Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

Edward James Wade was the third son of James Wade and the second son of Winifred Wade (Winnie, née Gallen; later Mrs Harnett), of Fairlie. James Wade who hailed from Southend on Sea, England, married Frances Rawson (Fanny) in 1875 at Akaroa, New Zealand. Fanny died at Christchurch in August 1888, leaving James with three daughters and one son, two daughters having died in infancy. James was a stevedore when he married Winifred Gallen on 10 June 1890 at the Priest’s house, Timaru. Winifred who was born in 1866 on the border of counties Tyrone and Donegal, Ireland, came to New Zealand at an early age to join her older brother (William Gallen) and older sister (Catherine Dick). Many siblings (Eleanor, Hugh, Edward, Hannah, Michael, Joseph) followed at different times, all settling in South Canterbury (Mackenzie Country). James and Winnie had two daughters and six sons (two dying in infancy) before James died on 21 May 1904 at Timaru. James Wade was a most respected member of the Timaru community, flags at the harbour being flown at half-mast out of respect. His funeral left the Catholic Church, into which he had been received, for the cemetery, Brethren of the Loyal Timaru Lodge attending. In 1906, Winifred married Timothy Harnett, a widower with two sons and a daughter. Winnie and Timothy had one daughter. Edward James Wade was born on 14 April 1894 at Timaru and baptised Roman Catholic on 25 April. He was educated at Sacred Heart and Marist Brothers schools in Timaru and then from August 1904 at Fairlie School.

E. Wade enlisted (registered) in South Canterbury in the last week of April 1916 and was medically examined on 30 April at Fairlie. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, weighing 154 pounds, with a chest measurement of 34½- 37½ inches, he had a fresh complexion, brown eyes and brown hair. His sight, hearing and colour vision were all good, his limbs and chest well formed. and his heart and lungs normal. He was free from diseases, vaccinated, and in good bodily and mental health. South Canterbury’s quota for the Nineteenth Reinforcements left for camp on 26 July 1916. The South Canterbury military district was congratulated on being able to send forward a full quota – 104 men, including E. Wade. A civic farewell took place – luncheon in Stafford Tea Rooms and speeches at the Drill Shed. Edward attested, simply as Edward Wade, on 26 July 1916 at Trentham and was posted to the 19th Reinforcements, G Company. A teamster for Mr Gallen (likely an uncle) at Fairlie, single, and Roman Catholic, he named his mother as next-of-kin – Mrs T. Harnett, Fairlie, South Canterbury. He belonged to the 8th South Canterbury Mounted Rifles, discharged to join the N.Z.E.F.

A most successful social held under the management of the Fairlie Patriotic Social Committee in honour of departing soldiers took place in the Public Hall on 12 October 1916. Cards, dancing, with a few musical items and speeches, filled in the time most enjoyably till about midnight. The Ladies’ Committee, assisted by the members of the Fire Brigade, dispensed a bounteous supper, and the organisation was so good that the huge crowd was attended to in less than half an hour. At a suitable interval the men on final leave belonging to Fairlie and the immediate vicinity were invited on the stage, and they excited admiration by their smart soldierly appearance. Short addresses were made and resounding cheers were given for them and for the men at the Front. Among ten men from Fairlie and the vicinity who were on final leave and who were leaving with the 19ths was Private E. Wade. Shortly before embarking for the Front and while on final leave, Edward had the honour of being best man at his uncle Michael Gallen's marriage to Mary Hanifin, in Fairlie on 16 October 1916.

Large crowds witnessed the parade of the Nineteenth Reinforcements in Wellington on 15 November 1916. “The general appearance of the men was much admired, and they were given many rounds of cheers as they passed through the streets.” Rifleman E. Wade embarked with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade of the 19th Reinforcements, departing from Wellington per the “Tahiti” on 15 November 1916. Disembarking at Devonport, England on 29 January 1917, he marched into Sling where he was taken on Strength. On 30 March 1917, Rifleman E. Wade marched out from Sling to the 4th New Zealand Infantry Brigade at Codford. Private Wade then proceed overseas to France on 28 May 1917.

