Hello reader, welcome to the

Biography of Tom French.

On January 1, 2007, listening to the radio I heard a report about what the Prime minister of New Zealand had on the years agenda. One task was to attend the 90th commemoration of the battle of Passchendaele in October. I remember thinking my father had a link to that battle and with that a switch was flicked on in my mind. Who was my father and what had he experienced in that far away land so long before. With that I started contacting relatives, toured libraries throughout New Zealand and scoured the internet. This is the result, almost twenty years in the making. I'm sure I will still be adding to it long into the future.

One of the most significant discoveries I made while researching this Biography was the existence of the diary of Frank Athol Gillman. Extraordinarily Frank was a member of Tom's Platoon (1st Auckland Regiment, 3rd Company). In his diary he mentions shared experiences with Tom. The entry on Messine and night patrol spoke volumes about Tom's character. The other extraordinary discovery was French Film Archive motion picture footage "Ecpad". The website preserves footage of the Trench Blacks Somme Cup match in Paris on April 8, 1917, it was literally amazing to see film footage of a parent from, at the time of discovery, approximately 100 years before.

As a side note the French Ecpad website has be updated since 2018. I no longer can navigate it to access historic film footage of the April 8 1917 Rugby match between the Trench Blacks and French Army team. Will need the assistance of a native French speaker to navigate this new website.

That said I think it would make for a great movie.

Karl French April 2025.

Tom French Profile.

My interest in documenting my fathers history stems from my attendance at the 90th commemorations of the battle of Passchendaele in 2007. Also I became keen on investigating other members of my family who were ensnared in the tumultuous events World War One. Not only was my father a soldier, but so to was my uncle, ( Tom's brother Sam ) and my maternal grandfather Arthur Williams, who was born 1 year after my father in 1890. It is often said soldiers preferred not to talk about their experiences during that war. Oh but they did ! My father and maternal grandfather talked endlessly. Ah, ...................... but only about the good times.

Here are as many details of my fathers life as I have discovered so far. Much was gleaned through my mother, maternal grand father and half brother Tony French along with a number of Maori and European relatives, some of whom I had no knowledge of before I set out on this venture. There have also been many visits to rugby museums, libraries, lectures and consultations with historians and much searching of papers past. .................. Karl French son of Tom French. Compiled between 2007 / 2025.

1880's Kawhia.

Imagine if you can not knowing the day you were born, the month you were born, let alone even the year you were born. This was the reality of late 19th century isolated settlements in New Zealand. Beneath a tree, in the impoverished surrounds of Ngati Hikairo's Waipapa marae, beside the lapping waters of Kawhia harbour, Tom French was born into this world. Though Tom had not the slightest inclination of his actual birth date he was still able to identify that same tree, more than 70 years later, as he drove past the marae one morning, with my mother, on the way into Kawhia township. Tom was the middle child, born between elder brother Sam James 1887 and sister Bessie Elizabeth 1892. Both of the siblings birth dates may also be subject to conjecture as the dates have been sourced from military records and marriage certificates, not actual birth certificates. Toms' birth was never formally registered at Kawhia as the nearest settlement of any significance was Otorohanga, an arduous two day trek via horse back. Although Tom never knew his actual birth date the date recorded on his record of war service states 16th September 1889. According to his son Tony, Toms' marriage certificate recorded 1890 as his Date of birth. His family joined him in celebrating his birthday on February 22, this "summery" date was randomly selected by his daughter Patricia. Tom did not have a middle name. There are numerous photographs and reports of Tom A. French. But even Tom did not know where the A originated let alone what it may have stood for.

For this biography the date of 16 September 1889, as per his military record, will become Tom French's official date of birth.

Toms’ ancestry. The European Connection.

Toms' European grandfather was a man by the name of John Gallagher (senior). According to Bill Campbell, Toms' cousin, in his 1970 family history biography John was a bright star in the firmament of the family fabric. Bill notes John Gallagher was born in Northern Ireland as was his wife Jane (nee Knight), who came from Cork. John was Church of England and a Mason to boot. It appears John was also a school teacher, a profession that was soon to intersect with trajectory of Florence Nightingale. Whilst Florence was in the Crimea, developing modern hospital conventions, she became appalled by the illiteracy of the British soldiers. They simply, could neither read nor write. Because of the sterling work she was doing with the sick and the wounded Florence had reached a position where she could communicate directly with Queen Victoria and so made representations to the Queen to initiate action in regard of educating the rank and file soldier. This resulted in Queen Victoria directing that schoolmasters were to be appointed to raise levels of literacy amongst the soldiers. John Gallagher was amongst the first to be appointed. He first served in the Crimea with the rank of Warrant Officer 1st class. The highest rank that could be accorded to a non combatant soldier. Crimean war 1853 to 1857. He was later transferred to India and was there during the Indian mutiny 1857 to 1858.

It was here in India, possibly Delhi, that John Paul Gallagher, Tom's Father, was born to John and Jane Gallagher about 1859. Also whilst in India that John Gallagher's (senior) health began to deteriorate and he was invalided back to England where he died two or three months before his daughter Jane ( junior ) was born on the 5th November 1861. Bill Campbell says his grand mother Jane told his mother Jane ( junior ) that the Masons erected a tombstone, or monument, over his grave. It is not clear as to which, but monuments were bestowed on those of great rank or stature. John is buried in Canterbury England. Jane also said John Gallagher senior was a fine, generous, and even tempered man. John Paul Gallagher was later to take the surname from his mother Jane's fourth husband a Mr. French and emigrate to New Zealand. Now with the name John Paul French he married a Maori woman and was to become a father, in Kawhia, to three children, Sam Tom and Bessie. Bill says his grand mother Jane told his mother Jane ( junior ) that the Masons erected a tombstone, or monument, over his grave. It is not clear as to which, but monuments were bestowed on those of great rank or stature. John is buried in Canterbury.

Family Tree. Northern Ireland / India / New Zealand.

John Gallagher (senior) and Jane Knight (Toms' European grandparents).

Son and daughter : John Paul Gallagher and Jane (junior). John Paul Gallagher was to eventually take the name John Paul French.

John Paul French marries Te Anu Pohe Pohe in Kawhia, who had previously been married to a Mr. Mcgruther

Three children : Samuel, Tom and youngest Bessie.

Toms' European grand mother Jane had an interesting life. Born Jane Knight in Cork Ireland it seems that she was married four times. All to members of the 70th regiment of Foot from Clonfeacle, Tyrone of Northern Ireland. From the first marriage to a Mr. Chappel, three children were born, two seemed to have died, at least one of those in India. Only Thomas Chappel survived. Of four children from her marriage to John Gallagher, two died in India, John Paul Gallagher ( French ) and sister Jane Jnr. survived. Jane's life in India was one of privilege with servants to take care of everything. About 1864, now married to a Mr. Everitt, Jane and her three surviving children moved to New Zealand with the 70th Reinforcements. By about 1870 Jane was next married to a Mr. French and living in Thames. A child Samuel was born of that union in that year, not to be confused with Toms brother Sam born 1887.

Jane seniors last years were tragic. A search of papers past show she was resident in Thames, Mr. French had gone to Australia to seek his fortune on the gold fields leaving Samuel and the two Gallagher children John Paul and Jane junior who were students at Waiotahi school, 1874, 1875. Mr. French sent home money but was to die while in Australia. There are a staggering number of reports in the Thames newspapers, N.Z. Herald and the Auckland Star about the effects of alcohol on Jane's demeanor between 1875 and her death in the recently opened Mt Eden prison on February 25 1889. A brief summary of those reports include being the victim of several assaults, perpetrator of foul language, larceny, prostitution, and count after count of being charged with drunkenness. As I say the shear volume of reports is almost defies belief. During one incarceration she broke her leg and after her final charge of drunkenness at an appearance in Auckland Magistrates Court February 23 1889 she was fined 20s and incarcerated for 48 hours. She died there in Mt Eden Prison aged in her early fifty's. She was described as being "old". The Coroner passed a verdict of death by apoplexy.

As Jane senior died in 1889 the possible year of Tom's birth, he was never to meet his grandmother. Tom also knew only a little of his grandfather John Gallagher, but was aware of his historic surname of Gallagher. Tom's father John Paul French ( nee Gallagher ) probably came to the Kawhia region in search of work. John Paul French was foreman tasked with forging a road link between Otorohanga and Kawhia. An incredibly arduous undertaking through bush and dramatic hilly terrain in those days. More to follow on the life of John Paul French later.

Māori Forbears.

Iwi Tainui, Hapu Ngāti Hikairo.

On the Māori side, Toms' mother Te Anu Pohepohe's whanau descend from a royal lineage. Anu was the daughter of Pohe Pohe a prominent Māori chieftain. Te Wherowhero, later to take the name Pōtatau Te Wherowhero on becoming the first Māori King was related, as were Te Rauparaha and Rewi Maniapoto. It was said that that the Pohe pohe family were distinct from other Māori, not only in their regal stature but also, in appearance being very tall, slender, high cheek boned, and paler than their contemporaries. Toms’ parentage evolved from the union of his mother Te Anu Pohe pohe with John Paul French (nee Gallagher).

Frank Thorne of the Māori tribe Ngāti Hikairo has thoroughly researched the tribe’s history and was able to contribute the following history pertinent to Toms Māori ancestry. Te Anu Pohepohe was married twice, firstly to a Mr. Mc Gruther and subsequently to John Paul French. I quote Frank Thorne as follows: The French and Mc Gruther whanau come from Te Anu Pohepohe, a daughter of Pohepohe Te Ake and Karopeneti. Pohepohe son of Te Akerautangi and Takepiti, belonged to Te Whanau a Te Ake, Te whanau Pani. and Ngati Horotakere. Karopeneti, a daughter of Tamihana Te Makao, belonged Nga Uri o Te Makaho, Te Whanau Pani, Ngati Horotakere and Nga Te Uru. These are all hapu (sub tribes) of Ngāti Hikairo. Pohe pohe had siblings known as Tuauru, Toataua, Te Roia, Takapari and Te Atakohu. It appears Te Anu's first marriage with Mr. Mc Gruther broke down. From this marriage came Mutu and Hone Mc Gruther. It is Possible Sam French, Tom's elder brother, was also the son of Mr. Mc Gruther, more later.

Te Anu Pohepohe had siblings Toko Pohepohe, no children, Mita no children, Rangikanokano who married Te Hae Toataua, from whom come the Hingas whanau, the Te hae whanau, lastly there was Te Iatarawa / Pera Pohepohe who married Te Ake Toataua from whom come the Turnbull whanau.

As we can see from Frank Thornes genealogy Toms mother Te Anu Pohe Pohe was a full bloodied Māori woman, twice married of Tainui Iwi (tribe) and Ngāti Hikairo (Hapu) subtribe descent. Ngāti Hikairo hailing of course from Kawhia. Waipapa being their main Marae. Toms mother Te Anu died, probably in 1894, while Tom was very young. It seems that up to that time she may have also been caring for all or some of the Mc Gruther off spring as well. John Paul French's marriage certificate to his second wife Margaret Clark, after Te Anu Pohe Pohe, states that John became a widow in 1894. This tallies with Tom's account of his mother dying when he was relatively young.

Interestingly as is customary with Māori families all the children retained secondary names. Samuel James was Hami, Tom was Sunny and younger sister Bessie Elizabeth was also known as Huriana or Peti Pohepohe. Court documents regarding land ownership still bear some of these names today and make unravelling land claims challenging.

Te Anu Pohe Pohe's passing 1894 and John Paul French. (Toms' parents).

With the death of Toms mother Te Anu in approximately 1894 her sister Rangikanokano took charge of raising the children. There was by this time a combined brood of some of the Mc Gruthers, French's children as well as Rangikanokanos' own. It is unclear whether John Paul French played any further part in the raising of his children or even took an interest in their subsequent welfare. Regardless by 1900 John Paul had remarried, to a Margaret Clark, a relationship which was to become somewhat unstable in future years. They resided on his farm on the Hauturu rd Te Rauamoa not far from Kawhia. Bill Campbell records in his family tree history that Margaret Clark was not particularly charitably disposed toward Johns' earlier children. At that time she had two children of her own and may not have wanted anything to do with those "half cast" Pohe Pohe children. An opportunity to reunite the children, who by this time had been separated was missed. And as time will show probably not a bad thing.

At what time it is not exactly known, but sometime after Te Anu's passing (July 1894) and before John Paul’s second marriage in 1900 a crucial decision was made regarding the course of the children's upbringing. One close relative says that it was felt the children had become too Maorified, (in an age where Māori culture was not appreciated). It seems the children were separated and sent to live in different regions throughout New Zealand. For the greater part of his youth and adolescence Tom grew up on Matakana Island near Tauranga, raised by the agrarian Bane (or Bain) ? family. No one in the family really knows anything about them. At school in Matakana he gained his Form Two Proficiency, (educational qualification). My nephew lived in the area in the 70's / 80's and met an old woman who remembered something of him. The oldest record I have been able to find of a French living in the Tauranga region and involved in rugby comes from the Bay of Plenty Times 27 May 1910, concerning a match between clubs Judea and Star. " French ", no initial, is listed as playing for Star. Some time later, as a young adult, he returned to Kawhia to seek out his father. He found John French still residing at his farm at Te Rauamoa. Dismayed by what he found, ( his father was remarried and his wife, a European Margaret Clarke, was not particularly charitably disposed toward Tom. Also in some way Tom formed the opinion of his father John as being somewhat of a scoundrel). Subsequently Tom had little or more likely, nothing to do with his father John Paul French.

Toms' opinion of his father was a valid one. In papers past there are three entries from the New Zealand Herald of September 16, November 4 1916 and a companion article from the Auckland Star of November 3 1916 which chronicle the abuse suffered by Margaret French (nee Clark) at the hands of John Paul French during the course of their sixteen years of marriage. Their Marriage Certificate states they were both 40 years of age when entering matrimony on December 29 1900. Paraphrasing both newspaper articles; Margaret French had applied to the courts for a separation order against her husband John Paul French on the grounds of persistent cruelty, virtually, since their union in 1900. French was subject to violent outbursts of temper, striking her drawing blood and using bad language. On one occasion he had pulled her hair out in handfuls and another time had turned her and her family out of the house for several weeks. Matters had come to a head in 1916 with the death of one son and the enlistment of another. Her son appeared in court in uniform stating that he feared for his mothers safety during his upcoming absence whilst serving in the army on the Western Front. There is no record of the judges' decision.

Extraordinarily however electoral rolls show them still together in 1919 at Te Rauamoa near Kawhia. When John Paul French passed away, of heart failure July 5th1926, still residing at Te Rauamoa, Margaret French is recorded lamenting the death of her beloved husband. Window dressing I expect. John Paul French was approximately 66 years old and is buried in an unmarked paupers grave in the Otorohanga cemetery.

Tom's early rugby, from 1910.

As mentioned, Tom grew up in on Matakana Island a short trip by boat from Tauranga. Exactly what happened in the intervening period between leaving Kawhia and reuniting with his brother Sam in Westport South Island, pre W.W.1, I expect I'll never discover. However as I have already alluded to, the earliest reference I have discovered that I believe refers to Tom French, comes from a Bay of Plenty news paper article of May 27 1910, which lists as a member of the Star Team "French", no initial, in a match against Judea. The Star club came into existence in 1909 with the assistance of Matakana Island. Subsequently the Bay of Plenty union was affiliated in 1911, it included Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo and the regions in between. Source: History of New Zealand Rugby Football by A.C. Swan. There is a reference from the Auckland Star of 16 August 1927 which talks of the strengths of the Taupo forwards historically.

Quote " L Cuppies ( Allblack ), A. Grace, T. French ( Maori Allblacks ) all noted forwards in the history of New Zealand, made their names whilst playing in the Taupo district ".

