"Leaving New Zealand early in March, 1916, attached to B. Company, 10th Reinforcements, fell in action July 10th, 1916, only a few weeks after he had arrived in France. The last of the family at school here, he remained for five years, leaving in August, 1909, to manage part of his father’s property. At the beginning of the year he did his utmost to get away, but circumstances made his departure quite impossible. He was despatched with a party of fourteen men to repair a gap in wire entanglements fronting the New Zealand trenches, and on arrival at the spot a heavy fire was opened by the Germans, three being killed and four others badly wounded. Batley was shot through the head and killed instantly. No finer proof can be given of his sterling character and cheerful disposition than his own letters, written since he left the country." (In Memoriam, 1914-1918 [Wanganui Collegiate School]) AWMM