The award of the Military Medal to 32413 Pte Edward Wade, Canterbury Regt., for Acts of Gallantry in the Field on 15 October 1917 was made on 31 October 1917 and gazetted on 14 December 1917. The Minister of Defence wrote thus to Mrs Harnett on 5 March 1918 – “Dear Madam, Re 32413, Pvte. Edward Wade. I have much pleasure in informing you that the soldier above mentioned, of whom you are the nominated next-of-kin, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry on the field of action. Please accept my hearty congratulations on his having gained such a coveted distinction.”

Evacuated, sick, to hospital on 24 October 1917, he was admitted to No. 4 New Zealand Field Ambulance, suffering from haemoptysis, then to No. 4 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station. Embarking for England per Hospital Ship on 6 November 1917, Edward was admitted to the Military Hospital at Lewisham, suffering from severe haemoptysis. He was transferred to the Convalescent Depot at Hornchurch on 23 November. In December 1917, when Mrs T. Harnett, Fairlie, received news that her eldest son William had died of wounds in October, she had two other sons – Edward and Joseph - in hospital in England. She had just received word that Edward had been admitted to hospital in England with haemorrhage of the lungs. Reporting from the New Zealand Convalescent Hospital at Hornchurch, he was taken on Strength at Codford and went on leave from 18 January 1918 to 2 February 1918. Mrs Harnett received word again in February 1918 that her son Private Edward Wade, who had recently been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field, was ill in hospital in England.

He was admitted to the 3rd New Zealand General Hospital at Codford on 9 April 1918, suffering from bronchitis, and discharged to the Convalescent Depot at Codford a few days later. He was admitted to the 3rd General Hospital at Codford again on 30 April 1918, this time afflicted with scabies, and discharged to the Convalescent Depot there on 6 May. He next marched into the New Zealand Infantry Brigade at Sling on 17 May. Mrs Harnett, Fairlie received a communication from Base Records dated 27 August 1918 – Re 32413 Edward Wade M.M. The undermentioned advice has been received by the last mail from England. As no cable report was received, it may be safely considered that the disability was only slight, and that the soldier is now well and with his unit. The message had read – Admitted 3rd N.Z. General Hospital, Codford, 8-4-18, suffering from bronchitis.

After marching into the 4th New Zealand Infantry Brigade at Larkhill from Sling on 3 September 1918, he marched in at Sling from Larkhill on 26 September and proceeded overseas again three or four days later. On 7 October he joined his Battalion in France. Appointed cook on 14 January 1919, Private Wade relinquished that appointment three weeks later. He marched in at Brocton from France on 11 February 1919, then in at Sling on 31 March. E. Wade, M.M., of Fairlie, embarked for New Zealand per the “Tofua” on 18 April 1919 at Tilbury, reaching Port Chalmers very late on 28 May 1919. The men for north of Dunedin left by a special train the next day. There was a very large and enthusiastic crowd on the station platform to welcome the men when they arrived at 7.40 pm. Loud cheers erupted, which were “followed by the usual rush of overjoyed relatives and friends to unearth their respective soldier heroes.” The Mayor welcomed them back on behalf of the citizens of Timaru, assisted by members of the Timaru Soldiers’ Reception Committee and ladies of the Patriotic Society. “All ranks were very cheerful, and looked in the pink of condition, and were evidently pleased at their return home.” Edward returned home to Fairlie.

In the fortnight before 4 June 1919, returned soldiers had been received at the Fairlie railway station with enthusiasm almost every other evening. Among the nine who had returned home recently was E. Wade. In each case the Fairlie Brass Band turned out in full force and played the returning men into the station, and cars were provided to take them to their destinations. As the men stepped on to the platform they were cheered and a few words of welcome were addressed to them by the chairman or the secretary of the Reception Committee. In the majority of cases the men looked extremely well, and they thanked the residents for turning out to see them arrive. 32413 Private Edward Wade, M.M., was discharged on 26 June 1919, on the termination of his period of engagement, and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his service in Western Europe.