Toms playing advantage.

Anyway, it was Toms blinding speed and height that gave him such an advantage over opposing players. Some texts report Toms height as six foot, my mother said six three, so six foot three it will be! To put things into perspective anyone who was over six feet tall one hundred or more years ago was considered a giant. Interestingly the tallest New Zealand soldier at Gallipoli was six foot five, not particularly remarkable by comparison today. Toms' preferred playing position was as Wing Forward though often, because of his height, he also often found himself in the scrum as a prop. The historic position of wing forward is similar to flanker or breakaway as we know it today. However at the time it was a contentious position to play. Union officials and rugby law makers were frequently debating its' merits. The position of wing forward is best described as being akin to an extra half back, where the player could feed the ball into the scrum and with one hand still on the scrum could harass, within reason, the opposing halfback. As the scrum was a prominent feature of play the wing forward position was pivotal. The position of wing forward became redundant in the early 1930's with the introduction of the three man front row. One other feature of play was the forward rush, where, with the ball at foot, like soccer, the forward would make a dribbling charge up the field. In the days where an untreated leather football, made heavy by wet conditions, was difficult to pick up from the field of play the dribbling method was a most efficient and practical method to propel the ball forward quickly. This is where the phrase " On the ball comes from ". Tom French in papers past references is often described as being part of the forward rush dribbling the ball at foot. Tom was credited as creating the " Tom French pass ", which was a scorchingly low pass from the close to the ground.

Tom French seems to burst on to the Scene with a vengeance in 1911. His inclusion in the 1911 Maori Allblack squad propels him to national prominence. Form this point forward Papers Past is chock full of references to French , T. French and Tom French up to and beyond his death in 1970. To understand Toms' segue into the national scene, it should be seen in tandem with his shift to Westport in the South Island of New Zealand. There he reunited with his brother Sam who was working for the Harbour board. I expect Sam was able to facilitate a job to boot. This was somewhere around 1910 to 1911. Firstly a little about Sam Tom's elder brother.

Samuel James French. (Tom's brother).

Born Samuel James French in Kawhia 5th June 1887 according to his war record, at least the part he hand wrote, signed and dated. (this is image number 10 on Archway New Zealand's electronic data base of W.W.1 service records). Next of kin lists his wife and two children. The Auckland cenotaph data base list a different date of birth as 5th June 1884. A closer inspection of his war history shows that the first digital record ( 1 ) in the New Zealand W.W.1 data base has been overlaid in red pen, and the final entry is dated 15/11/1917. Here, at the top of the page, the record overlaid in red pen shows the date of 5/6/1884. I believe this to be the genesis of the incorrect date of 1884. Simply a typo from 1917 over a year after Sams Death. A glance at his marriage certificate from 1908 lists age as 21, again supporting a birth date of 1887. There is also a record of him attending school from the Inspector of Native Schools on July 18 1886. No age or grade level mentioned.

Was Sam a "French" ? Well maybe not. There is some conjecture in the family as to Sams' biological lineage. It seems that Sam may well have been born a Mc Gruther. A Mr. Mc Gruther being the first husband of Te Anu Pohepohe. This marriage seemed to atrophy. Certainly the Mc Gruthers descendants believe Sam comes from Te Anu Pohepohe's earlier marriage. There is also a reference in a rugby manuscript containing the names of all provincial players, which lists Sam as being born in Kawhia as Samuel James Mc Gruther, again an erroneous birth date of 1884 is shown. There are several references to Sam being schooled at Te Aute college and according to the rugby manuscript in 1898. However I have found the school records for the Kawhia Native School from both 1896 and 1898, Sam French is listed as a pupil both years. Sam after leaving Te Aute, a genealogical website states, farmed with his father? Unlike Tom I am confident of Sams' date of birth, but concede he may well have been born a Mc Gruther and not of pure "French" blood like the rest of his siblings! I have a picture of the brothers Sam and Tom French together in a 1912 Westport rugby team photograph looking as alike as peas in a pod, ( almost twin like ). If indeed they were half siblings then the genetics of the Pohepohe whanau trump all others!

Family folklore says that Sam moved to the South Island on a holiday with a close relative, whom it seems was able to assist Sam in finding a job. I think it is safe to say this was pre 1908. He repaid this kindness by purchasing a pair of ear rings for that person. Many years later one earring was lost after a day at the races. The surviving earring is still passed down the Turnbull branch of the family. Alexsandra Pease is the current recipient.

What I do know about Sam, is that, according to his marriage certificate to Mary Lucas Hohepa aged 21 and a spinster, the happy union took place on the 22nd April 1908 at St. Johns Church Westport. His marriage record lists Sam as being a stoker by profession and also of 21 years age. The local newspaper the Inangahua Times of 24 April 1908 also carries a piece on this occasion.

" Mary Lucas a popular Westport young lady and well known in Reefton, who has distinguished herself in hockey and cricket circles was on Wednesday married to Samuel French, one of the Rubi Seddon hands.

The Rubi Seddon being the dredge of the Westport Harbour Board. Just to complicate things the marriage certificate also lists Sams' father as John Paul French. Possibly Sam identified with Mr. French more than Mr. Mc Gruther. And remember, as it is already been established, John Paul French was a bit of a bad tempered rat bag.

In 1910 Sam appears in photographs as a member of the Westport rugby football team and by this time he is employed by the Westport Harbour Board as a member of the Rubi Seddon. By 1911 both Sam and Tom are members of the Westport rugby team and will remain so through to the end of 1913. In 1915 Sam French was to reach the pinnacle of his rugby playing career as a member of the Buller representative team. Often in official records and team photos Sam and Tom are incorrectly labelled as being the other, so beware. Rangi Doris French is born to the couple on 14th November 1912 and two years later Frederick Thomas Joseph French is born, 23 June 1914. One text calls him James rather than Joseph. Interestingly He appears in papers past in 1935 as a champion rugby footballer playing fullback for Sydenham and Canterbury who then swaps codes and travels to England to play rugby league for Warrington. He is also mentioned as being six feet two, a New Zealand champion discuss thrower 1932, 1933, 1934 and champion javelin thrower 1933 and 1934. In 2025 I discovered a Wikipedia entry for a Freddie French, full name Frederick Thomas James French 17 April 1911 to 2 May 1989. I believe he died in Christchurch New Zealand. As with all records the birth date does note correlate with other documents. The article, obviously compiled by an Englishman, lists his Rugby League exploits in England playing fullback and centre for Warrington and Barrow during the 1930's. I have absolutely no idea of what became of Frederick French after playing in England but given his age I must one day review New Zealand and British war service records for W.W.2.

Sam and the 5th Māori Contingent.

On the 27th of February 1916 Sam enlisted at Westport having undertaken his medical exam on 20th January 1916. His occupation now listed as a fitter for the Westport Harbour Board. Five foot ten,160 lbs and of sound body. Experience with the Westport Artillery Garrison is also noted. He then joined the 5th Maori contingent and commenced training at Narrow Neck in Takapuna. His serial no. 16 / 1480. 16 denotes membership of the Maori Contingent. Promotions follow quickly, Lance Corporal by March 11th and a second stripe denoting the rank of Corporal follows on May 6th 1916. The next we hear of Sam is his departure date on 29th July 1916 on board the Ulimaroa from Wellington bound for Devonport England. Sadly Sam was never to see England, he died on the 7th of August 1916, in transit, of Cerebro spinal meningitis. He was buried at sea. He left a widow Mary Lucas French and two young children at their home in Peel street Westport.

It was customary for each troopship travelling between New Zealand and Europe to print an on board magazine. On board the ship Ulimaroa the Ulimo roarer was printed. Sams' fellow soldiers paid him this tribute.

Obituary: It is with the deepest regret we have to chronicle the death of Corpl. S. J. French of the sixth ( sic ) Maori Reinforcements, who died on Monday , Aug. 7. Corpl French came from Westport, and was a married man with two children. He was about 28 years of age and a well known footballer, having played in the Buller reps., and the South Island "B" team. The last rites were performed at sea on Aug.8, Corpl. Webb acting (chaplain) officiating. The pall bearers were: Sergt. Rukiruki, Corporals Pineha,Nathan, Hooper, Ngartai, and Carroll. Sergt. Miru had charge of the firing party, and some thirty men sang that very old Maori hymn " Piko nei Te Matenga ". The sympathy of all on board Troopship 60 goes out to the widow and children in their bereavement. They can find some consolation in the knowledge that Corpl. French gave his life for King and Country in the great cause of Liberty and Justice.

Sam is remembered on the Auckland Museum wall of remembrance and the Canterbury Provincial memorial Christchurch.

Nothing more has ever been heard of Sam's kin, though his brother, Tom while travelling in Australia with the 1949 Maori Allblacks, was able to reunite with Sam's daughter Rangi Doris whom he had last seen as an infant. As previously mentioned, what became of Sam's son Frederick after he travelled to England to play Rugby League remains a mystery. Although I do now know he returned to New Zealand.

Bessie: Toms' younger sister.

I do not have an exact date of Birth for Bessie Elizabeth French. Her marriage certificate of 28 February 1913 states she was 21, a spinster and born in Te Kuiti. So she was probably born around 1892. She would be the last child to be born to Te Anu Pohe Pohe who died in July 1894 (according to John French's marriage certificate to Margaret Clarke his second wife in 1900). Bessie was later to become Bessie Elizabeth Crawford, but had also gone by the names of Peti Pohe Pohe and Huriana Pohe Pohe. A school record from the Department of Native Schools from 1898 in Kawhia lists a Juliana French, probably a spelling mistake.

Her marriage to William Frances Crawford in 1913 yielded five children, only one who made it to adulthood. Their family John (died as a baby), Moana May (died aged four January 1920 from a scalding acciodent), Nancy Ellen (died aged 19 months 1920), Thomas Cedric (14 November 1917 to 7th October 2004), Ronald William born 1931 deceased). Thomas married Patricia Margaret Trenberth. One of their three children Sharon Frances Gaston supplied most of the family history I am sharing with you about Bessie.

I cannot tell you much more about Bessie other than when Tom returned from the war he took up residence with Bessie and family in Hinemoa street in Hamilton from about March 1919. He had listed her in the back of his Army pay book as next of kin in New Zealand and dad must have felt a debt of gratitude to his sister as he always looked out for her in later life. The last record I have of Bessie is her passing from Pulmonary Tuberculosis, suffered for some years according to her Death Certificate, at the age of 61 years on 21 August 1949. She passed at Tokanui Hospital in Te Awamutu. Like a lot of ancestry information her age at death conflicts with her age as stated in her Marriage certificate. She was probably approximately 57 years of age. It is possible Bessie suffered from age related dementia toward the end of her life, as a story related to me by a cousin Bella Francis Pease indicates. Tom and a relative went to see her one day and she had set a fire outside the house and was trying to keep herself warm. Their judgement, on assessing the situation, was that she had gone mad. Tom took concern with her subsequent welfare often gifting her much appreciated money.

There was one anecdote shared by Sharon Gaston about my father Tom. It concerned Bassies' son Thomas Cedric who became a prominent cyclist from the mid 1930s'. Winning the 1/2 mile championship at Cooks Gardens Wanganui in 1936. At some part of his cycling career he won a race and a cup of which he was very proud. Dad met with him one day and borrowed the cup for purposes unknown, but possibly a prize giving? Thomas Crawford was never to see his cup ever again. I really don't know what to say.............

Sharon on reviewing this last paragraph, said she felt Bessie had wanted Tom to have the trophy because she was proud of Thomas and wanted Tom to feel the same............ Only left that paragraph in because it sounded funny!

Toms' rugby 1911. The Māori All Blacks

As mentioned, 1911 saw Tom French burst on to the national rugby scene form almost out of nowhere. I have long thought that Toms' emergence coincided with a shift to Westport to join up with his brother Sam in 1911. References to Tom French, as a member of the 1911 Maori Allblack team, state that he came from the the West Coast as a Buller representative. I believe this to be incorrect. The definitive History of New Zealand Rugby series of books by Arthur C. Swan allude to Tom as a Maori All black in 1911 as hailing from Buller. It is my belief that Sam French was the Buller representative of 1911. As I have previously mentioned Tom and Sam have been confused in print and also mislabelled in photographs. It is always possible that Tom was a member of the 1911 Westport team, but I have not yet found any supporting evidence, excepting Swans' reference to him being a Buller Rep. To confuse things further Swan lists Tom as playing for Buller in two games and the Māori All Blacks in two games both on the same days. Buller vs West Coast on August 12 at Westport and the also the Māori vs Whanganui at Whanganui also on August12. And again, the same confusion with two matches played on August 26. Buller vs West Coast at Greymouth and The Māori team vs Otago at Dunedin. At those times Tom French was travelling and playing for the Māori side, this is well documented. Sam, I believe should be credited as the 1911 Buller Representative.

There are however several references to Tom French having made his name in the Taupo region, if you recall an earlier paragraph, I believed the first probable reference to a "French", (Tom), was as a member of the 1910 Tauranga Star rugby side formed with the assistance of Matakana Island in 1909. Tom having spent an indeterminate number of years growing up on Matakana Island. In 1911 the Bay of Plenty region was affiliated with Taupo and the region in between. In reference to the Māori tour of New Zealand in 1911 The Manawatu Times of 5th August 1911 Lists Tom " as another new player representing Lake Taupo Union and is a promising player. While the Otago Daily Times 26th August 1911 notes Toms' union as being Bay of Plenty. One final reference to Toms rugby origins comes from the Auckland Star 16th Aug 1927 speaking about a recent defeat of Rotorua by the Taupo side, " Taupo has always been known for its' forwards as will be borne out by the fact that L. Cuppies ( All black ), A. Grace and T. French (Māori All Blacks), all noted forwards in the history of New Zealand, made their names whilst playing in the Taupo district ".

It is only speculation on my part, but I believe Tom may have come to the attention of the Māori All Black manager / selector Ned Parata while in the Bay of Plenty region. Ned Paratas farm was in Rotorua, and he may well have seen Tom playing in a local fixture and hence Toms' inclusion in the 1911 Māori side. Credit must be given to Ned Parata, it was he who formalised the first official Māori side in 1910. Partly to promote Māori as a force in New Zealand rugby but also to try to combat the drain of players from the amateur rugby code to the professional rugby league code. Inducements such as internal tours as well as international tours, it was believed, would help to retain rugby's dominance over league. Ned also believed that the style of rugby could be changed by the Māori players. Parata envisioned his Māori team would play rugby in the way it should be played, "a good fast open game where they play the ball not the player".

Māori All Blacks 1911.

A.C. Swan in his book History of New Zealand Rugby Football page 162 notes that the Māori side included the best of our Native players. Tom had been chosen as one of those and thus propelled on to the national stage. Ten matches embracing both Islands, one against a sub union were played for five wins, one draw, and four losses. Apparently there was also an eleventh match played at Wellington between the North and South, with North Island taking the honours. These matches were played between July and August 1911. Of the nine recognised full unions the Māori played, Tom turned out for eight matches, being rested for the Wairarapa fixture. These unions include Hawke's Bay, Poverty Bay, Wairarapa, Manawatu-Horowhenua, Taranaki, Whanganui, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago.

Toms' time in the South Island, playing rugby, may well have afforded him the opportunity to reconnect with Sam in Westport. Certainly travelling the length and breadth of the country with a rugby team gave each of its members a truly unique and rewarding experience of which their fellow citizens, firmly cemented in their provinces, could never envisage let alone afford.

Westport 1912.

