Arthur Reginald Blennerhassett

Born 12 Sept 1890 - Died 4 Nov 1918

Service number: WWI 23070 AWMM
Also known as: Bennerhassett AWMM
Armed force / branch: Army AWMM
Last rank: WW1 Acting Captain/Military AWMM Wellington Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion AWMM
War: World War I, 1914-1918 AWMM

Arthur Reginald Blennerhassett — Portrait - No known copyright restrictions No Known Copyright Restrictions

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Biographical information

Arthur Blennerhassett was the son of Thomas William and Annie Blennerhassett, of Wanganui.

Embarked as part of the 12th Reinforcements to 2nd Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade.

Gained commission as Second Lieutenant on 14 October 1916 (Studholme 1928).

Promoted to Lieutenant on 14 April 1918 (Studholme 1928).

Bombing Officer, 1st Battalion [?Wellington Infantry Regiment] (Studholme 1928).

Assistant Adjutant, 1st Battalion, [Wellington Infantry Regiment] (Studholme 1928).

"Went into camp with the 9th Reinforcements and, qualifying for a commission, sailed from New Zealand with the 18th Reinforcements in October, 1916, joining up with the 1st Battalion Wellington Regiment early in 1917. He fought through the Battle of Messines, where he distinguished himself in the capture of Blewen Mollen, a strong little redoubt defended by machine guns. Later that year he was wounded, but soon returned to his unit and saw a lot of fighting round Hebuterne and Gommecourt. He took part in the last offensive commencing in August, 1918, was at the capture of Bapaume and through the fighting as far as Le Quesnoy. Just outside this latter town he was killed by a shell on the morning of the 4th November, 1918. He had been appointed Adjutant of his Battalion in October, and promoted temporary Captain." (In Memoriam, 1914-1918 [Wanganui Collegiate School])

Text of the Memorial plaque, Bank of New Zealand Arcade, Wellington, New Zealand: 'In Memoriam: The names inscribed upon this tablet are those of officers of the Bank of New Zealand who laid down their lives in the Great War AD 1914-1919 waged against the nations of central Europe - Germany, Austria, Turkey and Bulgaria - who sought by force of arms to obtain world-wide dominion. In honour of their patriotism and valour. In admiration of their sacrifice. And in grateful perpetuation of their glorious and ennobling memory this monument is reverently dedicated. Their Name Liveth for Evermore.'

Bank of New Zealand Staff Member. AWMM

Sources

External links: Military personnel file
https://collections.archives.govt.nz/web/arena/search/#/entity/aims-archive/R7879548
Further Reference
A Street Near You record
https://astreetnearyou.org/person/579073/-
Further Reference
Commonwealth War Graves Commission Casualty record
https://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/579073
Further Reference
New Zealand War Graves Trust
https://www.nzwargraves.org.nz/
Further Reference
References: Bank of New Zealand officers who enlisted for military service in the First World War. Research completed by Paul Hickford (2014-2017).
Studholme, J. (1928). New Zealand Expeditionary Force record of personal services during the war of officers, nurses, and first-class warrant officers, and other facts relating to the N.Z.E.F. : unofficial but based on official records. Wellington, N.Z.: Government Printer.
New Zealand Army Expeditionary Force. (1917). Nominal Rolls of New Zealand Expeditionary Force Volume II. Wellington, N.Z.: Govt. Printer.
43: 26
In Memoriam, 1914-1918. (1919).Wanganui, N.Z.: Collegiate School.
McDonald, W. (2001). Honours and awards to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the Great War, 1914-1918. Napier, N.Z.: Helen McDonald.
McDonald, H. (2001). p. 34.
Studholme, J. (1928). New Zealand Expeditionary Force record of personal services during the war of officers, nurses, and first-class warrant officers, and other facts relating to the N.Z.E.F. : unofficial but based on official records. Wellington, N.Z.: Government Printer.
Studholme, J. (1928). p. 56.
Beattie, P.J. & Pomeroy, M. (2013-2020). Onward : portraits of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (vols 1-5). Auckland, New Zealand: Fair Dinkum Publications
Vol. 1: Includes portrait
Pugsley, C. (2018). Le Quesnoy, 1918 : New Zealand's Last Battle. Auckland, New Zealand : Oratia.
NZEF CASUALTIES — LE QUESNOY As noted in the Appendix of Dr Christopher Pugsley’s book: Le Quesnoy 1918: New Zealand’s Last Battle. This list was compiled by Richard Stowers and Herb Farrant, and added to by Christopher Pugsley. Please forward any additional names and details to the author through Oratia Media. The list covers period 1–7 November 1918 and those who died after from wounds received in this period.
McDonald, W. (2013). Honours and Awards to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the Great War, 1914-1918. (3rd ed.). Hamilton, N.Z.: Richard Stowers.
Austin, W. (1924). The official history of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade (The Earl of Liverpool's Own). Wellington, N.Z.: L T Watkins.
HMNZT 66 - The Roll call. Booklass, G.J. (George James), editor. -- On board ship : [Magazine Committee] Printed by Charles Jones & Co. Ltd. : 1916.

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Arthur Reginald Blennerhassett