Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

Leo Patrick Joseph Brosnahan was born on 28 May 1897 at Christchurch, the second son of Timothy (or Timothy Edward, Edward being his father’s name; known as Tim) and Catherine (née Lavery) Brosnahan. He was baptised Roman Catholic at St Mary’s, Christchurch on 9 June 1897. Timothy, senior, and Catherine who were both New Zealand-born, married in 1894 (the year Tim’s youngest brother William Joseph was born) and had three sons and one daughter, the youngest son Raymond Joseph dying in 1904, aged 5 years. Their first two children (Timothy Edward and Kathleen Margaret) were born at Temuka before the family moved to Christchurch in the early 1900s, Tim taking employment with the railways. While at Temuka, Timothy senior was a prominent cricketer and footballer and well-known as an athlete. Leo’s early education was at a Christchurch Convent School then at the Marist Brothers’ School in Barbadoes Street where he received the prize for second place in Standard I aggregate of merit in 1905. The following year Leo Brosnahan received two Standard II prizes, for 3rd place in mental arithmetic and 3rd place in orthography. The schools of North Canterbury made their annual excursion to Lancaster Park on 24 November 1906 for the purpose of holding the great athletic carnival that is the chief function of the schools’ athletic year. Boys and girls ran, jumped, skipped and bowled their hoops, or rode their bicycles, and thousands of their fellows lined the fences to cheer their favourites to victory. Leo Brosnahan (Marist Brothers) won his heat of the boys’ 50 yards under 8 years but was unplaced in the final.

Tim and Catherine were living in Timaru (Craigie Avenue) for a time in the 1910s, their three surviving children being educated there. They were in fact, in Timaru in 1909, both Leo and his brother Ed performing at the Catholic Boys School entertainment in the Theatre Royal in November 1909. Master Leo Brosnahan gave a song, “Happy Sam”, pleasingly; his soprano head notes were clear and bright. Perhaps he was the Brosnahan who sang the duet “Convent Bells” with earnestness and vigour. The following March the Timaru Marist Brothers took their entertainment to Waimate, Leo again singing “Happy Sam”, and he and brother Ed. did battle for various countries in the international singing contest. Seating accommodation in Timaru’s Theatre Royal was at a premium on 8 November 1910 when a concert of a highly credited order was given by the Marist boys. A duet by Edward and Leo Brosnahan – “Erin the Tear and the Smile” – was very nicely sung. Leo also had a part (English student) in the three-act drama, “The Cross of St John’s” and he gave a recitation. Like his father and older brother, Leo was into football. Marist won the school banner in the match between Timaru Marist and Main Schools in mid-August 1911. Hay at half-back and L. Brosnahan at full, both small boys, did great work for Marist. At the outset, Brosnahan and others from both teams gave an exhibition of clean catching and long kicking. Brosnahan “snapped up the oval and dived across alongside the post”, scoring the first points for Marist just after the break. He then dropped a nice goal to give Marist the win.

The 1911 Timaru Marist Brothers’ School prize-giving took place at the school on 14 December “after the boys had done full justice to a sumptuous repast provided by kind friends of the school.” Leo Brosnahan was awarded the Standard VI Christian Doctrine prize and second equal for Scholarship. The parents of the pupils of the Marist Brothers’ School were excellently entertained at the annual concert provided by their boys in December 1912. A strong feature of the programme was a dramatic sketch entitled “The Irish Chieftain or the White Horse of the Beppers”, Leo Brosnahan carrying out the difficult role of Sir Gerald in a thoroughly dignified style. He also provided two vocal Items. The following year Leo took the principal role in the dramatized story of Robert Emmet, the Irish patriot. “The part is a heavy one, but it could not have been better carried out. His clear enunciation proved [a] valuable asset, and his delivery of the patriot’s oration on receiving the death sentence was masterly and fully earned the rounds of applause it received on the fall of the curtain.” In 1913, Leo received a special prize for elocution. Leo was still in Timaru in late 1913 when he undertook, and passed, the Public Service examinations.

By 1914 the family was back in Christchurch. L. Brosnahan made the highest score for Christchurch East in their cricket match against Sydenham in October 1914. East Christchurch had a big win against Riccarton in November 1914, Leo contributing and his brother Edward posting a great score. L. Brosnahan was in the reserves for the St Bede’s senior team to play a football match on 19 June 1915. Mr L. Brosnahan was in Ashburton as of May 1917, when he contributed songs at the meeting of the Loyal Ashburton Lodge. The Tenth Ballot which was drawn at the beginning of September 1917 included Leo Patrick Joseph Brosnahan, journalist, 97 Wills Street, Ashburton. Quite possibly at the same time he was selected as fullback in the Ashburton football team to play South Canterbury.

