Arthur Harold McIlroy

Arthur and his brother George died on the same day while serving with the 4th and 1st Battalions of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, New Zealand Expeditionary Force respectively. The brothers have no known graves and are commemorated in the New Zealand Apse of the Tyne Cot Memorial.

ARTHUR McILROY (Sergenat)

Again the sad telegram has been received "killed in action," by Mr. and Mrs. McIlroy, of Cowper Street. The painful wound inflicted but a few days previously was torn asunder again yesterday when the news of "Artie's" death at the Front [w]as received. The fourth son of this highly respected family has joined his brother George in death. The two fine lads enlisted together, had leave together, sailed together, fought together and died with a few days of each other on the Western Front. "Artie" had reached his 24th year. He was a native of Kumara and followed the grocery business. He was a fine, upright lad and loved by his comrades. The parents will have the full-hearted sympathy of the whole community.

Source: Grey River Argus , 3 November 1917, Page 3

The above notice states the brothers died a few days apart. They actually died the same day.

IN MEMORIAM

McILROY. - In sad but loving memory of our dear sons and brothers, CAPTAIN GEORGE and SERGEANT ARTHUR McILROY, 17th Reinforcements, N.Z.R.B., Killed in Action at Passchendaele Ridge, October 12th, 1917.

In the old home you are fondly remembered,

Sweet, tender memories cling round your name,

True hearts that held you in fondest affection,

Always will love you in death the same.

(Inserted by their loving parents, sisters and brothes, 5 Cowper Street, Greymouth).

Source: Grey River Argus , 11 October 1919, Page 2

• Rank: Corporal
• Service No: 17807
• Date of Death: 12/10/1917
• Age: 24
• Regiment/Service: New Zealand Rifle Brigade "H" Coy. 4th Bn. 3rd
• Panel Reference: N.Z. Apse, Panel 7.
• Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL
• Additional Information: Son of William John and Mary Ann Laura McIlroy, of 108, Rossall St., C.hristchurch. Native of Kumara, Greymouth.

Links:

• Cenotaph Record
• Commonwealth War Graves Commission Record
• New Zealand War Graves Record