The Westport rugby team photograph of 1912 shows the brothers French reunited. They are both there in the back row looking as alike as peas in a pod. Elder brother Sam and the younger Tom. In the front row ex All Black Sam Bligh's gaze firmly fixes the camera. Exactly when Tom arrived in Westport I do not know, it may well have been after the end of footy season in 1911. I am guessing that they reunited while Tom was in the South Island playing for the Māori team the previous August and plans were made. I'm sure the offer of a change of pace, place, a job and somewhere to live factored into Toms decision to shift to Westport. And Westport also had a promising football team to boot, which Sam had been playing for since at least 1910. Adjusting to the cold may have been Toms' only concern. I have no idea who Tom worked for whilst in Westport, but at a guess I would suggest the Westport Harbour board and maybe even as a hand on the Rubi Seddon, Westports' dredge. This may also be the time Sam had advanced his position within the harbour board, form deck hand on the Rubi Seddon to becoming an engineer / fitter on shore. By November of 1912 Sam and wife Mary would be taking care of their first child Rangi Doris at their Peel street home.

As for rugby, Tom played weekly for the Westport team often clashing with their nearby rivals Westport Star. Tom had yet to make his debut for the Buller Representatives, who played no matches during 1912. In Westport as was the customary amongst many small towns and provinces in those days, to host an annual a travelling A & P. Amongst the usual fare, those game enough could test their prowess against professional sportsmen such as boxers, strongmen, athletes and the like. At this particular show the Australasian professional sprint champion took on all comers. Tom was one of those who rose to the challenge. He resoundingly eclipsed the champion and for his effort received a medallion. Again a demonstration of his blinding speed and athleticism. He was, almost, to repeat this feat in the desert three years later. More about that later.

New Zealand Maori played only one match in 1912 on August 10 against Auckland in their home city. For both reasons of economics, and convenience, the team for the one off match were picked only from the North Island based players from Auckland and Bay of Plenty. Auckland eclipsed the Maori side 27 nil. Tom and his South Island compatriots missed the opportunity to bolster the team and perhaps even out change the outcome that year.

Toms' next rugby accolade was to come with his selection for the South Island country side which played five matches throughout the North Island commencing in Auckland on the 20th July. The South Island Country team was assembled in only three seasons, 1911, 1912 and 1920. Players came from the smaller South Island unions, so Canterbury, Southland and Otago were excluded. This team should not be confused with the South Island team assembled annually for a clash with the North Island team. Tom Played in the July 20th match which the south team lost, convincingly, to Auckland 29 to 3. However the Auckland Star newspaper July 22 1922 made the following three remarks regarding Toms' play that day;

" Auckland now on the attack till French broke away from the throw in and Auckland were busy defending a passing run threatening danger ", " A dash by French stopped progress somewhat ", and, "The whites lifted the pressure French being prominent in a nice bit of work which gave his side much needed relief".

Auckland's Coach / Manager Dave Gallaher would have been one who witnessed Toms' effort that day. Dave was to see Toms' playing prowess in several more matches played against Auckland in the following year.

Next stop on the itinerary was Stratford in New Plymouth. The team travelled over night from the Port of Onehunga on board the coastal ship Rarawa. On their arrival in New Plymouth The Taranaki news of July 24 mentioned the team had visited the recreation grounds in New Plymouth and later the oil field at Moturoa which had proved very interesting to the visitors. They played Taranaki on July 25 going down 31 to 3. Tom played in the white no.16 jersey. A match in Whanganui on the 27 July was also lost, this time 20 to 16. Tom did not play. Similarly a match against Wellington was lost 27 to 18 in the capitol. Tom again was not part of the team. Possibly an injury picked up in Stratford was causing him problems. The Final match of the five date tour was also played in Wellington on the 3rd of August. This time the white jerseys of south were to clash with the black of the North Island Country Team in less than favourable conditions. In extremely inclement, bitterly cold weather a decision was made to play the game in four twenty minute spells. Within minutes of the sides taking the field the white of the south and black of the north were indistinguishable. The field was literally a sea of mud. Quarter number three was commenced with the rain bucketing down in torrents. The referee with the agreement of both captains called a premature end to the match. The North were declared winners 14 to 3 and with that the Five match tour was over, Tom having participated in three of the South Island Countryside fixtures.

1913: A very busy year.

Undoubtedly 1913 was Toms busiest and most demanding year as a footballer. He was embarking on his third year of first-class rugby and was to play for Westport, the Buller Representatives and the Māori All Blacks who undertook both an internal tour of New Zealand and an international tour to Australia. Given his busy 1913 itinerary Tom would have missed many games for Westport during the middle of the season. Taking a leave of absence from late May through to late July to play for the Maori side and then a string of Buller matches from the end of August, finally completing the year with a one off charity match with the Maori side against the national Australian team on September 27.

Toms finest achievement to date was his inclusion in the 1913 Maori Allblack side. They were to play ten matches in New Zealand and eight in Australia. Firstly against the Rotorua sub union and subsequently another opposing the Thames sub union on May 28 and 31 respectively. Both matches were a warm up for the following tour to Australia in June. The remaining eight after their return from Australia, including the game with the national Australian side on September 27 in Auckland. The New Zealand Herald newspaper of May 6 1913 carries a piece about the selection of the Maori team and says,

'the players selected by Mr. Ned Parata will assemble in Rotorua on May26 and will be Mr. Parata's guests at his farm at Rotongata ten miles out where they will do their training during their stay'.

Such was the shoe string amateur nature of such ventures in 1913.

Once again Alex Takarangi was to captain the the Maori team as he had done since the formation of the Maori side as it's own entity in 1910. For those who are deeply interested by New Zealand teams who have visited the Australian shores there is an excellent manuscript, " They Came to Conquer " by Howell and Maxwell. This text delves deeply into each tour and will tell you all you need to know. It also includes Toms tour of Australia in 1949 as coach / manager of the Maori side. The 1913 team included at least five members of its' personal who had played for the team in one or more of the previous three years. Most notably absent was George Sellars who was busy with the Allblacks on their tour of California. It was felt the Maori team may have been stronger if more of its' members, who often hailed from smaller unions and sub unions had, had more exposure to playing for larger unions at a higher level.

After the two warm up matches the team steamed to Australia and on June 9 1913 found themselves facing a full strength New South Wales team in Sydney in wet conditions where the field quickly became a quagmire. The red and black hoops of the Maori side soon becoming indistinguishable from the jerseys worn by New South Wales. NSW prevailed 15 to 3. Against Northern Districts at Tamworth, June 11, the Maori side won 29 to 8. Toms' scored his first try of the tour. Next a loss to Queensland at Brisbane, June 14, 9 to 19. A rematch four days later on June 18, in brilliant weather saw the tables turn with the Maori side winning 11 to 0 also at Brisbane. Tom scored another try. A move back to Sydney on June 21 saw an engagement against Metropolitan Union which was won 6 to 3 by the Maori. Again a try to Tom. On June 23 in Sydney New South Wales once again held the edge defeating the Maori team 16 to 5. June 25 saw a win against Western Districts 11 to 8 at Bathurst. The final match of the tour in Sydney was won convincingly by the Maori All blacks 31 to 3 on June 28 against City and Suburban association with one final try to Tom. All up the Australian tour saw the side with five wins and three losses. Not a bad record for a side who were not considered to be as strong as the 1910 Maori team who had also toured Australia. It is widely believed that a serious injury incurred by S.M.J. Piki, who was the half back and considered extremely talented and pivotal in his role, severely disadvantaged the Maori sides ability to play at their full potential for the rest of the tour. Piki received a compound fracture to his leg in the first match against New South Wales. He spent many months in hospital in Sydney as the leg refused to knit adequately. Captain Alex Takarangi was also hampered by injury throughout the tour. Tom French for his part appeared in seven of the eight matches, seemingly to be preferred in the position of prop forward and being rested only for the encounter with Queensland on June 14,which was lost by the touring side 19 to 9. Tom French for his part came away from the tour with an enhanced reputation and four tries.

On their return from Australia the Maori were to resume their tour of New Zealand, playing a further seven games, starting with Auckland on July 5. It is reported the team were still suffering from a very rough crossing of the Tasman when they took to the field. The Auckland side under the guidance of Dave Gallaher prevailed 25 Nil. Of the seven internal matches played, the Maori won three, against Horowhenua July 9, 7 to 6, Southland July 16, 8 to 5 and South Canterbury, July24,19 to 8. The Maori team succumbed to two further losses against Canturbury, July12, 11 nil and a very exciting final match of the tour against Wellington on July 26 in the capitol. Here Wellington just pipped the Maori side 23 to 21.

Tom played in all the nine New Zealand matches which had begun in May. All up he played in 16 of the 17 Maori Allblack engagements between May and July and was to make his very last appearance for a Maori team when they came up against the national Australian side in Auckland on September 27 to play a charity match for Sammy Piki who was still in hospital in Sydney. The Australian side had earlier approached Ned Parata about organising an encounter with the Maori purely to raise funds for the benefit of Piki and his family. This encounter was not to be classified in the history books as a first class match, as the hastily arranged Maori side contained two European players. Interestingly Australia's finest had defeated the New Zealand All black side in the third test 16 points to 5 in Christchurch during the preceding week. In a spirited match on a fast dry field the Maori side surprised the Australians beating them 12 points to 9. This match also marked the last representative match for the Auckland season 1913. This was also to be Toms last association, as a player, with Maori rugby in New Zealand. Sammy Piki did not receive any monetary benefit from the days takings, as costs were said to exceed profit. Piki finally returned to New Zealand with the New Zealand Cricket Team seven months after his injury. His Merivale club and the Canterbury union arranged a charity match in which 101 pounds were raised for the Piki family.

Return to Westport and Buller.

1913 was far from over as Toms playing abilities expanded, while recognition of his playing prowess blossomed. Returning to Westport after the Maori's last official engagement against Wellington, Tom reengaged with Sam and his fellow players in the Westport team which had a particularly good season in 1913. The Buller Representative squad were to play five fixtures this season winning all five. In fact despite the records of many rugby history books, these matches were in fact the first opportunity Tom had to represent the province of Buller. As I have previously stated I believe references to T. French in 1911 and 1915 as being a member of Buller should actually be credited to his brother Samuel French. Tom was to play in four Buller engagements being rested only for a match against Nelson.

Matches played by Buller in the 1913 season were as follows, versus Westcoast at Greymouth won 20 to 9. Against Canterbury B at Westport won 8 to 5. Against Nelson at Nelson won 16 to 3. Against Marlborough at Blenheim 3 to 0. And finally versus Westcoast again at Westport won 9 to 5. The match against Marlborough held the greatest significance as it was for the Seddon Shield, played for by the smaller unions of the west coast and upper South Island. Won by only three points which came from the boot of Captain Samuel Bligh after a mark by Clement Green.

From these matches come a series of newspaper article detailing Toms Playing prowess. The New Zealand Times 1 September 1913 writing about Buller versus Canterbury B,

" French, the Buller forward who recently toured Australia with the Maori team stood out on his own amongst the forwards, and it is difficult to understand why he was not included in the Californian team ",

( Allblack team to California ). This article also appeared in other papers across New Zealand.

This from The Colonist September9 1913 referring to the Buller team,

" T. French is a sterling player and stands on his own ".

From the Marlborough Express of 16 September 1913, regarding the Seddon Shield encounter between Buller and Marlborough. " French was the most conspicuous member of the visiting pack, and is indeed a good forward ".

The last match of the season on October 5th 1913 was played by club sides Westport against there long time rivals White Star for the Buller Shield. Westport defeated White Star 10 to 3. This was to be the last game of rugby Tom French would play for West Coast and with his brother Sam.

1914, Dave Gallaher and the powerhouse of Auckland rugby.

Dave Gallaher was actually born Dave Gallagher (with a "g") in Ramelton in the north Ireland on the 30th October 1873. He was the third son born to James and Maria Gallagher, who from their union, and James previous marriage, were to raise a family of seven. The family emigrated to New Zealand in 1878 and soon after arriving changed the spelling of their name to Gallaher, most likely, for ease of pronunciation in their new land. They found times were tough in this new country and by the age of 17 Dave was working in the Northern Roller Mills in Auckland to support the family. Thereafter he acquired a job with the Auckland Farmers Freezing Company where he started as a labourer moving frozen meat products.

Dave had a keen interest in playing rugby and was doing so from 1895 for Ponsonby. The Boar war intervened and Dave signed up for the New Zealand Contingent of Mounted Rifles in January 1901. Oddly he listed his date of birth as being October 30 1876, three years later than his actual birthdate. He was to retain this modified birth date, once again, on enlistment for the First World War. The Contingent travelled to South Africa and Dave was to remain there, in sporadic combat, until returning to New Zealand in August 1902.

Once again in 1903 rekindled his passion for playing rugby and was rewarded with his first cap in the national side touring Australia. His highest accolade in Rugby came about in 1905 when as Captain of the National Team he lead them to an incredibly successful tour of the United Kingdom losing only one match to Wales 3 nil. After which they returned home via matches in Paris and North America. It was this acclaimed team that put New Zealand firmly on the world stage as amongst the greatest of rugby playing nations. Form then on they were to be known as the All Blacks. Dave on returning home in March 1906 retired from the game but took on an interest in coaching and selecting sides in Auckland and nationally as a member of the All Black selection committee. He continued his sporting endeavours playing cricket, athletics and sailing activities on the water. He married Nellie Francis in October of 1906 and in September their only daughter Nora was born.

Dave Gallaher, as Auckland selector, had seen Tom play in Auckland once in 1912 and a couple of fixtures in 1913. Once when the Maori side played Auckland in July and again when they assembled to play the national Australian side, startlingly beating them 12 to 9 on the 27th September. Tom may also have been noted when he played with the South Island country team in Auckland in July 1912 and perhaps even when the 1911 Maori team had a particularly harsh encounter with the Auckland team. Either way both the Maori and South Island sides were comprehensively beaten by the Auckland juggernaut. Dave Gallaher was the manager, selector for the Auckland team, and though it is only speculation on my part, I believe an approach was made to Tom after the Australian match, of 1913, along the lines of " leave the relative obscurity of the Buller province and come to the powerhouse of provincial Auckland rugby and great things may follow. Interestingly Dave Gallaher who had played wing forward in his later playing days, was enthusiastic about Toms potential and may well have seen parallels in Toms' take on the game and his own. It must be remembered that Dave was also one of the All Black selectors.

Toms' abilities on the field certainly had placed him on the cusp of All Black honours. If fate or the "stars" had intervened earlier in Toms' life and he had joined one of the larger regional unions he may well have already been an All Black. Either way Auckland offered the opportunity to raise his playing skills to a whole new level with five top grade club sides playing weekly. University, Ponsonby, City, College Rifles and Marist Brothers.

Dave Gallaher was very kind and helpful in helping Tom establish himself in Auckland. For the first few weeks after Toms' arrival Dave allowed Tom to board with his family at their home in Ponsonby. Dave had worked for the Auckland Farmers Freezing Works Company for a number of years and by this time was a Foreman on Kings Wharf. There he found Tom a job by his side involving transfer of refrigerated cargo from the warehouse into the ship. This job entailed constant manual handling of frozen animal carcasses which would have kept all those involved fit, strong and healthy. Tom and the lads also running an occasional errand for Dave on matters totally unrelated to freezing works business. Once firmly established in full time employment Tom was able to find his own accommodation at a boarding house, run by the parents of an ex All Black, at no.5 Grafton road.

According to family members Tom, at some stage in his life, had been a member of the Druids society. A fraternal organisation somewhat akin to the modern Freemasons. Interestingly Dave Gallaher was a member of the Ancient Order of the Druids and attended fortnightly meetings in Newton not far from his home, while still being a regular attendee at All Saints Anglican Church with his wife Nellie every Sunday. I expect Toms' association with the Druids may well have been due to the influence of Dave. Certainly Toms' fellowship with this organisation was short lived.

