Sgt. Edgar Francis Sheppard

Edgar worked as a Clerk at General Store in Tauranga. He was also in the Rifle Club, a Hauraki Regiment Volunteer and keen sportsman. Edgar was born in Tauranga on 2 February 1893 (reg. 1893/1263). His parents were Edward and Mary Louisa Sheppard (nee Vercoe) who had married in 1880 (reg. 1880/2740). He enlisted on 19 October 1914 and served with Auckland Infantry Battalion, 6th Company (Service No. 12/1501). His last rank was Sergeant. He may have served time as a POW in Bilemedik Pozanti, Turkey. Edgar was killed in action during the Second Battle of Krithia at Gallipoli on 8 May 1915, aged 22 (reg. 1918/38000). On 9 May 1917 the Bay of Plenty Times ran the following: In Memoriam. Sheppard – In loving memory of Edgar F Sheppard (6th Hauraki’s). Killed in Action May 8th, 1915 at Gallipoli. Cover a place where a soldier lies sleeping. Waiting to answer the final roll-call. Inserted by his loving mother, The Camp, Tauranga. On 19 June 1915 the New Zealand Herald printed: Private E. F. Sheppard of Tauranga, who was killed in action was the son of Mr Edward Sheppard, accountant. He was for a few years in a lawyer’s office in Auckland but afterwards returned to Tauranga, where he was employed by Mr Ridley’s provision store.” Biography by Debbie McCauley http://tauranga.kete.net.nz/remembering_war/topics/show/2386