Four Karamea Men Die At Gallipoli
From an article from the Karamea Chronicle. Outlines the deaths of William Jefferies, killed in action 02 May 1915, Leonard Johnston Hill, killed in action 30 August 1915, John William Nielson, died of wounds in Malta 03 September 1915 and Thomas James Morris-Jenkins, died 21 August 1914.
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said Leonard Johnston Hill
I am the grand-niece of Len Hill. He was my grandfather Alex Hill's youngest brother. At that time, Len was farming the property close to the beach with his elder brother, Vernon Hill. Their eldest sister Beatrice was married to Joseph Ebenezer Ballard, and lived on the adjoining farm. They also had land in the Wangapeka Valley
Early in 1915 a group of men from Karamea volunteered to join the army. on their final leave there were dances held, and a photo was taken.They decided to join the Mounted Rifles, initially Len is listed with the AMR, but was transferred to D Squadron Otago Mounted Rifles.
They were in Trentham camp, and there was photo of some of them taken outside their tent. They were sent overseas with the 4th Reinforcements in April 1915, and were initially in training in Egypt, before being sent to Gallipoli in June 1915.
Leonard Johnston Hill was Wounded in action in the last real action of the OMR against Hill 60 on the 27th August 1915. He was transferred to the Casualty Clearing station at No. 2 Post Anzac, from where he was supposed to have been transferred to Mudros. (The Hospital ship 'Maheno' was waiting of ANZAC at this time.) However, he died of his wounds on 30th August 1915. He is Believed to be Buried in Embarkation Pier Cemetery, Gallipoli, and there is a grave marker for him, which we have visited.. Gallipoli is an amazing place!
Following the deaths of Len, and his elder brother Vernon (in NZ), my grandparents Alex & Emily Hill & family (Alma, Jessie, Emily & Margery) moved to Little Wanganui, where they farmed for about 20 years.
I have inherited his medals and the photographs.