We leave Daves story, and continuing association with Tom, for the moment. But we will pick it up again later in the 1916 arrival in Marseilles and France chapter of this work.

Auckland rugby club "City".

With the football season approaching Tom became a member of the City team. He was now playing and training with and against post and present All Blacks. He had to step up to the mark and prove he was at the top of his game along with his peers. Papers past carry several articles on the prospects of the City club. The Auckland Star 5 May 1914......

" City club promises to be rather stronger than last year. Retaining the flower of the 1913 combination, it will be added to by Walters and French in the forwards, the former of Australasian international reputation and the latter a husky member of last years New Zealand native team ". And in the Sun May 8 1914, " French the tall forward who was one of the best men in the last Maori team in Australia is now Playing for the City club in Auckland".

Pre war idol of the crowds.

There are several historical distinctions Tom is associated with pertaining to Eden Park, which from 1914 was to become most prestigious playing venue in Auckland. Up until the beginning of 1914 the premier venue for rugby in Auckland was Potters field near Greenlane. It is now known as Alexandra Park a venue for horse trotting meetings. It was felt a new venue was called for and so a dilapidated swamp was transformed into a suitable playing surface and Eden Park in Sandringham was commissioned in early 1914. Toms' first distinction was being a member of the first ever team to take the field of Eden Park on May 2 for a pre season club game in cold blustery conditions against University. On May 16 City defeated the Ponsonby side in the first ever competition game. Later in the season Tom was also to play in the first representative match against Canterbury on August 15. Toms' second and perhaps most enduring historical distinction and association with Eden Park was that he was the first ever player to be sent off. The exact time and circumstances have been lost in history, but as his son Tony tells it one of the opposing players had eyes for the girl Tom was keen on. Incensed by this Tom punched the other player in the nose, the crowd booed, Tom thumbed his nose at the crowd and was duly marched off. Not a great day for Tom, but definitely a great day for family folk law.

He was to return after World War One and marry that same "girl". Incidentally Toms' son Tony seemed to think the victim may have been one of the three Casey boys, we may never actually know. The girl in question was Hannah Courtney, a tailor by trade. It is believed Tom met Hannah when seeking her tailoring services to alter a piece of clothing. Some family members say however that it was actually his army uniform that needed altering. This would push the "punch in the nose incident" into the timeline of 1915. Still possible because he played in Auckland that year, for City, on several occasions. Alas we will never know for sure.

And all this from a man who is described in an old newspaper clipping, I have at home, as being " The pre war idol of the crowds! Many years after Toms' return from the war he was playing in a golden oldies rugby game as a curtain raiser to the main event. The referee blew his whistle in a staged reenactment of the pre war indiscretion and ordered Tom off. Toms' team mates were in on the stunt, the crowd laughed. By all accounts Tom was none to pleased to be the butt of the joke.

Competition amongst the Auckland club sides was fierce in 1914. City battled their way to the championship title against University in the last week of July. Heavy rain that weekend saw the postponement of the match until the following Saturday 1st August. In a low scoring hard fought battle University only just prevailed 3 to nil. There is a consensus amongst news papers of the time that City were the better team, but for the bounce of the ball. University won seven matches that season, City six, followed by Ponsonby, Marist brothers and College Rifles with just two.

Shortly following that match Britain declared war on Germany following the invasion of Belgium. The Date was August 4th 1914. With Britain's declaration the entire British Empire including New Zealand became entangled in the tumultuous events we now call World War One.

The main event in Auckland rugby that year occurred late in the season with four inter provincial matches to be played. These carried on as normal despite of the recent declaration of war. Tom French made his debut in the "big time" representative matches playing against Canterbury at Eden Park on August 15 1914. Again papers past yields a trove of comment regarding Toms' play.

N.Z. Herald August 17, "Canterbury was immediately in trouble and the local forwards headed by Sellars and French were responsible for good dashing work.", "French made a brilliant dribbling rush", " off side play by French resulted in a ( successful ) penalty of three points. N.Z. Herald August 19, "French, the Auckland forward, gave a sterling exhibition. He followed up and tackled in great style, and was at all stages of the game very prominent". Auckland beat Canterbury 11 to 3.

In the next match against Taranaki August 22, Auckland carried the day 13 to 8. The Auckland Star wrote that day,

"French broke through from the scrum and shifted the scene of operations ", " and the forwards headed by French got the local team out of trouble " N.Z. Herald August 26 on same match, "French showed out most prominently but his good play was marred by offside play". Again The Observer 29 August, " French was brilliant in attack but showed a tendency to get off side.

Regarding Toms' propensity for offside play, I expect it shows a degree of eagerness.

In the match against Southland on August 29 which Auckland won convincingly by 43 to 5, problems with the kicker allowed Tom to take his own shot at putting one over the bar, unfortunately according to the Auckland Star August 29," French's kick failed " This is the only reference I have ever seen about Tom kicking goals. The Observer September 5, " The Auckland forwards worked splendidly to a man and there were no passengers. French, Barret, Avery and Bilkey were all prominent in the turn".

The highly anticipated fourth and final inter provincial rugby game for Auckland that season took place at Eden Park on September 5th against long time rivals Wellington in front of Ten thousand people, on a fine day, with the field in very good order. To add interest there were 1000 troops in camp at Epsom who, with their band leading, made the march to The sports ground that day to witness the spectacle. The match was a hard torrid grinding affair and the news papers seemed less than impressed by play that day. It was a draw 3 a piece. Dave Gallaher kept the Auckland squad in training, at the Ponsonby shed, for the next week as Auckland had a scheduled clash with Taranaki for the Ranfurly shield on September 17. However, as events transpired Wellington lifted the Ranfurly Shield from Taranaki on September 10 rendering Auckland's challenge redundant. The game against Wellington was to be Toms last outing for the Auckland Representative team.

There was however one last inter club match in 1914 for the Challenge trophy as the Auckland Star called it, or the Charity Cup as The Herald recorded it. This took place between the two top Auckland club sides, City and University on September 12 1914. All proceeds including gate takings were to go to the Patriotic Fund, all up 120 pounds. University won 11 to 6. The Auckland Star September 12 records

"French led the City forwards again to the attack".

This was the last game many footballers were ever to play for their club side, Tom however was to play again for City, and against his former Auckland side in 1915, as a member of the New Zealand Trentham Army team. Interestingly during the war years rugby continued but at a very low ebb. In Auckland, like others centres, an age restriction was put on participants who had to be under twenty years old.

There were two teams that Tom didn't make, or play for in 1914. One was the Maori Allblack team who were assembled for a one off match against Wellington on June 3 where Wellington just scraped home 15 to 13. Tom French was named for the team but did not play that day despite fellow Auckland provincial players Sellars and Tresize doing so. Tom also missed out on selection for the Allblack tour of Australia in July. Again I believe timing was the issue here. The team were chosen before June and it was to be August before Tom was given his chance to shine amongst the top echelon of provincial players. And given the plethora of comments in papers past regarding the last couple months of the 1914 season, it is shown Tom really did shine. Also it must be remembered that while Tom was in the "eye" of All Black selector Dave Gallaher, he may have had the attention of the other three selectors that season.

Interestingly in reviewing Papers past for the Months of August and September for stories on Tom it becomes very apparent that there is an increasing concern for the events unfolding in Europe, so far away. There is a distinct thread of patriotism verging on the jingoistic. It seems all eyes and thoughts are turning toward the developing war. In fact three of Toms' Auckland team mates were in Australia, with the All black team, when word of war broke out. Apparently the entire team made a pledge to sign up on their return to New Zealand's shores. With fervour like that who wasn't going to heed the call to war? Dave Gallaher also had the patriotic streak and it is believed he was enthusiastic in his support for the war effort and the duty of all those who could, to serve their country. Certainly the majority of Toms' team mates were to sign up. Quite how Tom thought about the war effort I do not know. It's hard to believe that he too was not caught up in the rush to serve King and country. I have often pondered this question and wondered whether societal pressure, nationalism, or even the church who were often complicit in their support and fermentation of nationalistic zeal, helped to shape Toms view of the world. I discussed these points with military historian Chris Pugsley once. He sighed, rolled his eyes and said, "he was going because all of his mates were going". And that, I guess, was that!

1915: War and rugby.

In the first few weeks after the declaration of war the authorities were swamped by the shear volume of men who wanted to enlist. The standing army did not have the space or resources to respond adequately to the deluge of keen aspirants and it was not until well into the following year that training camps such as Trentham and Featherstone, both north of Wellington, could be established. The army was however able to send a sizeable force to seize the German held territory of Samoa by the end of August.

Either in later 1914 or early 1915 Tom found his way to the recruiting hall in Rutland street in Auckland. The first we hear of Tom actively embarking on military service comes with a report in the Auckland Star newspaper of February 27 of T. French and his fellow City team mate V. McNabb as being passed medically fit for service. Of the 45 recruits examined the previous afternoon 35 were accepted and the rest rejected as being medically unfit. The Star reports Toms progress as,

"The following 18 men from no.1 group, Auckland have been notified they have been posted to the Otago regiment to bring the Quota from the district up to full strength". McNabb is also listed as one of the 18.

So there it is, Tom is to enter the Trentham army training camp as a member of the Otago Battalion, D company, who were part of the sixth reinforcements. Tom was attested on 17th April 1915 when he entered Trentham camp, Toms initial service no. 8 / 2595. The 8 denoting Otago regiment. It is during his training at Trentham that he is appointed to the rank of sergeant. I still have two photographs of him proudly in uniform with the Otago badge on his cap. The camp was a harsh tough environment and very cold in the midst of winter. Sanitary conditions soon deteriorated, due to the overwhelming numbers in training, that the camp had to be temporarily closed mid year because of an outbreak of illness. It should be noted that the Otago and Canterbury regiments were to take severe losses On October 12 1917 in the Battle of Belvue Spir, known in New Zealand as Passchendaele. Tom transferred to another battalion before the end of 1915. This decision may well have come to save his life.

Toms' military history sheet commences from his arrival and attestation at Trentham military training camp and includes all the information we know of him so far, born 16 September 1889, age 25 years and 5 months father John French of Te rauamoa Waikato, Assistant at Farmers Auckland Freezing Company ( Kings Wharf ), residing at no. 5 Grafton rd. Also of interest Tom claims to have had two years military experience in the Palmerston Rifles. I have searched for any reference to this body, but have not been successful. Height 6 feet, debatable, weight 12 stone 7lbs. chest maximum of 40 inches, sight and hearing normal. His medical record records inoculations on May 2nd and 9th. From this point on Tom was to serve with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force until his discharge on the 2nd May 1919. A total of four years and 16 days.

At Trentham the fresh recruits were drilled and trained and disciplined to a level many from civy street would never have experienced let alone imagined possible. This is where Tom and his fellow rugby players had an advantage over their non athletic compatriots. In fact the intensity of physical drill lifted the rugby playing soldiers to a new plateau of physical fitness. It was said that any combination of Trentham rugby players would be more than a match for any opposing international side.

Trentham army rugby team 1915.

Rugby flourished in the camp in 1915. In fact there were three Trentham teams A, B and C whom were of such strength that they were included in the Wellington club competition held weekly. Tom French was a member of Trentham C. In fact there was so much rugby talent assembled at Trentham that they fielded a rep. team who played against the Wellington and Auckland representatives teams respectively. It is as a member of the Trentham representative team that Tom garnered some of his greatest plaudits in newspapers throughout New Zealand in the winter months of 1915.

In the match between of May 1st between Wellington and the Trentham rep. side, Trentham prevailed 17 to nil. The Dominion of May 3 1915 states,

Downing, Taylor and French led irresistible attacks on the foe. French ( alias "the general" ) was first to score'. Downing would soon be dead in Galipoli by early August.

In a club side match Trentham C versus Athletic, The Free Lance of 21 May 1915 records this about Tom,

'One that pleased immensely, was T. French whose display in the loose forward rushes was something to enthuse about. The Auckland Representative went great guns right through the piece and only the bounce of the ball on at least a couple of occasions prevented him from putting scores to the credit of his side. If there had been one or two other forwards who could have paced it with French when he dashed through, the Athletic backs would have had a hard time of it. As it was, French solus was hard enough to keep away from the scoring base'.

Or this from the Evening post 22 May 1915,

'French's performance in the open forward work was highly commendable. Again and again the tall forward would be seen, leading a rush of men in maroon, or harrying the Athletic backs. In following up he was an example to all. Many times the ball would be kicked in field by a Trentham back, and before the Athletic backs could return it, French would be on them'.

Again Evening post 29 May 1915,

'General French. The most brilliant forward amongst the soldiers was French, a tireless battler, who became most dangerous when both teams were wearying. Near the conclusion of the match he went through the whole ruck, ball at foot, but did not quite succeed in scoring'.

The Trentham representative team departed Wellington in early June to play Toms former Auckland side. Contested in perfect weather, on June 5th, in front of 7000 spectators Auckland went down 15 to 5. It was a benefit match and proceeds of over 223 pounds were raised for the hospital ship fund.

Indeed Tom French was truly at the top of his game in 1915. The above news paper quotes are only a small selection of those written about Tom and the players in Trenthams' rugby teams that year.

Incidently Tom was to play for his Auckland city club side in two matches while on leave from Trentham camp. With his mate McNabb they turned out for City in a match against Marist. Despite concerns over their eligibility to play, now being ex Auckland citizens, they both took the field. They beat Marist 13 to nil. However there was a storm of indignation from Marist who challenged the legitimacy of the match. The powers that be, determined that the two players in question should not have been playing that day and awarded the match to Marist thus changing the ranking of each side on the club table. This didn't stop Tom and another Trenthamite Watson turning out for City on 26th July when they beat Ponsonby 9 to nil.

The Second Māori Contingent. August 1915.

Tom French 2nd Māori Contingent serial no. 16/972

The circumstances are unclear, but Tom put in for a transfer while stationed at Trentham camp. This was at his own volition. Whether it was suggested to him, or because he wanted to be with his mates, Tom chose to join the 2nd Maori Contingent who were in training at the newly established grounds at Narrow Neck Beach at Fort Takapuna Auckland. The date was August 4 1915 and Tom had a new serial no. 16/972. The 16 denotes Maori. In transferring to another unit it was customary to take a drop in rank. Tom found himself one stripe less now a corporal.

The First Maori Contingent having previously trained at Avondale race course were now in Gallipoli. The only record of Toms' involvement with the contingent while training at Takapuna is a period of hospitalisation between August 25 and September 1. His ailment is recorded as a cold. As I have said, quite why Tom transferred to the Maori Contingent is not understood. But if I were to make a bet and knowing Toms' cunning nature, I would bet it had something to do with that girl who was "responsible" for that opposition player getting a punch in the nose the previous year. Maybe Tom had come to Auckland so he could be close to his girlfriend for, at least, a little while longer. That girl you'll remember was Hannah Courtney.

Kawhia Springs ritual ceremony.

Ngāti Hikairo warriors of the past underwent a karakia, or blessing ceremony, at the Kawhia Te Puia Springs before they departed for battle. The Maori warriors of the early twentieth century were to be no different. A number of departing soldiers were taken to the springs to undergo this ceremony during the course of the war. Tom and several others partook in this ceremony just prior to their embarkation. Rangikanokano, sister of Toms' mother Te Anu Pohepohe was a Tohunga and undertook this ancient ritual. The young soldiers were taken to the Te Puia hot springs where they were directed to enter the breaking ocean waters and stand there with their legs astride. An ancient incantation was uttered and the participants were told to cast Toe Toe into the waves. If the cast Toe Toe returned between their legs, they too would return from the war. All that undertook the ceremony with Tom were assured a safe return. Among those that are known to have participated in this ceremony during the war years were Tom French, Wattie Barclay Toms cousin and good mate, Haki Ponui, Tame Ponui, Thomas Tutt, Wiremu Barlow, William Barlow and Sam French. Three local boys the Langleys, sons of Rewa Langley, were said to have spurned this ritual ceremony. None were to ever return to New Zealand's shores.

