Pte. William Thompson

William Thompson was born at Dunedin in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island on 28 March 1875 (Folio No. 410). His parents were David Thompson and Elizabeth Thompson of Anderston Road in Kaikorai and later 44 Shetland Street in Wakari, Dunedin. David was born in Scotland, Elizabeth in England, and William was their only child. It seems that David abandoned the family and moved to Karori where he continued his work as a tailor. His body was found floating in Wellington Harbour on 25 May 1905. The inquest found an open verdict but the Evening Star reported on 27 May 1905; "He was addicted to absenting himself from work, but never led anyone to believe that he had troubles on his mind likely to drive him to suicide." William had been educated at Kaikorai School in Dunedin. He later worked in the tailoring business of Mr A. Stephens of Cromwell, and then as a cutter for R. H. Scott and Co., Mercers and Clothiers and Meria Outfitters of Dunedin. During World War I William served with the Otago Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion (Service No. WWI 49488). He was killed in action at Ypres on 13 January 1918 (reg. 1918/77404). 42-year-old William was buried in La Brique Military Cemetery No. 2 [E. 9]. Bio by Debbie McCauley (17 December 2024).

Sources

1. Cenotaph: https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/record/...
2. Cromwell Argus (4 February 1918, p. 5).
3. Evening Star (27 May 1905, p. 7).
4. Evening Star (17 June 1905, p. 6).
5. New Zealand and World War One Roll of Honour: http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~sooty/genealogy/nzefrohT.html / Ref 17.4.2021