After being injured etc. in the Field, Ira was in various Field Hospitals and in Walton-on-Thames before returning to New Zealand on the Hospital Ship SS Maheno in May 1918.

My father was in and out of Hospital during his lifetime from the 1914-18 war. At one stage he was a patient in the Wellington Hiospital for just on 2 years having his lung removed. This was due to the result of a gas attack in the Field during the Battle of Paschendale. He was never allowed to work because of his War pension but did contribute to helping others in the Foxton Community and was elected member of the Foxton Council, the Wanganui Education Board (for many years), and the Palmerston North Hoispital Board. He was a good provider for his wife and 5 children although he found it hard to do any physical work like gardening etc.

Previous military service with the 4th Regiment - Compulsory Military Training. AWMM