One of the most successful socials in honour of returned soldiers was held at Fairlie in early July 1919. “Although the night was pouring wet the hall was crowded, and song, dance, and music were indulged in until well after midnight. . . . . . Before supper the soldiers in whose honour the social was held were invited to mount the stage, and hearty cheers greeted them.” They included Private E. Wade (M.M.). “A speech of welcome and congratulation was given . . . . . and eulogistic reference was made to the doings of the men in the late conflict. . . . . . The gathering that night, in spite of storm and rain, was the best evidence that the soldiers had earned the gratitude of the people, and they all wished the men good fortune in the future. . . . . . A bountiful supper was provided and was much appreciated. . . . . . A vote of thanks to all helpers followed by the National Anthem, brought the proceedings to a conclusion.”

After the war Edward lived and worked in the Mackenzie Country, a farm labourer, a station manager (at “Waratah”, Fairlie and Balmoral Station, Tekapo) and a shepherd. In the 1920s he was a regular in the hunt. Hunting was quickly growing in popularity at Fairlie, a gathering of between 40 an d50 riders assembling for the meet in July 1921. Among those following were E. Wade on Drafty and J. Wade on Heat Wave. The initial meet of the 1922 annual series of the South Canterbury Hunt Club runs in the Fairlie district was held on 18 April, about seventy followers assembling to participate. Among the followers were E. Wade on Jum and J. Wade on Voltage. At the opening of the 1923 season and later in the month at Albury, there was Edward on Red Star. At the opening of the 1925 season on Easter Monday in the Fairlie district, his mount was Major Torrie. In 1928 he followed on Rex. Edward also became involved in the social life of the district. The Fairlie Bowling Club held a largely attended euchre match and dance in the Public Hall in October 1926, and a very pleasant evening was spent by those present. E. Wade was one of two gentlemen who tied for second prize. “The wins were evidently popular, judging by the applause which greeted the announcement of the winners.”

Catherine (Kate) Wade, the eldest daughter of Winifred and James, married Philip James Quinn in a very pretty wedding at St Patrick’s Church, Fairlie on 1 Ma 1928. Kate was given away by her brother Mr E. Wade (Edward) and attended by her half-sister Mary Harnett. For some years in the 1930s Edward resided at Pleasant Point. In July 1934 he was elected a member of the Pleasant Point Football Club. In September he was present at the Pleasant Point Golf Club’s masked and fancy dress ball. Both Edward and his brother Joseph were pall-bearers at the funeral of their uncle William Gallen at Fairlie in June 1938.

The third Territorial ballot which was drawn on 24 March 1941 “exhausted the whole of the single men in the 19-year-old class and the 41 to 45-year-old class.” Among the South Canterbury men called up was Edward Wade, Fairlie. In February following, E. J. Wade was posted to No. 4 Platoon of the Mackenzie Home Guard Battalion. E. Wade donated to the Fairlie Patriotic Appeal in July 1942, to the “On to Victory Appeal” in mid-1943, and to the Mackenzie County Patriotic Fund 1944 appeal. Mr E. Wade was elected a new member of the Mackenzie County A. and P. Society in late November 1943. He won a card prize at the Te Ngawai Women’s Institute euchre and dance held in July 1944 in aid of the soldiers’ parcels fund.

Edward James Wade died at Nazareth House, Christchurch (formerly of Temuka) on 31 July 1962, aged 68 years. Following a Requiem Mass at St Joseph’s Church, Temuka, he was buried in the Services section of Temuka Cemetery where members of the Temuka RSA paraded. A Services plaque marks his grave. He was survived by his sister Helen (Ellen), brother Joseph, half-sisters Louise and Mary, having been predeceased by Kate, William, James, John and Albert, and half-siblings Mary, Harriet, Susan, Robert and Emma. By his Will signed in 1955, Edward bequeathed all his property to his brother Joseph and, in the event of Joseph’s predeceasing him, to Joseph’s sons, Colin Wade and Charles Wade. A fellow Temuka resident testified as to his death.