To Egypt, Zietoun in Cairo and Moascar Ismalia. October 1915.

The second Māori contingent were to depart New Zealand's shores by troop transport ship from Wellington, prior to departure they marched up Queen Street in Auckland to a rousing farewell in the Town Hall. Again, on reaching Wellington a similar farewell was undertaken. Carrying the rank of Corporal, Tom French 16/972 departed the shores of New Zealand on the 18th of September 1915 on board HMNZT 29, the Waitemata, under the command of Captain Nicholson bound for Egypt. The troop ship arrived at the port of Suez, southern entry to the Suez canal on October26, bringing with it elements of the Rifle Brigade, Sixth Reinforcements and 300 men of the Second Maori Contingent. The Maori Contingent entrained to Zeitoun in Cairo where they made camp. Zeitoun was not far from central Cairo. The contingent was expecting that after a short training period they would quickly be dispatched to join the First Maori Contingent at Gallipoli where fighting had been raging since April 25. This however was not to be the case and so the 2nd Contingent Maori troops set about acclimatising themselves and visiting the sights and distractions of Cairo. In fact the First Maori Contingent were to be evacuated form Gallipoli just prior to Christmas 1915, actually spending Christmas day at sea. On reaching Egypt, "Gypo Land" as some called it, they entrained for Moascar Ismailia an outpost in the desert adjacent to the Suez Canal.

It was at Zeitoun camp in Cairo that we next hear of Tom. This time in athletics rather than his favoured sport of rugby. In an inter-battalion sporting event, which the Free Lance Magazine reports on, ....... that on Boxing day December 27 (sic) a sports meeting at Zeitoun was held incorporating all athletic disciplines of Long Jump, Putting, Hurdles, Sprints and Long distance running. On a track made of sand laid out with water and a roller, Tom competed in the 440 yard dash against the champion runner "Darky" Byrne. Byrne was a proficient runner holding the Wellington half and three mile titles and also becoming 1915 New Zealand half mile champion. Tom to his credit came second in his race to a very able and accomplished athlete. The article also notes Fryer from Canterbury placed third. ............. source Free Lance Volume XV issue 817, from 25 February 1916.

Letters written home by Wiremu (Bill) Maopo 2nd Maori Contingent, published by a relative in the text The Last Maopo details life at the time in Egypt. Wiremu mentions going into Cairo from camp, in early December, to watch the battalions Maori team play the N.Z. artillery men in a match for the benefit of the Red Cross fund. He describes it as a hard match which the boys won 14 points to 10. Tom French was a member of this Maori side and fondly remembered the honour of captaining the team on several occasions in the desert. Another game on December 17 saw the Maori side go down to the 7th Reinforcements 5 points to 3. A letter home on January 8 from Zeitoun camp penned by Maopo complains about getting a lot of hard work drilling in the desert from 6 till 8.30 in the morning followed by route marches from breakfast till dinner and then rifle shooting.

1916 Egypt.

The Second Māori Contingent left Zeitoun in Cairo and joined the 1st contingent, at Moascar Ismailia Egypt near the Suez Canal, on January 18, 1916. The first were still recuperating after their hellish incursion into Gallipoli. Many in the second contingent barely recognised friends and comrades such was their state of dishevelment and atrophy. Rikihana Carkeek member of the first contingent, in his book Home little Maori Home, marvelled at how clean, spick and span the new comers were. That aside the 2nd contingent were given a rousing haka as a welcome from the soldiers of the first contingent. The first Contingent were originally sent to Malta from Egypt to act as garrison troops, well out of harms way. After great protestation and politicking they were returned to Egypt, eventually being transferred to the Gallipoli Peninsula where severe conditions had left the New Zealand Division short of reinforcements. The Maoris' toiled on the beaches unloading cargo, ferrying it manually up the slopes and in the hills as battlefield labourers digging and repairing entrenchments. Due to the high rate of attrition of the NZEF frontline soldiers on Gallipoli, the Maori 1st Contingent were called to battle for the August 1915 offensive on Chunuk Bair. Here, indisputably, their credentials as mighty warriors were woven into the tapestry of history.

Rikihana Carkeek also mentions while at Ismailia they were camped at the Sweet Water Canal where, for the next few months, they underwent training and were reorganised to the extent the battalion was divided up along tribal lines and various components were assigned to Pakeha platoons. Waikato and Ngpuhi were assigned to the Auckland Battalion. Effectively the unique ethnicity of the contingents was extinguished, and with it their identity. They were very unhappy about being broken up and losing their identity as a solely Maori based unit.

The Pioneer Battalion forms.

The Māori troops were soon again reorganised to form up as half of a Pioneer Battalion. By this time the First Contingent from Gallipoli and Second Contingent had been joined by the Third Contingent who also included a Pacifica component. A second evolution of the Contingent comes with the formation of the Pioneer Battalion on February 20th 1916. The membership of this Battalion was half Maori and half Pakeha with the union of the Maori Contingents with the Otago Mounted Rifles. The men of the Otagos did not take well to being withdrawn from a front line fighting unit and being assigned a pick and shovel instead. Indeed both Maori and Pakeha lamented losing their former unique identities. There undoubtedly, also would have been a racially based dislike from some of the Mounted Rifles at being forced to serve along side Maori.

The third evolution of the battalion was to occur in September 1917. Up until this time the Maori component of the Pioneers had always been short of replacements due to an unending roll call of casualties. It was only by late 1917 that sufficient Maori troops had accumulated in England that an opportunity to establish a solely Maori labour force was considered possible. Thus what we know as the New Zealand ( Maori ) Pioneer Battalion came into existence with the original badge being reinstated. The date was 1st September 1917. The remnants of the Otago's were assigned to other frontline battalions.

The Pioneer battalions were the labouring component of the New Zealand Division. They were to be engaged in preparing the battlefield by building roads, digging trenches, laying communication lines, stringing wire and general ferrying of supplies. As Tom was to find out their labour would be required in the onerous task of body and body part retrieval from the battlefields. The Pioneers were a very interesting mix, as well as being half Pakeha, the Maori component also included men from Niue Island (125) and Rarotonga (45). The Pacific component of the pioneers did not adapt well to the freezing cold of Europe and had to be eventually returned to New Zealand then home to the islands. As an aside, for those who are interested, the original Native (Maori) Contingents underwent quite an evolution with several name changes and assignation of badges throughout the war.

Evolution of Battalion name, Māori Contingent to Pioneer Battalion to Māori Pioneer Battalion. (a recap).

The combined original Māori Contingents, evolving from the 1st who had first assembled in Avondale in 1914, and the second trained at Takapuna, were dissolved and absorbed into the divisional ranks before being reconstituted along with the third contingent forming the Pioneer Battalion, with the predominately Pakeha Otago Regiment, on 20 February1916 in Egypt. Finally on September 1, 1917, in Europe became solely The New Zealand Māori Pioneer Battalion.

March 6th saw a march to a campsite south of Moascar aerodrome across the railway not far from the old Sweet Water canal camp. March 15 they were ordered to pack up this camp and move east over the canal which they crossed at Ferry Post on a pontoon bridge. They marched to a reserve camp and pitched tents. The 3rd Maori Contingent joined them here, but had to camp 400 yards away in a state of quarantine due to a measles contagion some members had contracted in transit. The 3rd reinforcements numbered 282 men. March 18 saw the Battalion on a long trek of six miles from the reserve camp in intense desert heat and wind blown sand. They took up a position in the front line near the 10th squadron of the Auckland Rifles. On the front line the Pioneers took over trench maintenance work. This is as close as they were to come to the Turkish Ottoman enemy in Egypt. The night of the 18th a howling gale blew up developing into a sandstorm with rain. On the 21st not far from the camp the troops were inspected by the Prince of Wales and immediately following they marched back across the canal with 70 camels in tow and took up their old camp ground at Moascar.

While at Moascar rugby amongst the various battalions had continued as the primary source of sporting recreation and Tom took part in many inter company rugby matches. Tom had the privilage of captaining the Maori side on several occasions. The inter-divisional championship had been raging hard for some time and the N.Z.Herald carried the story, somewhat belatedly on 11 May 1916. The match was actually played on March 6 or 12 (according to various sources). Cecil Malthus mentions a final of the rugby between Wellington and the Maoris' on March 26 1916, in his book "Gallipoli a retrospective".

Regardless of the actual date here is an edited version and as written by The N.Z. Herald........

"In spite of the warm Egyptian weather, football is carried on, and some excellent games have been witnessed.A divisional tournament was arranged each entering a team, and the Australians , Engineers, Artillery, Maoris and Rifle Brigade one each.... "After the eliminating rounds in which fine games were seen between the Maoris and Artillery and Auckland and Wellington. The final left for a decision between Wellington and the Maoris. After the recent brilliant showing of the Maoris it was quite expected they would keep Wellington busy, and so they did. "On Sunday last the match was decided on the hard Ismailia ground. Leave was granted to all desiring to view the game, and thousands willingly trudged the five miles. The day was brilliant, and the gentle breeze blowing down the canal could not effect the play due to the thick grove of tall pines encircling the flat ground. On all sides of the arena was densely thronged with New Zealand, Australian , Indian and English soldiers, French and English sailors and Egyptian natives. General Birdwood and General Russel looked on from the point of vantage, and Colonel Plugge, of course, was an interested spectator. Through the trees on one side lay the beautiful gardens of Ismailia, while alongside lay Lake Timpsah, with its battleships and monitors, and above all poised and throbbed the ubiquitous plane. " the Maoris filed out at 5 pm, a motley team in red, green, striped and khaki jerseys. Jack Hall, the Auckland representative, 'led as captain,and behind him came the stalwarts' warriors French, Vercoe, Waaka ..... etc, "Soon after Teddy Roberts led on the Wellington fifteen with uniform jerseys (green, with red band), with one odd Taranaki yellow and black. In this team were Reg Taylor, Sam Cameron .....etc Hannigan (Auckland) controlled the game. "The Maoris tossed and won, and decided to defend the western goal with the sun at their backs. From the kick off the pace was a cracker and the play thrilling. The forwards worked in grand style' and the backs raced up and down in excellent passing bouts. Excitement was intense, and in one sweeping movement the referee was sent spinning to earth. After a magnificent Maori rush French dashed over, only to miss the touch down and miss a certain score. Then from the throw in, in the western end Paul secured and dashed over to score Wellingtons first and only try. Then Stainton the brilliant Maori halfback playing out of position at fullback, was injured and taken off the ground, thereby greatly weakening the team. Perhaps the most brilliant piece of work was Waaka's great run, during which he wriggled , swerved, and dodged the enemy only to be muzzled just in time in front of the goal mouth. .... near the end the Maoris attacked in furious fashion and went near scoring again and again. Still they were kept out, and a grand match finished three points in Wellingtons favour. 3 to nil ......... ( abbreviated ). Tom French was named as being amongst best players.

Little else is mentioned of the Maori Contingent, now the Pioneer Battalion through March, but they continued with solid infantry training well into April. Orders to depart Egypt were received on April 5th 1916 and so a rousing evening was enjoyed by the troop on the following day. All went for a final swim in Lake Timseh. By the eighth tents were struck and two trains, with open trucks, departed Moascar, the last leaving at 1 am bound for Port Said. By 6 am the next morning 28 officers and 948 other ranks were aboard the troopship Canada bound for the port of Marseilles in France. By all accounts the journey was calm and peaceful, they passed by Malta where the First Maori Contingent had been stationed for a short time earlier in 1915. The only exception to the state of calm was the sighting of what may have been a German submarine, but nothing came of this.

Arrival Marseilles and France March 1916.

During April 15th they travelled all day finally detraining at Steenbeque and marched two miles to Morbeque where they took up their first billets on French soil

Entering Europe Tom retained the rank of Corporal. Accompanying him was his life long friend, relative and Maori All Black, Wattie Barclay. They claimed fame as part of the "Two Up Kings. A game of chance played with coins and much gambled upon by New Zealand and Australian soldiers in their leisure. This activity was much frowned upon by the Military hierarchy and accordingly was deemed illegal. Tom had mentioned that somewhere along the line he was busted from Sergeant for playing " Two Up'........ Twice ! Indeed his son Tony says he was a little bit " scratchy " about being busted long into his mature years. His military record does not mention either promotion to Sergeant, let alone being busted. Perhaps any consideration of promotion to Sergeant was taken away. Twice! Recall that a photo of him with Sergeant stripes was originally from training with the Otago Battalion in early 1915. He had taken a customary demotion when transferring to the Second Contingent. Later on transferring to the Auckland Battalion he lost all rank though there is a record of him once more being promoted to Lance Corporal and then Corporal.

1916 Armentieres to the Somme.

For the early part of their tenure in Europe the New Zealand Division were centered in and around the Town of Armentieres near the French - Belgian border. This was considered to be a less contested part of the Western Front and ideal for the New Zealanders to gain experience in the science of trench warfare. The Armentieres sector was often referred to as the Nursery sector, however its perceived status as a safer place to be, the New Zealand Division, including the Pioneers, were to quickly learn about the costs of their new theatre of operation. The Pioneers entered the battlefield at Armentieres May 15 1916. They got every job imaginable. Mainly labouring on or near the battle fields creating trench's, roads, laying and repairing barbed wire, building light railways and most horrifically they were engaged in body and body part retrieval. Often working in the trenches, and no mans land without weapons and unable to adequately defend themselves. Shelled and shot at constantly. Carnage and attrition on a daily basis was the norm. Being a member of a Pioneer battalion afforded no benefits for those who toiled on the front lines day and night establishing and repairing their sector of the Battlefield. .

The Somme July 1 to November 18, 1916.

The battle of the Somme was the biggest engagement undertaken between the allied forces and the German empire to that date and saw the scale and cost of war rise to an otherwise unprecedented industrial crescendo. The battle was conceived to break the deadlock on the front lines and also relieve pressure on French forces under siege at Verdun. The battle took place in Northern France near the River Somme, south of the New Zealand position in Armentieres. The New Zealand Division moved south to take up positions in the rear from August 20 1916. From September 15 the Division took an active part in the battle of Flers-Courcelette, taking the Switch and Fler trench systems. Tom and the Pioneer Battalion had been on the front lines, day and night, repairing the battle field and establishing new Trenches, all the time under constant German fire.

As previously mentioned, the Pioneers were largely a labour battalion and they earned the epithet "the diggers". The term diggers came from the British troops who observed the Pioneers go about their duties on the Somme. "Diggers" as a descriptive, was to spread to the rest of the New Zealand Division and eventually the Australians. The Pioneers were the first New Zealanders into the Somme around Flers and Deville Wood in August 1916, where they found themselves billeted amongst German, English and South African dead. The most noteworthy accomplishment of the Pioneer Battalion, during the Somme, was the forging of Communication trenches between the Allied front lines and subsequent captured German trenches. The most famous of these was Turk Lane destroyed and repaired and forged ever further day by day.

Staggeringly over 3 million soldiers took part in the Battle of the Somme. There were over 1 million casualties resulting. On the first day alone the British received 57,000 casualties including 19,000 killed. The reality of modern warfare on that first day of July was exposed for all to grimly contemplate. The name Somme resonates through history to this day.

Transfer and a new regiment September 1916.

I don't know the exact date but some time in August or September 1916 Tom put in for a transfer from the Pioneer Battalion to the Auckland Battalion. If you remember back to April 1915 the Auckland Battalion was Toms' first unit before he was transferred to the Otago Battalion and then transferring again, this time voluntarily, for the 2nd Maori Contingent. So with Toms' transfer back to the Auckland Regiment things had come full circle. It is very unusual for this to happen as the Pioneer Battalion was always short of a full compliment. And this applied especially to the Maori Component of the Pioneers.

