Robyn Parkes
As we approach another Anzac Day it is timely to remind ourselves of the huge sacrifice that our soldiers and their families made. This is just one story.
Edward John McNabb, son of the pioneer McNabb family, married Phoebe Mason in 1880 and the family were living in Riwaka.
The couple had around 11 children between 1881 and 1902. As the great war loomed ever closer, Edward and Phoebe’s sons answered the call.
Five of them enlisted and served overseas. A sixth son Edward Martin enlisted but was found to be medically unfit for service and did not embark.
Cyril Haase and his brother Roy Alexander were both born in Collingwood and both moved to Napier, where Cyril worked for Bull Brothers as a labourer, and Roy worked for the Napier Borough Council as an electrical engineer.
They enlisted on the same day in August 1914 and were attached to the Wellington Infantry Regiment, Main Body as privates. They embarked with the Main Body in October 1914, headed for Alexandria, Egypt, either on board the Arawa or the Limerick. From Egypt, the regiment were sent to Gallipoli to serve with the ANZAC’s.
The Gallipoli campaign began on 25 April and Cyril was there for just five days when he was killed in action at Walkers Ridge on the 30th, aged 21. He is remembered at the Lone Pine Cemetery.
Roy, a likeable and very popular young man had previously worked for Messrs J H Rankin and Co before moving to Napier.
On 16 May the Turkish 2nd Division arrived at Gallipoli to reinforce their forces, and it was on this day that Roy lost his life at Walkers Ridge, aged just 19 years old.
He too is remembered at the Lone Pine Cemetery.
Vincent Irvine was born in 1890 at Riwaka. He moved to Auckland to work for Lye and Sons as a carpenter. He enlisted at Trentham in August 1915 and was attached to the Otago Infantry Regiment as a private.
Vincent left New Zealand aboard HMNZT28 Tofua for Suez, Egypt. In July 1916 he was at the Somme which took place between July and November. Vincent was killed on 12 July and was buried at Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres.
The family had suffered a great deal with the loss of three sons, but Edward and Phoebe still had two more sons to worry about who were away fighting.
Lewin spent time in France but was wounded in his left leg and arm which resulted in a partial amputation of the arm. He was discharged in July 1918.
Brother Owen served with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade but, like his brother, was discharged in May 1918 as no longer fit for service.
We will remember them and many others like them this Friday, 25 April.