By 10 September 1917 when he enlisted at Timaru, Leo Patrick Joseph Brosnahan was a journalist for the Ashburton Mail and Guardian, 20 years 4 months old. Single and Roman Catholic, he named his mother as next-of-kin – Mrs T. E. Brosnahan, 330 Manchester Street, Christchurch. He was still serving with the 2nd South Canterbury Regiment (Territorials). He stated that he had been medically examined for service with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force at Timaru in 1916; also that he had registered for compulsory military training at Christchurch; and that he had been rejected as unfit for the Military or Naval Forces of the Crown on the grounds that he was under age. He was now medically examined on 11 September 1917 at Timaru by the Travelling Medical Board. He stood at 5 feet 6 inches and weighed 126 pounds, with a chest measurement of 32-34 inches, a fresh complexion, dark eyes and grey hair. His sight, hearing, colour vision, heart and lungs were all normal, his limbs and chest well formed. He wore upper dentures, while his lower teeth required some work in camp. He had had only trivial illnesses. Free from diseases. and in good bodily & mental health, he was classed A. An order for Military Pay had been issued to L. P. J. Brosnahan at Timaru on 10 September 1917. However, leave without pay was granted until 15 October 1917.

The Ashburton quota of the 35th Reinforcement was entertained in the Drill Hall on 15 October 1917 by the residents of the Methven district, at one of the largest and most enthusiastic gatherings since the outbreak of the war. Short patriotic speeches were delivered, and hearty cheers were given for the residents of Methven for having provided the luncheon. After the singing of the National Anthem the men, headed by the Regimental Band, marched to the station, where they were loudly cheered as the train moved out. First on the list of names of those who formed the quota was L. P. J. Brosnahan. They probably joined the Christchurch and North Canterbury men at the station or at Lyttelton, for camp. Posted initially to F Company, 33rd Reinforcements, Brosnahan was transferred to C Company, 33rd Reinforcements on 21 December 1917, then to D Company, 34th Reinforcements on 25 January 1918.

Private L. P. J. Brosnahan embarked with the Otago Infantry Regiment of the 34th Reinforcements, leaving from Wellington on 8 February 1918 per the “Ulimaroa” and disembarking at Liverpool, England on 29 March. The Ashburton Guardian carried an interesting little article on 10 July 1918 - We have received a copy of “The Link,” the official magazine of the Thirty-fourth Reinforcements, which was prepared on the transport and published in London. “The Link” is a 48-page magazine, and is brim-full of the doings of the men on their long journey to the seat of war. The illustrations are a special feature, being supplied by Bugler W. King and Private Vivian Smith. The magazine was edited by Sergeant-Major D. J. Guiney, formerly a Christchurch journalist, and the sub-editor was Private Leo Patrick Brosnahan, formerly of the literary staff of the “Guardian.” The Lyttelton Times and the Star of the same date also carried an article – The latest addition to the already large volume of periodicals produced by soldiers on service is “The Link,” a 48-page magazine, prepared on one of the war-bound transports from these shores, and printed in London. Both from a literary and artistic point of view this publication marks a big advance on the general average of such efforts, interesting though all of them have proved. Its humour is less boisterous and elemental, but more effective, and the general literary standard of all contributions is quite up to normal journalese. It follows the usual lines in plan and contents, forming a pretty full chronicle of the doings of the men on a large transport, with plenty of personal matter, quite a large quota of verse of very fair quality, and some really excellent soldier jests. The illustrations, however, are the feature of most outstanding merit. Bugler M, King contributes some splendid pencil sketches of the ship’s notabilities, rank and file being represented, and Private Vivian Smith, whose technique is only a trifle less sure, presents similar sketches, all of merit. Private G. Tan is responsible for a bold and vigorous cover design. The journal was edited by Sergeant-Major D. J. Guiney. formerly a member of the literary staff of the “Lyttelton Times,” his staff of assistants including Private L. P. Brosnahan, formerly of the literary staff of the “Ashburton Guardian,” who undertook the duties of sub-editor, and Second-Lieutenant K. DeMaus, formerly a member of the commercial staff of the Christchurch “Press,” who acted as secretary.