Since writing the proceeding paragraph I have rethought Tom's reasons for transferring from the Pioneer Battalion to the 1st Auckland Battalion. Given his transfer occurred during the New Zealand involvement at Flers in the Somme, I believe Tom was keen to join a fighting battalion. In the days before his transfer the Pioneer Battalion were involved in driving the famous Turk Lane Trench system forward. This crucial communication trench was constructed with great haste and little regard for personal safety. The Pioneer contingent suffered a high casualty rate. Given that the Somme battle raging around the French town of Flers was a major step up for the New Zealand division who were now involved in a major attacking action rather than a holding action as they had been involved with around Armentieres, I now believe Tom was keen to take an active roll in the action rather than being a random target, constantly, at the mercy of the German artillery bombardment and snipers.

Tom joined the 1st Auckland Battalion on September 25 1916. At this time they were occupied with taking the German Gird Trench system just beyond the town of Fler. Interestingly on this day British tanks were deployed for the first time around Fler. Weird Behemoths trundling about the battlefield must have been a strange but memorable sight and probably very encouraging.

Just two days later on the 27th September 1916 Tom was wounded for the first time. A minor wound to the right arm according to his military history sheet. He was admitted to the general hospital in the Rouen area. He didn't rejoin the Auckland Battalion until November. Of this wound my mother only recalled a small scar of his right shoulder. As an aside, at some other point in his military service Tom was also exposed to a German gas attack. Though this did not seem to have a great effect on him at the time, it eventually caught up with him in his final years in the form of emphysema. I have no idea when this happened as the effects of exposure to gas were not mentioned in his medical records.

Tragic news.

Sometime later in 1916 my father was dealt a cruel blow when he went to meet the boat carrying his brother Sam (16/1480) to England. On arriving at Devonport, to meet the boat, Tom was informed Sam had succumbed to Meningitis on the 27th August 1916 having just set sail with the 5th Maori contingent on the 29th July. Sam was buried at sea. He left a widow and two children in New Zealand. This occurred somewhere around the time Tom was wounded.

The Trench Blacks.

During the winter of 1916 the high command emphasised the importance of physical training for all the divisions. Lieutenant Colonel Plugge was removed from command of the 1st Auckland battalion and appointed Director of physical training, sport and recreation. The military hierarchy of the time put a great emphasis on health and fitness. It was considered a great moral boost and a means to keep the troops fit and in line. With great enthusiasm Plugge went about his task by organising a divisional rugby football team. Names were submitted from all regiments and the 24 best were chosen. Tom French was one of the chosen. These were the best of the best. All Blacks, Maori All blacks, regional representatives and any one else, not yet shot dead, but good enough. They were housed at the divisional training school. As well as forming the New Zealand division Football Team they were schooled in the 'arts' of Bayonet fighting, physical drill and bombing. They in turn became instructors at the school and at the end of the football season were able to return to their respective units as instructors. The team would assemble at 7am for physical drill. From 9am to 1pm they were instructors. From 2.30pm until 4.30pm they were at road work or football practice and three nights a week they were in the school gymnasium. For a time Tom and his fellow players were on to a really good thing. A rare occurrence in the near perpetual misery that was the First World War

Tom played in a number of games for the Trench Blacks during both the 1916 and 1917 season. As seen in documented team photos of both years. He mentioned he had played in Paris on several occasions. One of these matches was documented in print and three photographs in the Free Lance magazine of 29th June 1917. The rugby match had actually taken place on April 8 1917. In this game Free Lance said " Tom French played well in the Forwards". They beat France 40 Nil. One photo shows this match played at Parc Jacques Anquetil Velodrome Vincennes before 60,000 enthusiastic fans. The largest crowd ever assembled for a football match to that date. American diplomats and military hierarchy were also present as the Americans' had just announced their intention to join the war on the side of the allies. And so their was an air of hope and jubilation surrounding the event. As Malcolm Ross, the war correspondent states " In Paris members of the team were feted right royally. They were banqueted by the Journal, invited to the clubs and had seats reserved for them at the theatres ". They were presented with a statuette designed by French sculptor Chauvel, who designed the bronze while in the trenches himself. It was known as the "Coupe de la Somme". They each received a medallion in frosted silver of the figure La Marseilles as seen on the Arc de Triomphe. Surviving motion picture footage of this still exists on the French Ecpad film repository. Tom can be clearly seen in several shots including the abysmal Haka that proceeded the match. The revered Roger Dansey, Toms' fellow 1911 Maori All black, lead the Haka. Malcolm Ross also details another match played near a Belgium monastery as Bosche shells burst nearby, just out of range.

Messines. June 7, 1917.

On June 7th, 1917, Tom took part in the battle of Messines. Messines was the most scrupulous planned and tactically executed action, by the British, during the war to date. The architect of the plan was General Herbert Plumer. It was his attention to detail that ensured a successful outcome. Messines was strategically significant as it sat upon a ridge which commanded the countryside around it for kilometres. Months of rehearsal and practice were to be put into action. Over twenty tunnels were dug and filled with thousands of tons of high explosive. At 3.10 am at least 19 mines were detonated simultaneously. The resulting explosion along the ridge was the largest ever created by man. It has been reported the explosion was even heard in England. The German front lines were literally blown to bits. The attacking troops followed a creeping artillery barrage up the hill. The barrage nullified any Germans who may have escaped the initial explosions and any reserve troops who quickly rushed in to take up new positions. The New Zealand division successfully achieved its objective of liberating the town of Messines in quick order. Many of the casualties they were to suffer came about as they consolidated in their newly won positions. The majority of deaths and injuries were a result of German counter artillery which rained down on the already devastated town. Interestingly in the crypt of the church in the center of town it is believed Adolf Hitler took shelter and was treated for wounds received.

As mentioned Messines was a brilliant success by World War One standards. That said the New Zealand the New Zealand division suffered 3700 casualties including 700 dead.

Histories of the Auckland battalion credit the 1st Auckland Regiment as attacking and taking the German Ungodly trench system on the right side of the New Zealand advancement up the hill toward Messines. Some time around this period Tom captured a German prisoner. As his cousin Bill Campbell always teased him ....... " the gentleman in question was the shortest soldier in the German army ".

In the chapter covering Passchendaele there is a diary commentary by Frank Athol Gillman who was one of the soldiers in Toms platoon. It mentions Tom and Messines. I will leave the commentary in Passchendaele chapter so it can be read complete context.

Dave Gallaher W.W.1 journey from enlistment to Passchendaele.

We pick up Dave Gallahers story once more as of May 23, 1916. This is the date Dave undergoes his medical examination in order to join the New Zealand Army. As of the 25th July1916 he is attested at Trentham Military camp. Again, as of his enlistment for the Boar war, his age is lowered by three years. We must now examine Daves' reasons for enlistment. He was beyond the age of the draft and had a young child. All valid grounds to avoid signing up. It seems, in spite of his mature years, he wanted to go and probably felt a moral obligation to serve just as thousands of other men about him did. There is also a myth that Dave signed up to avenge the death of his elder brother Douglas in Europe. However Douglas was actually killed on the 3rd June 1916 (several weeks after Dave Medical examination). Dave however may have been influenced in his commitment to serve after both Douglas and Charles, while serving with the Australian Army, were wounded in Gallipoli the previous year.

As a part of the 22nd reinforcements he became a non commissioned officer with the rank of Sergeant. The reinforcements depart for Europe on the 15th February 1917 via South Africa, arriving at Plymouth England 2nd May. After more training at Sling Army Camp the reinforcements (as part of the 2nd Auckland Battalion) travel to Etaples in France on the 6th June 1917 having missed the major offensive at Messines (Mesen) on days following June 7. Arriving in the vicinity several weeks later they were to find themselves holding the line in the sector between the Catacombs' of Hill 63, Prowse point and the Lys River.

I am not entirely sure of the time line but not long after Dave arrived he reacquainted himself with many of his past rugby associates already veterans of the line. Tom was one of these. Of course, rugby was the main interest and Dave set about with some zeal organising disparate inter company and battalion matches. Tom and ex teammates enthusiastically assisted Dave in this endeavour. Toms' last known contact with Dave was on a wet and dismal afternoon just before the battle of October 4. Their last discussion no doubt concerned rugby.

In late September after several weeks of rest and recreation, near the Boulogne region, the Second Auckland Battalion were poised to make their first major assault. After a long march to a field several kilometers beyond the bombed-out town of Ypres (Ieper). Often referred to by soldiers as Y-Pers. They arrived in frontof a spur of the Passchendaele ridge which several kilometers farther lead to the town of Passchendaele, which was the final goal of the offensive of 1917. The action of October 4th is remembered as the Battle of Broodseinde, near sGravenstafel. In sight of the town of Passchendaele Dave was to lose his life. Tom, in the 1st Auckland Regiment, was with the first wave who attacked at 6am on the morning of October 4 1917. Two hours later with the 1st wave having reached their objective, and in the process of consolidating, were leap frogged by the 2nd Wellinton Battalion. Likewise to their right the 1st Wellington battalion had achieved their objective by 8am and were thus leap frogged two hours later by Dave Gallaher and the 2nd Auckland Battalion. The German artillery was particularly harsh and Dave was to sustain a severe shrapnel wounds to his head and face. Someone remarked that he looked like he had been kicked in the face by a mule. In a bad state Dave was ambulanced to the 3rd Australian casualty clearing station just beyond the town of Poperinge. In a straight line Poperinge is an extraordinary 20km away from the battlefield. God knows how far across the torn up countryside and broken roads the distance actually was, though rail may have been employed from Ypre. Dave Gallaher did not survive his wounds that day. He is buried beside the Aid Station in what is now known as Nine Elms Cemetery Poperinge. Dave had spent less than four months in continental Europe. He was 44 years of age.

The Passchendaele Campaign July 31 to November 10, 1917. (Third Ypres).

The Passchendaele battles of 1917 are known as the Third Ypres which is the umbrella term for the dozens of battles fought. The objective of the British Army was to gain control of the Ridges south and east of the town of Ypres. As a strategic bonus just beyond the village of Passchendaele was the German rail hub of Roulers, now Roselare, which would now become accessible for harrasment by heavy artillery. The front was long and both British and Commonwealth forces took part. Today in what marks the centre of the Battlefield resides Tyne Cot Cemetery. Within it's boundaries lay approximately 12,000 graves. Many more smaller graveyards dot the countryside. Tyne Cot contains a tiny percentage of those who died during the campaign as many bodies were blown apart or lost in the mud forever. In these few months the Allies lost 250,000 to 300,000 casualty's and the Germans at least 200,000 and possibly up to 400,000. The figures are still highly deputed.

The New Zealand division were involved with two of the Battles of Third Ypres. October 4 Broodseinde and October 12 Bel Vue Spur.

Passchendaele, the Battle of Broodseinde October 4 1917 Belgium.

The next action Tom French would see, "thankfully" would be his last. However this action was to be momentously life changing. On October 4th 1917 as a member of the 1st Auckland 3rd Company he took part in the battle of Broodseinde near the Belgian town of Ypres. This was one of the battles of Passchendaele of 1917. Only the Auckland and Wellington Battalions were to be employed for this action. The battle cost the lives of almost 500 New Zealanders, with a further 1700 wounded. Despite the high casualty rate the battle was considered a significant success, consolidating ground around sGravenstafel and Berlin Wood now in sight of the, flattened village of Passchendaele just a couple of kilometers away on the ridge. Ominously for all the weather had changed. It had now been drizzling for several days. It was cold and everyone was wet. Water had begun to pool everywhere.

October 4 1917 was also the day my fathers friend / work companion / coach / mentor and fellow soldier Dave Gallaher was grevously injured, subsequently dying at an Australian aid post near Poperinge. Tom also was wounded this day the consequences of which were to be life defining. In fact the Auckland Battalion received such a mauling on October 4 that it was withdrawn from further action in the Passchendaele zone.

The "success" of October 4 left the Canterbury and Otago Battalions untouched but soon to face the slaughter of the Battle of Belvue Spur on the 12th. New Zealanders simply call this action "Passchendaele", a name that will resonate forever.

Frank Athol Gillman Diary, ......... member of Tom French's platoon 1917.

In late 2015 I discovered the diary of Private Frank Athol Gillman 12 / 3649 which resides in the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington. Remarkably Frank was a member of 3rd Company 1st Auckland Battalion. Tom was his platoon leader and Frank mentions him on several occasions relating both to the Messine sector and also gives a description of the events of the battle of Broodseinde on October 4 1917 where both Tom and Frank were wounded. The diary is 30 pages long and I have paraphrased the relevant entries. Frank diary also mentions Joseph Gorden Coates who was the Company commander, Coates was to become New Zealand Prime Minister during the 1920's. Also mentioned was the platoon Captain Cyrel F. Seaward who was during W.W.2 to become a Lieutenant Colonel commanding a battalion in the Pacific theatre. Frank Gillman's diary makes interesting reading as many of his experiences from late 1916 to October 4th 1917 would have been shared by Tom, excepting Tom's time near divisional headquarters, when he was a part of the Divisional rugby team, in late 1916 to spring 1917.

Messines sector diary entry.

While in the vicinity of Messine, which had been captured on June 7, 1916, Frank mentions the trench systems of Koorten Loop, Anto's Avenue trench and the Iron Gate. Frank describe this area thus, ........

" and the Iron Gate. One time to an unknown trench where the enemy lines were very close and we were to speak only in whispers. It was an unpleasant place ploughed up by recent barrages and stinking with explosives. Tom French took me on a night patrol, just the two of us, and we had the least idea of how the land lay ". He said " If we meet an enemy patrol we will stay and fight ". " I agreed and only hope I would have stood by my word. As it happens there were no casualties there ". page 29.

Broodseinde Oct 4, 1917.

Again, Frank mentions Tom French in the context of the battle of Broodseinde. He starts with a mention of the Battalions rest and recreation stay in the small villages scattered throughout the Lumbre region of France not far from the city of Boulogne during the month of September 1917, and whilst there, of being reviewed by General Haig and Winston Churchill. Followed soon after by the divisions march northward to the desolate remains of the town of Ypres culminating several kilometres further at the front line facing the German positions near sGravenstafel.

Frank writes starting page 3, ....

" After a heavenly stay for a few weeks in the Quesques villages (pronounced kek ) we made the longest march I remember-on a hot day it was too, wearing greatcoats and carrying of course rifle, pack and full equipment of course but not too much ammunition, many of the fellows throwing it in the ditches after leaving the trenches. When going into the trenches we usually had two cloth bandoleers of 50 cartridges and that weight was murder hanging round ones neck. There was the usual walking amount and parading preliminary to the march which was itself, as I checked on my map 32 English miles. On these marches we manage only 3 miles an hour, with ten minutes rest each hour. It was such an effort to pick up our packs after the rest that sometimes we just stood and supported them on our rifles muzzles instead of putting them down. I remember the road stretching on and on, often over cobblestones, on and on endlessly so it seemed. A windmill or a line of Elm trees would show on the horizon. We would reach them and see another long vista of road ahead.

