Son of William and Mary Perry of Sawyers Bay, Dunedin

Destinations of initial embarkations: 21/5/17 - Devonport, England and to Sling Camp.

James was the 8th child of William and Mary Perry of Sawyers and one of 13 children (although 1 died in infancy). Elizabeth Maud Hewitson (nee Perry) was his sister.


William and Mary spent their life at Sawyers Bay where they were occupied in both farming and sawmilling. James’ father used to walk between Dunedin and Sawyers Bay weekly to obtain stores etc and on one occasion in 1900 he did not return. His body was found later drowned in Lake Logan, now Logan Park, Dunedin. James would have been 11 at this time and presumably he needed to go out to work to help support his mother and siblings.

James obviously volunteered for war duty late in 1916 and copies of letters are attached which he sent home to family members.

For further information refer the publication “The Perry’s and Millers of Sawyers Bay” written by the Late Hon Sir Clifford Perry. AWMM