Pte. Tiaki Wepiha Jack Webster

Tiaki Wepiha Jack Webster was born in Papamoa, Tauranga on 22 June 1895. His parents were Wepiha Rangiamoamo and Paea Pikitia Webster (nee Mikaere). Tiaki worked as a labourer for the Tauranga Public Works Department. On 13 December 1916 he enlisted to serve during World War I under his European name, Jack Webster. On 8 March 1917 Jack was in trouble for spitting in the barracks when in training at Narrow Neck camp in Auckland. Jack was posted as a Private to the New Zealand Māori (Pioneer) Battalion (Service No. 19604). He was admitted to the 35th General Hospital at Calais in France on 19 November 1917 suffering from a gunshot wound received to the back. Private Tiaki Wepiha Jack Webster died of his wounds in No. 35 General Hospital in France at 5am on 29 November 1917, aged 22. He was buried in Les Baraques Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Advice of his death appeared in the local newspapers: WEBSTER Advice has been received by Mr Wepihia Ranginoamo that his son Private Jack Webster, who was wounded during the recent fighting in France, succumbed to his wounds in the 35th General Hospital at Calais on November 29. The deceased was well known and highly respected in this district and the sympathy of the Europeans and Natives of the community will be extended to his relatives in their great loss (Bay of Plenty Times, 5 December 1917, p. 2). Advice has been received by Wepihia Rangimoano, of Papamoa, that his son, Private Jack Webster, who was recently reported wounded, died in the General Hospital, Calais, on November 29th (Te Puke Times, 7 December 1917, p. 2). The Tauranga Domain Memorial Gates record Jack's name as T Wepiha. Biography by Debbie McCauley http://tauranga.kete.net.nz/remembering_war/topics/show/2407