24/1707 Rifleman William Charles Kitson
E Company 2nd Battalion
3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade
3rd January 1918
Born on 18/08/1889 in Whanganui, New Zealand. His parents were William John Kitson(31/05/1844-29/05/1890) and
Anne Day(no birth date known-17/06/1919).
They were married on 10/07/1881.
William Had 2 sisters, Elizabeth(1883-21/09/1942) and Louisa(1885-12/11/1951).
In the NZ Electoral Roll of 1911, the family were recorded as living at 41 Liverpool Street, Whanganui, William was employed as a painter.
In the 1914 NZ Electoral Roll, it records that William was still employed as a painter but the family were now living on Mamaku Street, Whanganui East.
William enlisted on 29/10/1915 at Trentham Camp, his medical took place on the same day, details below;
Declared Age - 26 years, Trade or Occupation - Wharf Labourer, Height - 5ft 11 inches, Weight - 168lbs.
Chest Measurement - Minimum - 37 inches, Maximum - 41 inches, Complexion - Medium, Colour of Eyes - Blue,
Colour of Hair - Brown, Religious Profession - Church of England.
Distinctive Marks - Tattoo "C K " on left forearm and scar from removal of varicose vein in left leg.
William left New Zealand on 08/01/1916,embarking at Wellington, before sailing to Egypt and dis-embarking at Suez on 08/02/1916.
He was in Egypt for 2 months before embarking for England on 09/04/1916 from Alexandria.