Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

Charles Edward Buzan was born on 18 May 1886 at Opihi, South Canterbury, the second son of Alfred and Betsy (née Goodson) Buzan. In March 1896, Charles, his sister Frances Alice and his brother Cornelius were admitted to Southburn School from Pareora. Charles left in August 1901 for work. In 1899 Mr Alfred Buzan was a gardener at Pareora Station. “A pretty wedding was celebrated at the Basilica yesterday, when Miss Agnes Ross, eldest daughter of Mr John Ross, of Enfield, was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Mr Charles Buzan, of Enfield. . . . . . Mr Con. Buzan, brother of the bridegroom, acted as best man. The bridegroom’s present to the bride was a gold neck chain and torquoise pendant, and to the bridesmaid a gold brooch. The happy couple left in the afternoon by train for the north, where the honeymoon will be spent.” [Oamaru Mail. 28 September 1911.] So, Charles married Agnes Bridget Ross at Oamaru. A daughter, Estelle Frances, was born in 1915 at Oamaru.

In early December 1917, the name of Charles Edward Buzan, a farm labourer of Kakanui, was drawn in the second ballot of the Second Division. He enlisted on 15 January 1918 at Oamaru. “On Monday evening last a number of friends and neighbors assembled at the residence of Mr C. E. Buzan [Kakanui] to bid farewell and spend a social evening with Mr and Mrs Buzau on account of their leaving the district. Mr Buzan has been called up for service, and left with the North Otago quota on Tuesday, and Mrs Buzan is going to reside in Oamaru during her husband’s absence. Mr J. Gallagher presided, and a very pleasant time was spent in songs, games, and social harmony. During the evening Mr Gallagher, on behalf of those present, presented Mr Buzan with a beautiful handbag containing a sum of money and also with a lovely brooch for their little girl. He also spoke feelingly of Mr and Mrs Buzan as neighbors and residents of the district, and said how sorry they all were that they were leaving Kakanui, where they had made so many friends during their four years’ residence. He wished Mr Buzan the best of health, a successful career, and a safe return, and said he hoped that in the near future they would have the good fortune to again take up their residence in Kakanui. Mr Cron also spoke, endorsing the Chairman’s remarks, and made reference to the neighborliness of their hosts. After the company had heartily sung “For they are jolly good fellows,” Mr Buzan suitably replied, returning thanks for the handsome presents to his wife and child. He said that although his being called uip meant breaking up the happy home for a time, he would not complain. His turn had come, and he would make the best of it. He was fully prepared to do his bit in honor of the good name already made by our hoys at the front. He was sure that Mrs Buzan and he would always have pleasant memories of their residence in Kakanui. A dainty supper, prepared by Mrs Buzan, was done full justice to, after which the evening concluded with “Auld Lang Syne” and “God Save the King.”” [Oamaru Mail. 3 May 1918.]

“FAREWELL AT KAKANUI

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

A very enjoyable function was held in the Athenaeum Hall on Friday evening, when the local Patriotic Society tendered a farewell to Private C. E. Buzan, of the 40th Reinforcements, who was on his final leave. Mr J. Boaden presided, and proceedings commenced with the National Anthem. Then the Chairman briefly introduced the guest. A very pleasing programme was submitted . . . . . The several items were well received and encores were the order of the evening. At the conclusion of the programme the Chairman proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the performers and all who had assisted to make the function a success. During the evening the Chairman at an appropriate time spoke of the sterling qualities of Private Buzan, stating that it-was most fitting that the latter should be the first to be honored in the new hall, as he had been a member of the Committee for the 15 months prior to his leaving for camp, and had taken a keen interest in the erection of the building and had proved himself a very worthy member of the institution. He then called upon Mr H. Eddington, who in an appropriate manner, presented Private Buzan with a set of military brushes. Private Buzan was heartily received with “He’s a jolly good fellow,” and in a fitting speech thanked one and all for the honor done him and for the handsome present. An adjournment was then made to the supper room, where full justice was done to a sumptuous supper prepared by the ladies. Dancing was afterwards indulged in to music . . . . . . , and a most enjoyable evening was concluded about 1.30 a.m.” [Oamaru Mail. 11 June 1918.]

Private C. E Buzan embarked with the 40th Reinforcements, leaving for Plymouth, England, by the “Tahiti” on 10 July 1918. All his service was in England. Having embarked on 12 July 1919 at Liverpool to return to New Zealand by the “Somerset”, he was discharged on 17 September 1919. Charles Edward Buzan died on 11 June 1972 at Oamaru, aged 86 years. He was buried in the Oamaru Lawn Cemetery, Agnes with him in January 1973. His oldest brother, Alfred William Buzan, who had served in the South African, was recognised by the Temuka RSA when he died in 1942. James Stephen Buzan, also served in the South African War, and Cornelius Goodson Buzan, who was farming at Waihao Downs, was called up for World War One in January 1917.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [08 October 2022]; NZ BDM Indexes (Department of Internal Affairs) [08 October 2022]; School Admission record (South Canterbury Branch NZSG) [08 October 2022]; Oamaru Mail, 28 September 1911, 4 December 1917, 3 May 1918, 11 June 1918 (Papers Past) [09 October 2022]; Oamaru Cemetery burial records (Waitaki District Council) [09 October 2022]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Other military personnel file

Related Documents

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Researched and Written by

Teresa Scott, SC Genealogy Society

Currently Assigned to

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