Brothers William Wade and Hugh Joseph Wade also served in World War One and were both fighting on the Western Front at the same time as Edward. This was a family with an exceptionally brilliant war record - Edward was awarded the Military Medal; his brother William, who was killed in action, was awarded the Military Medal and D.C.M.; another brother, Hugh Joseph Wade (Joe), had a leg amputated. Both Edward and William were in France when their brother Joseph had both legs smashed with shell. Edward's mother received word of Williams's death and Edward's admission to hospital at much the same time. Edward and Joseph were both in hospital in England when Willie died of his wounds. Yet another brother, John Wade, the youngest son of Winifred and brother of Willie, Edward and Joe, and stepbrother of John and William Harnett, was called up in July 1917 when he had just turned 20. He was appealed for by his mother. Of her four sons and two stepsons, five had already enlisted. A sine die adjournment was granted. The Wade brothers were cousins of the Dick brothers who served in World War One – Joseph Andrew Dick who was killed in action in 1917 and James Alfred Dick, sons of Winnie’s sister Catherine (Kate) née Gallen. Two Gallen cousins also served in World War One – William James Gallen, son of Winnie’s brother Hugh, and John James Gallen, son of her brother Edward. At least one Gallen relative served in World War Two – Anthony Edward Timothy Gallen, whose brother John Hugh Gallen was drawn in a ballot. Cousins James Cornelius Gallen and Patrick Bede Gallen (sons of Michael) were also drawn in World War Two ballots. William Henry Loomes, a son of Louisa Wade, a half-sister of Edward, Joseph and Willie Wade, served in World War Two. Winifred Harnett (Winnie, formerly Wade) was accidentally killed. What a stoic, brave yet proud woman she must have been. Her fourth son (James) had died in 1899 at five months; her youngest son (Albert James) died in 1904, he too five months old; her husband James Wade died in May 1904, leaving four children of his first marriage and six of his second; her eldest son died of wounds in France in October 1917; her third son lost a leg in France in 1917. Mrs Winifred Harnett, one of the oldest and best-known residents of the Mackenzie Country, an excellent wife and mother, and a generous and large-hearted lady, fell from a trap when the horse shied near Timaru on 6 June 1922. She was killed on the spot, but “not before a kindly Providence ordained that at that moment Father J. O’Connor, S.M., of Geraldine, should come upon the scene, and imparted to the dying woman the last absolution.”

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [26 August]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Ref. AABK18805 W5557 0117594) [20 December 2015]; Temuka Cemetery headstone image (Timaru District Council) [26 August 2013]; Timaru Herald, 4 March 1899, 26 February 1904, 23 May 1904, 27 April 1916, 25 July 1916, 10, 16 & 28 October 1916, 13 July 1917, 8 September 1917, 10 December 1917, 16 February 1918, 19 May 1919, 5, 27 & 30 June 1919, 2 & 8 July 1919, 19 July 1921, 24 April 1922, 6 April 1923, 10 May 1923, 28 April 1924, 16 April 1925, 8 May 1925, 12 October 1926, 17 April 1928, 5 May 1928, 9 July 1934, 11 September 1934, 2 July 1938, 27 March 1941, 3 February 1942, 25 July 1942, 1 July 1943, 30 November 1943, 31 July 1944, 8 September 1944, NZ Tablet, 2 June 1904, 22 June 1922, Star, 11 January 1919, Sun, 17 May 1919 (Papers Past) [20 September 2013; 02 November 2013; 24 January 2014; 09 September 2014; 11 July 2015; 03 March 2018; 12 August 2019; 10 July 2022; 18 August 2022; 11 October 2022; 05 January 2023; 20 July 2023; 21, 22 & 25 January 2026]; NZ BDM Indexes (Department of Internal Affairs) [07 May 2014]; Probate record (Archives NZ/Family Search) [09 June 2014]; Timaru Herald, 1 August 1962 (Timaru District Library) [29 December 2015]; School Admission records (South Canterbury Branch NZSG); Christchurch Catholic Diocese Baptisms Index CD (held by South Canterbury Branch NZSG) [07 May 2017; 26 October 2020]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [10 April 2017; 22 January 2026]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• WADE Edward James - newspaper clippings (pdf, 133.2 KB updated 02-Apr-2026)

Researched and Written by

Teresa Scott, SC Genealogy Society

Currently Assigned to

TS