He marched into the New Zealand Rifle Brigade Reserve Depot at Brocton on 29 March 1918. Admitted to the 3rd New Zealand General Hospital at Codford (UK) on 3 April 1918, with phimosis, he was discharged to the Command Depot at Codford two weeks later and was taken on Strength and posted to the New Zealand Rifle Brigade R.B. (Reserve Brigade). The hospital and progress report issued on 11 April 1918, had listed his as a not severe case. He again marched into the New Zealand Rifle Brigade Reserve Brigade at Brocton on 20 May 1918. Brosnahan incurred a few penalties while at Brocton in June-July 1918. On 18 June he forfeited two days’ pay (one day Royal Warrant and one day by award) for absence without leave on the morning of 16 June. Then on 13 July he was deprived of four days’ pay and confined to barracks for seven days for absence without leave on 9/10 July. He was again admitted to hospital in the UK on 14 July 1918, this time with recurrent appendicitis. On 15 July he was at the Military Hospital at Cannock Chase. On 18 July he was discharged from hospital and transferred to Brocton Camp for duty. Casualty List No. 909, issued on 24 July 1918, again recorded his as a not severe case. Advice had been received in Canterbury that Private L. P. J. Brosnahan, formerly of the literary staff of the “Guardian,” who left with the Thirty-fourth Reinforcements, had been wounded. It was 11 September 1918 when Rifleman Leo P. J. Brosnahan proceeded overseas to France, marching into Base at Etaples two days later. He joined his Battalion – 1st Battalion, 3rd NZ Rifle Brigade – on 17 September and was posted to D Company.

All was good and normal when Rifleman Leo Patrick Joseph Brosnahan, 68504, NZ Rifle Brigade, was medically examined at Brocton Camp on 9 May 1919, before embarkation for home. Back at Codford in June 1919, Brosnahan forfeited 28 days’ pay and 12 days’ pay by Royal Warrant (40 days gross), for absence without leave from 29 May till 9 June 1919. Private Brosnahan had stayed on in Europe after the signing of the Armistice, serving with the Army of Occupation.

He returned home per the “Port Hacking”, embarking at Liverpool on 4 July 1919 and arriving home on 20 August 1919. He was examined on 19 July 1919 on board the “Port Hacking”. An early August communication indicated that the transport was due at Lyttelton on 16 August. Advice had been received in Ashburton that Private L. P. J. Brosnahan, formerly of the literary staff of the “Guardian”, was returning by the Port Hacking. He was going to the family home at 330 Manchester Street, Christchurch, but went later to 8 Burnell Avenue, Thorndon, Wellington. L. P. J. Brosnahan was discharged on 17 September 1919, on the termination of his period of engagement, and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

At the annual meeting of the Marist Brothers Old Boys’ Rugby Football Club on 10 March 1920, Mr L. Brosnahan was elected honorary secretary, and E. Brosnahan was elected to the committee. The Marist Club intended to tour the West Coast in August, Mr L. P. Brosnahan making the arrangements. It was one of the most extensive club tours to be undertaken in recent times. Both Edward (full back; a really good man in any position in the backs; a brilliant line-kicker and handler; plays pretty football; represented South Island and Canterbury last year) and his brother Leo (emergency; plays half-back or centre-three-quarters; a really promising youth) were selected in the team to tour.

While he was still recorded at Manchester Street in 1919 and 1922, Mr Leo Brosnahan, of Christchurch, joined the literary staff of the Grey River Argus in November 1920. He married Ellen Gwendoline Baines on 4 November 1922. Ellen’s oldest sister Kathleen married Leo’s uncle Thomas Edward Brosnahan in 1920. A son was born to Leo and Ellen in 1924. While Ellen was in Christchurch in 1925 and through till remarrying in 1937, Leo was nowhere to be seen. He was still in Christchurch in June 1924, when Marists fielded a new player in their league match – L. P. Brosnahan, a brother of E. Brosnahan. A Persons Wanted notice appeared in the New Zealand Police Gazette dated 8 October 1924 - Christchurch. - 22nd ultimo, on warrant for failing to maintain his wife, Ellen Gwendoline Brosnahan, 57 St. Albans Street, Leo Patrick Brosnahan, age twenty-six, height 5 ft. 4 in., journalist, native of New Zealand, medium build, sallow complexion, black hair, blue-grey eyes, large nose, scar over left eyebrow, artificial upper teeth; usually dressed in a grey suit, light-grey cap or felt hat, dark-grey overcoat, and tan boots. His photograph is filed in the Inspector’s Office, Christchurch. The Warrant was cancelled a week later. It is not certain that the Leo Brosnahan wanted in November 1924 on suspicion of having stolen property in Auckland is the same man. A similar Persons Wanted notice appeared in the Police Gazette dated 13 May 1931 - Christchurch. - 23rd ultimo, on warrant for failing to maintain his wife Ellen Gwendoline Brosnahan, 51 Bowhill Road, North Brighton, Leo Patrick Joseph Brosnahan, age thirty-five, height 5 ft. 9 in., journalist, native of New Zealand, medium build, fair complexion, dark straight hair, hazel eyes; scar over left eyebrow; large nose. (See Police Gazette, 1924, page 587.) Ellen’s story, meanwhile, is a sad one.

