Second-Lieutenant Gerald Stevenson Hall, son of Mr. and Mrs. H.J. Hall, of "Awatea", Otahuhu, attended the public shcool at Otahuhu, and entered the Grammar School in 1909. He was a member of Form IV.B. in 1910. He had decided to take up farming on leaving school, and went as a cadet on Mr. Newell's Estate at Tamahere, Waikato. On reaching his twentieth birthday he enlisted at Hamilton, and on entry at Trentham Camp he was drafted to the 16th Waikatos. He left New Zealand as a lance-corporal in the 8th Reinforcements in November, 1915, and was made a corporal on the voyage. He was for some months in Egypt, and first saw fighting in Western Egypt against the Senussi. While in Egypt he attended a military school at Zeitoun, and passed the examination with credit, but was too young to hold a commission. He was then drafted to France, and was on active service till after the Battle of the Somme, in 1916, in which he was slightly wounded, and was made a sergeant-major on the field for his services. Early in 1917 he attended a course of military instruction at Cambridge University, and recieved his commission as second-lieutenant. He returned to New Zealand on duty by the S.S. "Arawa," arriving on September 26, 1917. He acted as adjutant on the outward voyage. He was on duty in various camps till March, 1918, when he left with the 35th Reinforcements, and reached France the second time on August 8th, being attached to the 6th Haurakis under Colonel Allen. He was killed in action on August 30th, aged 23 years.' [Source: Auckland Grammar School Chronicle, 1918. See also MS 2002/232, Folder 1]

The Auckland Museum Library's manuscripts collection contains a letter written by Hall whilst at sea to 'Nancy', dated 10 March 1918. [Ref. MS 2002/232, Folder 1]

SuppNom: Ex 8th Reinforcements.

Next of Kin: Mr H. J. Hall, Otahuhu, Auckland (Roll of Honour, Auckland Province 1914-1918 (Volume 1)) AWMM