Remembering an old soldier with headstone
He was wounded at the Somme, recovered and fought at Messines and Passchendaele before returning to Dannevirke six months after World War I ended, dying on March 12 1933 at 38.
James Clawson Wilkinson’s grave at the Mangatera cemetary was marked by just a wooden cross and a poppy until March when Kathryn Mulinder, Tararua Co-ordinator of the National Remembrance Army(NZRA) investigated.
Kathryn contacted family in Tauranga and NZ Veteran’s Affairs which agreed to fund a headstone and the unveiling took place on Saturday November 16.
It was attended byJames’ family, Mayor Tracey Collis, representatives of Norsewood RSA, NZ Veterans Affairs, NZRA volunteers, three soldiers from 1 RNZIR Linton, Rev Jo Crosse, lone piper Jock Emslie, bugler Steve Wallace and friends.
Dave Hands of NZRA and Norsewood RSA President said one could only imagine the horror the soldier encountered.
“It is an opportunity to recognise him these many years on.”
“There was no greater service than doing what was right and although their duty is done it is our duty to recognise them and carry on,” Mayor Tracey Collis said.
Second Lieutenant Lovell of the 1 RNZIR read James’ service record of four years and 173 days.
The three Army personnel unveiled the headstone, presenting the New Zealand flag to Barry Rice, James’ relative and a blessing was presented by Rev Jo Crosse.
Lone piper Jock Emslie played Amazing Grace and Allan Toxward (Dannevirke RSA) read the Ode before Steve Wallace played the Last Post. After two minutes silence the cannon was fired and Reveille sounded.
OBITUARY — Poverty Bay Herald, March 16 1933:
The death took place in Dannevirke on Sunday of Mr. James Clawson Wilkinson, a popular member of the staff of the Ruahine Club, and second son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Wilkinson, well-known residents of Clive, Hastings.
The deceased, who was born in Gisborne 39 years ago, enlisted with the Main Body from Hastings, serving throughout the Great War where he suffered a good deal of illness, and his passing was mainly attributable to his war service.
On his return from the war the late Mr. Wilkinson settled in Dannevirke, and since 1921 had been a steward at the Ruahine Club, where he rendered faithful service. He took a keen interest in and was secretary of the Pigeon Club where it was a flourishing institution. The deceased, who is survived by his widow and four children, had a kindly disposition, and was highly esteemed.
James’s wife Eva stayed in Dannevirke for some years before moving to Auckland with their children.