of the Act. He would be fined £2, and costs 10/-.”

As of September 1932, George T. Wardell was a committee member of the Timaru Trotting Club. In June 1933, a transfer of the licence of the Royal Hotel, Temuka, and a new licence for same were granted to George T. Wardell. He was afterwards at the Dominion, where he held the licence in 1935 through into the 1940s. Another breach occurred in September 1937. “As a result of a police visit to the Dominion Hotel on a Sunday afternoon, the licensee, George Tuthill Wardell appeared . . . . in the Timaru Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with selling liquor after hours. The barman, James Miller, was charged with supplying liquor after hours and Andrew Rankin was charged with being found on the premises after hours. Pleas of guilty were entered. . . . . Sergeant Black and Constable Ward visited the hotel at 3.45 p.m. . . . . . Wardell was absent at the time and had said that he left instructions for the barman to serve guests only. . . . . . . Wardell had not been before the Court since 1929. . . . . . . . said that Wardell and his wife were away for the afternoon and had given instructions that the bar was to be kept closed. It was difficult to see what more the licensee could have done, but that did not absolve him from blame as he was responsible for the acts of his servants. Wardell who had a good record did all that was humanly possible to see that the law was not broken. The licensee and the barman were each fined £3 with costs 3/- . . . . . .” In October 1938, George T. Wardell nominated a fellow citizen to fill a vacancy on the Timaru Borough Council, no election being necessary.

From 4 May 1943, George Wardell held the rank of temporary 2nd Lieutenant in the Home Service in World War Two. On 5 November 1943 S/Sgt George Tuthill, Le Crens Terrace, Timaru, was appointed to a Commission as Assistant Quartermaster, Timaru Battalion, in the rank of 2/Lieut (Temp) and was appointed to the Home Guard. He was posted to the Reserve of Officers on 1 January 1944. Subscriptions to the Third Liberty Loan in mid-1943 drew a good number of groups and individuals in the Timaru postal district, G. T. Wardell subscribing £500. Perhaps he also subscribed to the subscription of the Council of the Licensed Trade of South Canterbury. By 1949 he had taken up the licence for the Lake Pukaki Hotel. On retiring in the early 1950s, George and Alix moved to 23 The Terrace, Timaru.

George Tuthill died on 23 July 1959 at Timaru, aged 74 years. After a funeral service at St Mary’s Anglican Church, he was buried in the Timaru Cemetery. Brethren of Lodge Koranga No. 197 and members of the South Canterbury R.S.A. paid their respects at his funeral, as did both outdoor and indoor R.S.A. bowlers for whom he was the patron. His headstone is inscribed ‘George Toothil’ – the same spelling as occurred in his birth registration. His next-of-kin was his widow – Mrs Alix Wardell, 23 The Terrace, Timaru. He was survived also by his daughter Jennifer and son Ian. George appointed both his daughter and his son, along with local accountants, as executors and trustees of his estate. He left to his wife many personal items and the right to occupy the residential property and use all articles therein. Alix Wardell who was some ten years younger than George died on 14 June 1961 at Timaru and was buried with him after a Funeral Mass at the Sacred Heart Church. Two brothers of George – Joseph Wardell and William Wardell – were listed on the New Zealand World War One Reserve Rolls. Three other brothers who had remained at home probably served with the British Forces - Walter Wardell (Military Medal?), Harry Wardell and Frank Wardell. Two nephews of George served with the New Zealand Forces in World War Two – John Whiteford Wardell, the son of his brother William, and George Alexander Rowland, the son of his sister Ethel.

John Tuthill and Mary Ann Wardell, and Elsie, Frank and Stanley emigrated after the war. All the family who settled in New Zealand died at Christchurch - Mary Ann Wardell (loved mother of Joe, Arthur, Bill, George, Ethel, Harry, Elsie, Frank, and Stan) in 1944 and John Tuthill (loved father of Joe, Arthur, Bill, George, Ethel, Harry, Elsie, Frank, and Stan) in 1945; Joseph in 1963, William in 1972, Ethel (Mrs Rowland) in 1972, Elsie (Mrs Frew) in 1976, Frank in 1974, and Stanley in 1960. Ian Harris Wardell, son of George and Alix, met an early death (1971); he was a Mackenzie Country runholder and ex-publican of the Pukaki Hotel. Jennifer Wardell, a widow, still lives in Timaru.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [20 July 2016]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Ref. AABK 18805 W5557 0119058) [23 September 2016], NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Ref. AABK 18805 W5969 0550788) [23 September 2016]; Timaru Cemetery headstone image (Timaru District Council) [20 July 2016]; 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911 England census returns (ancestry.com.au) [20 July 2016]; Timaru Herald, 24 & 25 July 1959 (Timaru District Library) [16 September 2016]; England Birth Registration Index (Free BDM) [20 July 2016]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [20 July 2016; 16 May 2024]; Probate record (Archives NZ/Family Search) [28 July 2016]; Timaru Herald, 24 January 1911, 28 September 1911, 24 January 1912, 22 September 1913, 30 January 1915, 24 May 1915, 2 July 1915, 23 March 1916, 13 January 1917, 1 March 1917, 30 April 1917, 8 December 1923, 1 June 1927, 23 July 1928, 26 January 1929, 7 June 1929, 10 May 1929, 5 June 1931, 20 November 1931, 6 June 1933, 7 June 1935, 17 September 1937, 3 June 1938, 22 October 1938, 6 June 1941, 13 July 1943, Sun, 5 February 1917, 15 January 1918, Lyttelton Times, 25 April 1918, 10 April 1919, Star, 19 June 1918, NZ Times, 10 April 1919, Press, 2 September 1932, 6 June 1944, 1 August 1945, 8 & 9 August 1955, 12 & 13 July 1961, 25 July 1959, 7 September 1960, 15 June 1961, 6 & 7 August 1963, 2 March 1972, 1 & 3 July 1972, 14 & 15 August 1972, 1 April 1974, 19 & 20 May 1976 (Papers Past) [10 April 2022; 16 & 17 May 2024]; Medal Cards, etc (UK Archives – Discovery) [17 May 2024]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [20/07/2016; 16/05/2024]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

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