Mostly the going was fairly flat but it was a long trudge and not too many of the company made it to the end. Being very fit at the time I was in at the finish, well after dark. I remember passing Cassel-sur-Colline on the way. The weather turned very wet at Passchendaele and it was miserable. We were on working parties for a time each man carrying a 60 lb shell. Mules carried two but could not struggle through the muddy shell holes. We washed in those holes and I picked one not so muddy but covered in green slime, and cleaned my teeth - then I saw a German jack boot sticking up from the bottom! There was no reason to doubt the leg was still in the boot. Never was so much mud. The field guns could not hold their positions at all, and goodness knows where the shells landed. We stumbled up to the front in the dark my section under Corporal Tom French settled in a mucky shell crater, as there was no front line, or any semblance of one. Captain Seaward was with us ; a good man but new. He told us to dig in which we ignored. Fancy laying our rifles down, getting our trenching tools unbuckled, and trying to dig mud with them! We wanted our rifles to fire if possible when needed. Still, we might have explained instead of just ignoring him! Captain Coates in after years P.M of New Zealand, came along. Seaward said " I have lost my cane " Coates said " You have worse than that". An eighth reinforcement man had just been killed before. We hunkered down through the night and the German flares were wonderful. Never before had we seen anything to equal them for frequency and colours, particularly the ones that went wobble wobble wobble. I doubt that the German's knew rightly what they signified. Just before dawn (4/10/17) the attack began. A section of North Auckland men came past us and as they topped the skyline were picked off one by one by the German machine gunners a little way ahead. We shouted to them " For God's sake keep your heads down! ", but they were too tired to care and I believe everyone of them was killed. Our turn came and Tom French stood up, threw an oil sheet across his shoulders, and called " Follow me " I looked to see him fall immediately as he was as wide as a barn door. However the machine gun must have been out of action for we all got started off. We came up to a group of the enemy making a stand in shell hole or trench of sorts, holding us off with rifle fire and stick grenades. I should have detoured round them but forgot. My rifle, sure enough, jammed despite all my care. I ran forward to throw a mills bomb but the Germans got in first with two or three stick bombs. The stick grenades with handles had some advantages as they were easy to throw, but not that some of our fellows could not throw mills bombs a surprising distance, if not hampered by mud and equipment. Of course we were faced with an impossible task, covered in mud loaded down with ammunition, grenades, very lights and what not. The enemy had every advantage. I flopped down in the mud and the stick grenades bounced over me giving me two wounds in the left knee and small bits of tin sticking all over me. The concussion was tremendous and I was deafened by it. When I looked up the Germans had surrendered and our fellows bayoneted them through the back. "

Frank goes on to tell of walking a long way back to an aid post, then being sent to a hospital in Etaples where surgeons performed an operation on wounds that already had gas gangrene and were oozing black pus. He recounts, ...... " a week or so later I was in Walton on Thames Hospital, England. Tom French was there minus an arm ". Frank was to recover from his wounds and return to active duty in 1918.

End of Excerpts from Frank Athol Gillman Diary.

Histories of the Auckland Battalion: Battle of Broodseinde October 4, 1917.

There are several other texts worth considering when tracing the history of the Auckland Battalions at Broodseinde on October 4. The New Zealand Division by Colonel H Stewart. Ormond Burtons 1922 History of the Auckland Battalion and a more recent history of "the Auckland Infantry by Cooke Gray and Stead, published 2010.

Each text traces the position of the 1st Auckland Battalion as starting from the Cluster houses and crossing the Hannbeke Stream. It seems that they may have achieved this on the night of the 3rd October 1917. The jump off point was taped out far in front of what ever had constituted the New Zealand front line on the day of October 3rd. Action from the jump off point was due to commence at 6.00 am on the morning of the 4th. The first Auckland were to be part of the first wave who's objective was the red line, roughly parallel to to the jump off line it ran along the area known as Abrahams Heights, though it was barely a visible rise. The Second Auckland battalion of which Dave Gallaher was a member were to attack half an hour after the first wave, leap frog their position, and consolidate a new front line roughly in parallel with Berlin Wood just beyond the current position of where the sGravenstafel New Zealand memorial is located today.

Between a quarter and half an hour before six the German artillery launched a massive bombardment of the New Zealand lines. Fortuitously most of the New Zealand troops had advanced beyond their front line in anticipation of shortening the length of terrain they would need to cover before encountering the German front Lines. Therefore most of the German shells fell behind the New Zealand troops. The force of explosion being muffled by the soft Flemish mud which seemed to swallow the otherwise lethal high explosive. Still there were many casualties amongst the Auckland forces.

Incredibly the Germans had planned to mount their own attack meticulously planned for the morning of the 4th. When the combined Commonwealth artillery opened up at 6.00 am the German forces were caught assembled forward of their trenches out in the open. The result was catastrophic for the German soldiers. They were decimated. When the Auckland Battalion moved forward they encountered at least 500 corpses lying in the field. Many surviving German soldiers were dazed and soon gave up. Within a couple of hundred metres the 1st Auckland Battalion encountered a machine gun post at Aviatik Farm. Possibly the one responsible for mowing down the North Auckland men described by Frank Athol Gillman in his diary. According to Colonel Stewart's text Captain Seawards platoon, lead by Tom French, engaged and neutralised this obstacle. The entire 1st Auckland Battalion veered severally off direction during the battle, ending up far to the left of their intended objective. It may well have occurred as a result of the Scottish Battalion on their left veering severally to their left forcing the 1st Auckland to fill the void and nullify the machine gun posts located on that left flank. As they moved forward they eliminated the clusters of bunkers around Winzig, Albatross Farm and Winchester farm way to the left of their intended objective.

The first Auckland Battalion ended up on the Stroombeek flats where they encountered water, conditions that were poor for consolidating their position. Deadly machine gun fire from Yetta Farm took a large toll on the New Zealand soldiers who had strayed so far out of position. The 1st Auckland were however able to take up their originally assigned finishing point soon after and were then leap froged by the second New Zealand wave. The two waves pressed the front forward by approximately 1600 meters. An amazing success by first world war standards, in a relatively short, few hours, time frame.

Ironically in the days proceeding the battle of Broodseinde Tom had been earmarked for a battlefield commission. Military historian Chris Pugsley notes it was not unusual for a soldier considered able, to be promoted directly from the lower ranks, to become an officer.

Tom was not entirely sure of the exact circumstances in which he was wounded, but in a lull in fighting within the German lines he spotted a sack containing loaves of bread. As he and his fellow troops were always malnourished he took the opportunity to venture out to retrieve the sack. He was never sure whether the bag was booby trapped or if he had been sniped, or even caught apiece of shrapnel. But the result was a wound to his left arm at the elbow. As the New Zealand forces were fully stretched he had to make his own way back through the lines to the nearest first aid station. He only mentioned the circumstances to my mother only once and said after bandaging his wound he had wandered around the battle field on his own for a very long time. He complained of the bitter cold and mud as it had been constantly drizzling. He was probably staggering through the carnage in a state near hypothermia and shock. From somewhere near the Stroombeek flats, (in the vicinity of the Stroombeek stream), he had to make his way back to the main New Zealand first aid station which was located in the small village of Wieltje. In a straight line about 4.5 to 5km. On a torn up battle field in adverse weather conditions an eternity. Geographically the Stroombeek stream and flats are to the left of the current day New Zealand memorial at sGravenstafel.

The aftermath, France, Walton on Thames, Oatlands and Torquay. (October 4 1917 to 18 January 1919).

In the confusion following the battle Tom was initially listed as being one of 29 other ranks, " missing". His service record refers to him having his lower left arm amputated, due to gangrene, at the 55 General hospital in France 7th Oct 1917 and an embarkation date for England on the 13th Oct 1917, before being admitted to the No.2 general Hospital Walton on Thames 19th Oct 1917. His initial amputation developed complications and his remaining limb was fully amputated at the shoulder. Tom transferred to the nearby Oatlands hospital where he spent quite some time undergoing rehabilitation. Those based at Oatlands were amputation cases and patients suffering the effects of TB. They were known colloquially as the "Lambie's ". Written on the back of a postcard, he sent home, showing himself and three fellow soldiers seated on a bench, is written " four limbless lads, some picture "........ His stay at Oatlands was not as a full time patient, as he had periods of leave from there, as one late return noted in his paybook stating ( absent without leave ) and incurring loss of several days pay. I just hope she was worth it! Also while at Oatlands the wounded soldiers received rehabilitative training and educative opportunities including such topics as wool classing and animal husbandry. The disabled soldiers were able to raise pigs, poultry and rabbits, selling them on the open market. Tom at some point received instruction in agriculture. ( there is a photo of him in uniform in the field probably summer 1918 ). The field photo was probably taken at one of three New Zealand rehabilitation farms established in South Devon collectively known as the Torquay Discharge Depot. By 1918 the three farms had expanded to an area encompassing 500 acres. It was here that the Central School of Agriculture was established. The schools teaching reflected the increasingly technological nature of modern farming as well as covering all contemporary practices. There were visits by expert lecturers and trips to research and instructional facilities through out southern Britain.

As late as January 1919 Tom was still having treatment for his wound with a return to Walton Hospital. Incredibly it was not until the 18th of January 1919 that he finally embarked for New Zealand on the Zealandic via the Panama Canal.

Belvue Spur October 12, 1917. (what happened 8 days after Toms wounding).

Although this battle has no direct connection with Tom French, I have included it as most New Zealanders who know a little about World War one, associate the name "Passchendaele" solely with the slaughter on this date.

It was this success of the Battle of Broodseinde on the 4th October that that lead to the disastrous mis planning of the attack on the 12th October the Battle of Belvue Spur. Belvue Spur was a small rise that guarded the left side of the approach to the Passchendaele ridge. As the weather continued to deteriorate High Command gambled that one last push might result in the capture of Passchendaele, now a completely flattened non descript pile of rubble. Passchendaele occupied the strategically important crest of a gentle hill. It's capture would allow the British to significantly impact German supply lines and rail hub on the other side.

From a New Zealand perspective the utter failure of October 12th can be traced back to a few fundamental errors all to do with preparation of the battle field. The time frame of just eight days was simply just not enough. It had rained continuously since the 4th and the single road up to the front was near impassable. Artillery could not be moved forward in the mass required to be effective. Neither could a firm platform for the artillery to rest upon be constructed. Without a firm platform each time a gun fired it pushed itself further into the ground which rendered impossible, consistent accuracy of fire. Indeed New Zealand artillery performed so poorly that day that many of our troops were killed by our own short falling fire.

The entire battle field consisted virtually of adjacent shell holes each filled with water. Everything in between was a morass of mud. The small streams which had carefully drained the Flemish countryside for centuries were obliterated and now formed watery lakes of ooze deep enough to swallow anyone foolish enough to try traversing them. There was also a political aspect in that the New Zealand Commander General Alexander Godley wanted to please High Command and was only too happy to assign his division the task. General Russel was ill and crucially did not oversee preparations for the battle.

Casualties for the action of October were approximately 2700 including 847 dead. This occurred in the space of just four hours. In truth the death total for that day probably exceeded well over 1000. Many were to succumb to their wounds in the days months and yes even years that followed. It was New Zealand's blackest Day.

The Canadians finally secured the Village of Passchendaele, despite the horrendous state of the battle field, on November 6 1917. Sound preparation, planning and execution were the key.

Reminding the reader, Tom French did not take part in the action of the 12th October. In fact while his fellow soldiers were being slaughtered he was in a French Hospital, having undergone his first amputation and awaiting embarkation to Walton on Thames Hospital in London.

1919 The return home.

The Zealandics' official title for the journey home was as 'His Majesty's New Zealand Ambulance Transport Zealandic', returning draft 217. It consisted of 19 officers, 8 nurses and 990 retuning soldiers plus ships crew. All under the stewardship of Captain A. Brocklebank. The departure from England on the 18th January 1919, ( over two months after wars end) was from Tilbury Dock on the River Thames, not so far from central London. There they assembled in alphabetical order witnessed waving and cheering crowd. The willing voyages were a collection of men from several hospitals and convalescent camps scattered throughout England. All were in some state of recovery and rehabilitation. Considering Toms' was still receiving treatment from Walton on Thames hospital I expect he departed for Tilbury directly from there.

The weather was typically wintery being cold and wet for the first few days of the voyage. A floating sea mine was observed and avoided several days into the voyage. The weather soon picked up which afforded the men a very pleasurable time on deck where games of all sorts could be indulged in. There were even classes given to keep the men engaged. The troopship magazine titled 'The Parting of the Ways', (published in May long after return to New Zealand), listed activities such as concerts, debates, board games, fancy work, basket making with the YMCA library being most popularly indulged.

Passing the West Indies they sited the coast of South America. First port was Colon at the entry to the Panama Canal. The troops marvelled at the exotic birdlife and abundance of black workers who they noted were subservient to their American masters who seemed to be running things. The soldiers marvelled at the canal which, to their eyes, was a state of the art technological wonder. Indeed the troopship magazine goes into many pages describing it's intricacies. Electric lights and mechanical bulldozers to pull the ships rather than Donkeys. The sight of women, many being American, caused many a heart to flutter. One point of consternation amongst the returnees was lack of shore leave while replenishing the ships coal stores in Colon.

The trip across the Pacific was uneventful and on the last night of the journey they held a farewell concert and awarded prizes for all games and activities indulged in during the trip. On February 26 at Daybreak the East Coast of New Zealand revealed itself and soon they were at anchor in Port Nicholson in Wellington Harbour. On the 27th Defence officials boarded the vessel for documentation purposes. The returned soldiers were now somewhat peeved and angry about their continuing confinement on board the Zealandic. Finally on February 28 at 8.30 they hove anchor and docked at Glasgow Wharf. They were met by cheering crowds, smiling faces and waving handkerchiefs. I don't know if anyone was there to greet Tom but his address of intention is listed as Hinemoa Street Hamilton. He was off to stay with his sister Bessie and consider the rest of his life.

Tom, still receiving medical treatment in Hamilton, was finally discharged on 2nd May 1919 having served four years and 16 days. In spite of the horrendous casualty rate inflicted on New Zealand servicemen Tom returned as one of only 1000 amputees to survive the war. He remained a member of the war amputees association for the rest of his life.

Tom did however for his sacrifice and service earn the typical suite of three medals, 1914/15 Star, British war medal and Victory medal. These were awarded to him between 1920 and 1922.

New Zealand ..................... 1919 and beyond.

He married Hannah Courtney, his prewar sweetheart, on January 21, 1920, at St. Benedicts church in Auckland. family sources say he always referred to her fondly as Jess. They moved to Hamilton where their first child Patricia was born in 1921. An earlier child was miscarried after a fall. Tom trained in Agricultural Sciences at Ruakura. It was here in Hamilton he re associated himself with rugby in the guise of a referee. He won plaudits for his abilities as such and by 1922 was recognised as one of the top Waikato referees. After finishing agricultural training and taking the title of Noxious Weeds Inspector he was posted to Wairoa where he stayed until 1935. Transport was by horse. In Wairoa his family had increased by three more children with Margaret 1924, Tom (junior) 1926 and Anthony (Tony) 1928, joining Patricia. ( total four ). Tom was active in promoting rugby at all levels coaching /selecting/ managing etc. To quote a newspaper clipping from 1956 Titled "Talent nursery", ................... "When stationed at Wairoa he made the district a rugby nursery for the famous Hawks Bay Ranfurly Shield team, for so long invincible" Amongst many players mentioned he was responsible for discovering /coaching/ mentoring All black great George Nepia, Sam and John Gemmell, Tori Reid, W Collins and Everard Jackson. A number of East Coast players under his tutorage and influence were members of the 1924 " Invincible Allblacks ". Also during this period he maintained a keen interest in all things pertaining to Maori rugby ................ coaching , selecting, managing. Tom had been an inaugural member of the Maori Advisory Board since 1922.

He experienced the 1931 Napier earthquake, when a water tank collapsed at his home , shortly before the quake one of his children had been swimming in it. Tom also fortunately escaped a near miss himself when his car was the last to cross a bridge prior to it's collapse.

