Pte. William Allison

William Allison was born at Puerua in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island on 10 November 1888. His parents were John Allison and Isabella Allison (née Robson) who had married in New Zealand in 1868. William served with the Otago Mounted Rifles during World War I, followed by the New Zealand (Māori) Pioneer Battalion. He saw action at Gallipoli. On 15 September 1916, William was killed in action at the Somme. He was buried in the field in one of several scattered graves, and is remembered on the Caterpillar Valley New Zealand Memorial [Panel 11] (bio by Debbie McCauley, 29 January 2024).

PRIVATE WILLIAM ALLISON. Mr John Allison, of North Balclutha, has received telegraphic advice from the Minister for Defence that his son, Private William Allison, has been killed in action in France. Private Allison, who is well known locally, went to Egypt as a trooper with the Sixth Reinforcements. After the Gallipoli campaign he was transferred to the infantry for service in France. Prior to enlistment he was for some time engaged as a rabbiter. His death will be regretted by his many friends in this district. Source: Clutha Leader (29 September 1916, p. 5).

Sources

1. Cenotaph: https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/record/...
2. Clutha Leader (29 September 1916, p. 5).
3. New Zealand and World War One Roll of Honour: http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~sooty/genealogy/nzefrohA.html / Ref 2.4.2021