45685 Rifleman Henry Flavell
A Company 4th Battalion
3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade
6th December 1917
Born in Whangaroa, New Zealand on 16/10/1887. His parents were Benjamin Flavell(1860-25/05/1908) and Emma Mathieson(1863-14/08/1950). They were married on 21/12/1885.
Henry had a sister, Ivy Ellen(Mona)(1899-20/05/1927).
Prior to enlisting, Henry was working as a bush feller for Waller Wiggins in Ririhia, whilst living with his mother and sister in Mackaytown, Karangahape.
He enlisted in Te Aroha on 15/01/1917 with his medical being performed the same day, details are as follows;
Declared age -32 years
Height 5ft 9inches, Weight 159lbs
Chest Measurement – Minimum – 37 ½
Maximum 39 ½
Complexion – Dark, Colour of Eyes – Grey,
Colour of Hair – Dark Brown,
Religious Profession – Church of England
Henry was posted to H Company 25th Reinforcements on 31/01/1917. He will have spent the next few months training before embarking for England on 26/04/1917 from Wellington. It wasn't until 20/07/1917 that he reached his destination and was able to disembark in Devonport. That same day he marched into Sling Camp, Wiltshire and was posted to B Company 5th Reserve Battalion New Zealand Rifle Brigade(NZRB).
More training whilst at Sling followed, before being sent to France on 06/09/1917.
It was 3 days later that he marched into Etaples Camp, France and 6 days later he was marched out to Division, joining 4th Battalion 3rd NZRB a day later and posted to A company.
Henry was to die of wounds he received in action on 06/12/1917,which would have been around the Polderhoek Chateau, near Polygon Wood, Belgium. He was later reburied on Polygon Wood Cemetery on 10/07/1919.
He was awarded the 1914-1918 British War and Allied Victory medals.
New Zealand Herald - 6 December 1918
In memoriam
Flavell – In loving remembrance of our dear soldier, Rifleman Henry Flavell, NZRB, twenty-fifth Reinforcements, who died of wounds on the field, December 6,1917. Buried at Ypres Military Cemetery.
He was our all.
Somewhere in France our darling lies,
Somewhere beneath the sod:
But his soul so brave is beyond the grave,
Somewhere, somewhere with God.
Inserted by his mother and sister E and M Flavell. Mackaytown
New Zealand Herald – 6 December 1919
In Memoriam
Flavell – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Rifleman Henry Flavell, NZRB (Earl of Liverpool’s Own), died of wounds, December 6, 1917
His life for our liberty.
Dearly loved and sadly missed.
Inserted by his mother and sister, E and M Flavell. Mackaytown
New Zealand Herald – 6 December 1920
In Memoriam
Flavell – In loving and affectionate remembrance of our dear son and brother, Rifleman Henry Flavell, who died of wounds. December 6, 1917.
Nearer my God to Thee.
Inserted by his mother and sister. E and M Flavell Mackaytown
​
New Zealand Herald – 6 December 1923
In Memoriam
Flavell – In memory of my dear loving son, Rifleman Henry Flavell, who died of wounds in France. December 6 1917.
Just when his life was brightest
He went to his eternal rest
Dearly loved and sadly missed by his mother. E Flavell.
​
New Zealand Herald – 6 December 1926
In Memoriam
Flavell – Treasured memories of my dear son. Rifleman Henry Flavell, NZRB, who died of wounds in France December 6,1917.
Love’s final gift – Remembrance.