For a disabled person with a young family, my brother tells me he coped admirably during the dark days of the depression providing, not only for his family, but for others in need as well, from a large and bountiful garden. He moved to Gisbourne and continued his involvement with local rugby teams staying there between 1935 and 1939. Amazingly despite his injury he was a champion tennis player with the Gisborne Marist and Cosmopolitan tennis clubs around 1935 and 1936. His son Tony a very proficient tennis player finally beat his father in a match in the 1940's. Tom apparently never lifted a racquet ever again. Tony said ......... " he (Tom) was never a particularly good loser! Actually the term Tony used was "poor loser". He also enjoyed sprinting, winning many races and beating many men his junior in the 100 yard dash. By this time he was in his mid forties ! 1939 also saw Tom in the position of North Island rugby team selector.

A Gisborne Herald news article of June 19 1978 states that players of his selecting era remember Tom as a perfectionist, a hard task master but above all an entirely fair man to his players.

Tom was promoted to stock inspector after sitting his exams and moved next to Rotorua ( 1939 ). World War Two broke out and he became a Lieutenant leading the home guard against imminent German and Japanese invasion. I have a newspaper picture of him leading a home guard parade in 1941, left coat sleeve tucked characteristically into the left coat pocket. While in Rotorua his wife Hannah died suddenly (possibly of a congenital heart condition (1944). She is buried in the central cemetery there.

Auckland and immersion in Auckland rugby. (Tom French the personality of post war Auckland rugby)

1944.

After Hannah's death in Rotorua Tom, also in 1944, moved to Auckland with his four children. Settling in a basic house in Onehunga regarded by his daughters as a hovel. There he immersed himself in rugby life coaching Marist to championship status and winning the Pollard Cup and Jubilee Trophy. He was working for the Agricultural Department. From that time on his involvement with Auckland rugby snowballed, while continuing to be a driving force within Maori and All black rugby. His interests and contributions and entanglements are far too numerous to detail without omitting many details, ( from 1944 he coached, selected, managed etc etc etc). Around 1948/49 he, along with renowned Maori player Dr. Lou Paiwai, established an Auckland based Maori rugby team by the name Aotea. However it atrophied, then ceased to exist.

1949 Māori All Blacks and the Tom French Cup

Tom coached and co-managed the famous 1949 Māori All Blacks team that toured Australia. Here his personality and magnetism shone to such an extent that the rugby enthusiast Captain Johnny Morris along with some assistance form the Australian rugby Union created and dedicated the Tom French Cup. The first recipient in 1949 was J.B. Smith. The cup is bestowed to this day on the most outstanding Maori player of the year.

The cup is inscribed.....

The Tom French Cup to be awarded to the best Maori player of the year and to be held by the players club for one year.

Donated by Captain John Morris IA r’etd of New Zealand and Sydney Australia. A tribute to the great services Tom French has given to Rugby Union Football generally and as coach of Sonnie West’s grand Maori team to Australia 1949 in particular.

Maori Team to Australia 1949. DSB Heather Manager, Tom French Coach, Sonnie West Captain, Pete Smith Vice Captain, Team list below..... etc

John Morris.

So, who was John Morris. Born John Claude (Jake or Tate) Morris in Dunedin New Zealand approximately 1888. He was the son of a sheep farmer. Some official sources state Jake and or Tate. By 1909 he had moved to Australia in the Queensland region for "adventure ". Very soon after war was declared on August 4 1914 he enlisted in the Australian armed forces. In fact his military service record states the date of August 24 1914 in Townsville Queensland. His occupation listed as Journalist. With the succinct serial no. of 464 and as a Corporal he was a part of the 2nd Light Horse Regiment. They set sail on the Star of England 25 September arriving in Egypt December 9 1914. The 2nd Light Horse were later to be decimated in an attack against the Turks at Quinns post in 1915 in Gallipoli. John however escaped this fate as he was discharged from the Australian Army on 18 April 1915 to take up a position as a commissioned officer with the Indian Army, just as his grandfather had done previously. Hence the inscription on the Tom French Cup "John Morris IA r'etd. I cannot shed any further light on his time in the Indian Army but a Presidents' report from the Sydney University Cricket Club in 1975 fills in a few more details. After the war he travelled to England where he began a life long profession in Real Estate. Returning to Sydney 1923 he established an office in the City and retired in 1974. He had a long association with the University Cricket Club starting from his time at University. He took the position of President in 1956 and became Patron in 1962 a position he held until 1974, his association with the club totalling 66 years. Fondly known as 'Skip" he passed away 10th December 1975.

Johnny Morris also gave Tom a wallet, inscribed inside was "To the Mastermind ......... Tom from John". Others have referred to Tom simply as the "Grandmaster" due to his understanding and knowledge of the game. Another notable Maori team he was intimately connected with as selector was the 1956 Maori side who lost to the Springbok in a rather fractious match. He co-managed the 1955 All blacks for a match in Auckland. He was also described in print as ........... " the personality of post war Auckland rugby "

His first born son Tom J French was also involved in representing the Auckland side and the Maori Allblacks throughout the 1950's. There is often confusion between Tom French and Tom J French. I have several photos of them as part of the same team. ( manager and player ).

Tom retired from the position of Chief Port inspector for the Agricultural Department on the 31st March 1956, A position which included all agricultural matters at all ports of entry in Auckland including Whenuapai air base. His involvement in rugby was "total", Auckland, Club rugby, Maori teams, All blacks etc. He was a vice president of the Auckland Rugby Union from 1956 until retirement in 1961.

Made a life member of the Rugby Union in 1957, the 17th person to be so honoured. He retired from the Maori rugby advisory board in the 1962. ( He had been a member since it's inception in 1922 ). An incredible forty year service on the board, and over 50 years association with Maori rugby since his debut in the 1911 Maori side.

Continued his involvement with all matters of rugby at the top level until about 1962. Depending on his actual date of birth, he would have been at least 70 ................ ( plus ). But as my mother notes as strong and fit as an ox.

He was an avid supporter of the Maori education foundation. I have correspondence between the Education Dept and himself in Sept 1962 in which they thank him for organizing at footy match between Auckland and the Maori team. 481 Pounds were raised and matched equally by the Government, yielding 963 pounds all up. A fairly substantial amount by all accounts at that time.

In 1955 he lived in Peary rd. in Mt. Eden, My mother Daphne Williams in the adjoining street Marsden Ave. They both worked in Downtown Auckland. Occasionally my father, who often worked unusual hours with the agricultural department, would give her a lift into the city. And so a relationship developed, however my mother was intent on serving at least twenty years in the Airforce to qualify for a government superannuation pension. Daphne Williams WAAF W2513/73825 actually served 21 years in the RNZAF and married Tom in 1962. He had been spending his retirement between Auckland and occasionally Operau near Kawhia where he owned land. Anyway they were married at the Otahuhu registry office. (The Auckland registry office was housed in the same building as the Agricultural Dept..... and for some reason Tom wanted to avoid ribbing from "old mates'). Having gone through the whole gamut of a Catholic wedding service to his first wife, though he was not particularly religiously inclined, he was surprised by the brevity of the registry ceremony and inquired ............... " is that it ? ".

From about 1962 he returned full time to his farm at Oparau near Kawhia, which he continued to farm on his own until the end of 1968. Cattle fattening and a few sheep. He had the greenest fingers imaginable and continued a life long tradition of providing for his family with the most rampant vegetable garden known to humankind. He perpetuated a life long regime of exercises and stretches which kept him slender and strong until almost 80 years of age.

His fifth child Karl was born in 1963, possibly one of the last children born to a First World War soldier. Certainly in New Zealand and maybe even the world?

Tom took a keen interest in the goings on in and around Kawhia. He helmed the committee to replace the old dilapidated wharf. Tom was extremely proud to attend the opening ceremony of a brand new state of the art wharf which also had facility to store and chill fresh catch. This greatly assisted the Kawhia fishing industry which was particularly strong and vibrant in the 1960's. Next the committees' attention was turned to the development of a new hall. This project was successfully funded and built to cost. The hall exists to this day. I recall attending the opening day.

During the 1960's Tom along with fellow residents of Kawhia township became increasingly concerned by encroaching sand drift blown in from the adjacent dunes. They felt the sand drift was absorbing land and would over time become a threat to the town. Tom was very active in generating support from all parties concerned. Maram grass was initially planted to stabilise the dunes and then a process of planting pine trees was undertaken to further consolidate the drift. In a scheme partnered with the New Zealand Government the forest initially planted was to be milled and replanted over time. Providing a continuing source of employment and income for the local people as well as addressing the effects of erosion effectively over time. The first pine trees were planted in August 1970 at a ceremony attended by his wife and sons Tony and Karl. Tony planted a tree on Tom's behalf. The first fell of trees began in the mid 1990's. A park near the Te Puia Springs at Ocean Beach was named Tom French Grove. The scheme known as the Tainui Kawhia Incorporation, now solely owned by TKI, continues to this very day generating revenue and employment for the folk of Kawhia. Harvesting of the forest for the second time began in 2024.

1968 and 1969 saw Tom in Court battling the Maori Affairs Department. Promises had been made, for decades, to assist Maori farmers in the district financially with the development of their farms. Government money was, and had been, available for this purpose for some years. Using parts of his farm at Operau as an example Tom won his case in the Hamilton Court. Maori farmers around the Kawhia district benefitted.

Toms' health declined in the late 1960's and he left the farm at Kawhia in 1968 and settled in Manurewa Auckland. At his new property he set about creating another rampant garden to feed his family and still pushed the lawn mower around with one handed enthusiasm. Emphysema caught up with him in 1970. The legacy of exposure to gas so many years before on the battle field. After a hospital stay he died at home on the 15 July 1970. Tom was about 80 years of age.

Tom was buried with his fellow soldiers at Waikaumete cemetery in Auckland. The pall bearers for his coffin included Maori rugby greats Kieth Davis, Waka Nathan, Albie Prior and Tom French jnr as well as son Tony French and son in law Cedric Wynne. Unusually the memorial service was conducted by both Anglican minister the reverend Kingi Ihaka and a Catholic priest at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Kyber Pass rd Auckland. The service was open to the public who over flowed into the grounds, such was the respect for Tom.

Interesting the pathologists at Auckland hospital thought it would be interesting perform an autopsy on Tom to study the effects of gas exposure, from World War One, on the human lung. My brother Tony put a stop to this happening.

Here is a link to the French Ecpad film website. Footage is of the Trench Black team who played France at Parc Jaques Anquetil on April 8 1917. New Zealand won 40 / nil for tha Somme Cup. See Malcom Ross correspondent, papers past, for a full match description. ( 1917 ).

This film footage from 1917 does exist but I haven't been able to access the page since the website was revapmed post 2018. A native French speaker may be necessary to assist in navigating it. Has footage of Tom French and his teammates in Paris and on the Rugby field.

http://www.ecpad.fr/les-images-de-lecpad-accompagnent-la-rencontre-france-nouvelle-zelande/

Les images de l’ECPAD accompagnent la rencontre France ...

www.ecpad.fr

Etablissement de Communication et de Production Audiovisuelle de la Défense

Toms' legacy,

Over half a century has passed since Tom retired from actively participating in all things rugby. After his death the memory of the man and his achievements slowly faded, as those who knew him also passed into history. The Tom French Cup was awarded year after year but did any one really know the history which enveloped it? For many years the award recipient inscription was not even updated on the side of the cup.

However in the early 21st century there came renewed interest, firstly with the documentary 'New Zealand's Bloodiest Day' which documented the 90th commemoration of the battle of Passchendaele in Belgium in October 2007. The documentary featured Toms' story and the devastating legacy the Passchendaele battles had on him and the country. It argued that while the mythology surrounding Gallipoli had flourished in the public consciousness, Passchendaele and the war in Europe, on the Western Front, held even greater significance on so many more levels.

In 2009 Malcolm Mullhollands' history of Maori rugby 'Beneath the Maori Moon' was published. It squarely documented Tom French's role in the development and nurturing of Maori rugby. The book was used as the basis for the multipart television documentary also titled Beneath the Maori Moon. Maori, rugby and war were analysed in the 2nd episode, featuring Tom.

With the staging of the World Rugby Cup in New Zealand in 2011 the history and essence Maori rugby was presented to the world in the form of an exhibition at Aucklands Viaduct harbour. In an exciting temporary yet relocatable structure in the form of a Maori Waka. Simply known as the 'Waka'. Crowds thronged to this unique environment to see the story of Maori rugby come to life in a truly memorable style. Tom was featured as were the teams he was involved with. And even the staturesque Tom French Cup was on display. ( recipients fully updated ).

Christmas day 2014 saw the Trench Blacks featured in a rather ramblely story on T.V.3s' nightly news, marking the centennial of W.W.1. It was the match played against France in Paris at the Velodrome of Parc Jaques Anquetil. Old film footage showed the team enjoying them selves as well as playing against the French team fresh from the battle field. Tom French was shown with his fellow team mates.

In August 2015 Tom was recognised once more. With the coincidence of the 100th commemoration of world war one and another World Rugby Cup event, this time in England, the Rugby Museum at Palmerston North decided to mount an exhibition marking the contribution and sacrifice of 15 allblacks including 3 Maori allblacks entitled Balls, Bullets and Boots. While some of those profiled died at Gallipoli or early in the European campaign many went on to feature as members of the Trench Blacks. This exhibition is to toured the country for the duration of the W.W.1 centennial commemorations.

Clive Akers rugby historian published an e book also entitled Balls bullets and boots in 2015. This neatly accompanied the launch of the Rugby museums exhibition. The e book detailed the experiences of 15 pre war rugby players including one woman. And of course Dave Galaher, Toms mentor, was one of the 15. In 2016 a hardback edition of Balls, Boots, and Bullets was published, expanded to over thirty soldier / rugby players and relevant war time rugby teams. Lavishly illustrated and well over three hundred pages it deserves a place in all rugby aficionados' collections.

October 2015. Simon Day Journalist and great grandson of Tom published an article in North and South magazine entitled "Toms' Dream" detailing Toms' contribution to New Zealand Maori rugby.

October 2016 saw publication of an article in the New Zealand Listener entitled " Nothing But Desolation " by writer Greg Hall. Chronicling the battles of Passchendaele it interwove the story's of several W.W.1 soldiers experiences in the two October engagements of1917.

June 2019. Renowned Maori historian Monty Soutar, author of the story of the 28th Maori Battalions published Whitiki Whiti Whiti E!: Maori in the First World War. It explores the evolution of the Native Contingents / Pioneer Battalion / Maori Pioneer Battalion. There is mention of Tom French.

Family Tree.

John Paul French Te Anu Pohe Pohe ............... (Tom's parents) I

Sam French Tom French Bessie French ........(brothers and sister) (possibly a McGruther ) (Tom born possibly as early 1889?)

I

Pat French Margaret French Tom J French Tony French .........( Tom's children from his first marriage, to Hannah Courtney )

Second marriage: Tom French (senior ) Daphne Williams ................. ( 1962 )

I

Karl

Interestingly John Paul French's biological father's name was Gallagher, He only took the name French from his mothers fourth husband probably for convenience or convention. Any relation to Dave Gallaher I wonder? Remember Dave was born a Gallagher in Ireland and the family simplified it to Gallaher for convenience.

A note to family tree writers, most track the surname French back, but John Paul French really was born John Gallagher.

Please return emails to ......................... karlvfrench@hotmail.com phone. +64 (0)27 37 66066

Note to family and friends. Feel free to accompany me to the 100th commemoration of the battle of Passchendaele in October 2017. There I will walk the battle field 100 years to the minute after my father did.

2025 note. I travelled to Ypres Belgium again in 2017. With the assistance of local historians, period war maps and written descriptions I located the slope in front of the present day Aviatek Farm. I was on the battle field, at 6am, literally 100 years to the minute after my father. ( October 4 1917 ----------- October 4 2017 ).

Compiled between 2007 to 2025.

K.V.French