“A frail little woman named Ellen Gwendoline Brosnahan, aged 23, was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon within twelve months by Mr H. P. Lawry, S.M., this morning, for having attempted to commit suicide. Senior-Sergeant Martin said that accused was a married woman who had been deserted by her husband. A warrant was out for his arrest. Accused was in poor health and had been ordered into the sanatorium. She was worried and took a dose of poisonous liniment on Saturday night. She was taken to the hospital and would now be sent to the sanatorium.” [Star. 20 April 1927.] In 1930 Ellen Gwendoline Brosnahan petitioned for divorce. “Ellen Gwendoline Brosnahan was granted a decree nisi with interim custody of the child in divorce from Leo Patrick Joseph Brosnahan, who was not represented. The petition was based on grounds of desertion. Ellen Gwendoline Brosnahan said she had married Leo Joseph Patrick Brosnahan on November 4, 1922. There was one child. Petitioner and her husband lived at New Brighton. In August 1924, the husband lost his position through drunkenness and left for Wellington. A warrant for his arrest was issued, but cancelled by petitioner on the understanding that he would support her. All she had received was ten shillings. Her husband left for Australia, and the last she heard of him was that he had lost another position through drunkenness. Marv O’Connell, mother of petitioner, and Martha Green, a friend of petitioner, gave corroborative evidence. A decree nisi, to be moved absolute after three months, was granted.” [Star. 30 August 1932.] Ellen remarried in 1937.

Mrs Katherine Brosnahan died at Christchurch on 19 December 1933. Timothy Brosnahan (senior) died at Christchurch on 20 August 1950 and was buried with Katherine at Bromley Cemetery. Leo’s older brother, Timothy Edward Brosnahan, also served in World War One, as did an uncle, William Joseph Brosnahan. A Roll of Honour – The Great War, 1914-18, was printed in the Ashburton Guardian on 11 October 1930. Seven members of “The Guardian” staff – Private Leo P. Brosnahan one of them – had taken up arms during the world conflict; two didn’t return.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [10 February 2026]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Collections – Record number 0018538) [10 February 2026]; NZ BDM Indexes (Department of Internal Affairs) [08 February 2016]; School Admission record [10 February 2026]; Lyttelton Times, 16 December 1905, 26 November 1906, 4 September 1917, 8 August 1919, Star, 24 November 1906, 21 January 1914, 16 October 1917, 10 July 1918, Press, 19 December 1906, 16 October 1917, 25 & 29 July 1918, 8 August 1919, 21 April 1927, 30 August 1932, 20 December 1933, 21 & 22 August 1950, Timaru Herald, 27 November 1909, 9 November 1910, 18 August 1911, 15 December 1911, 13 December 1912, 18 December 1913, 20 December 1913, 21 January 1914, 26 July 1918, Waimate Daily Advertiser, 21 March 1910, Sun, 24 October 1914, 14 November 1914, 18 June 1915, 8 August 1919, 11 March 1920, Ashburton Guardian, 26 May 1917, 3 September 1917, 10 & 27 July 1918, 11 August 1919, Star, 3 September 1917, 10 July 1918, 11 March 1920, 9 June 1924, 20 April 1927, 11 October 1930, 30 August 1932, Evening Post, 12 April 1918, Colonist, 13 April 1918, Grey River Argus, 4 August 1920, 24 November 1920, Greymouth Evening Star, 19 August 1920, Temuka Leader, 22 December 1927; NZ Police Gazette, 8 & 15 October 1924, 19 November 1924, 13 May 1931, 5 August 1931 (Papers Past) [10, 11, 13, 14, 15 & 17 February 2026]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [11 February 2026]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• BROSNAHAN Leo Patrick Joseph - newspaper clippings (pdf, 114.3 KB updated 06-Apr-2026)

Researched and Written by

Teresa Scott, SC Genealogy Society

Currently Assigned to

TS