Pte
James Wilfred Crichton

Information about birth

Date of birth:
16/03/1886
Place of birth:
Richmond, Christchurch, New Zealand

General information

Profession:
Accountant

Army information

Country:
New Zealand
Force:
New Zealand Expeditionary Force
Rank:
Private
Service number:
53904
Enlistment date:
26/02/1917
Enlistment place:
Richmond, Christchurch, New Zealand
Units:
 —  Canterbury Regiment, 1st Bn.  (Last known unit)

Information about death

Date of death:
26/12/1917
Place of death:
Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, Belgium
Cause of death:
Killed in action (K.I.A.)
Age:
31

Cemetery

Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood
Plot: XIII
Row: C
Grave: 2

Distinctions and medals 2

Points of interest 3

#1 Place of birth
#2 Enlistment place
#3 Place of death (approximate)

My story

Private James Wilfred Crichton was born on March 16th 1886 in Christchurch, New Zealand. He was the son of William Stuart and Mary Crichton and worked as an accountant before his enlistment in the army. When he enlisted he joined the 1st Battalion of the Canterbury Regiment, New Zealand Division.
After the Third Battle of Ypres, the New Zealand Division was stationed in the line in and around the Polygon Wood area. In the beginning of December, an attempt was made to capture the Polderhoek Chateau to improve their positions and take the high points of the area from the enemy. They made some small gains, but suffered very heavy casualties. They were able (during the attack) to move the line slightly forward and to avoid further losses it was decided that they would hold and consolidate that new front line.
On the night of 22nd/23rd December the 1st Bn. Canterbury Regiment relieved the 3rd Bn. Canterbury Regiment, where they were in close support to the frontline. Private Crichton was killed in action on the 26th December while holding the line. He was originally buried between Nonnebosschen and Polygon Wood (J.9.c.50.50.). After the war he was reburied at Buttes New British Cemetery.

Files 1

Sources 7

Capt. Ferguson, D., "The History of the Canterbury Regiment N.Z.E.F. 1914-1919", Whitcombe and Tombs Limited, 1921, 220-222 & 300.
Sources used
Cenotaph
https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/record/C3413?n=53904&w=World%20War%20I%2C%201914-1918&ordinal=0&from=%2Fwar-memorial%2Fonline-cenotaph%2Fsearch
Sources used
CWGC
https://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/480173/creaser,-/
Sources used
Discovering Anzacs
https://discoveringanzacs.naa.gov.au/Search/General?query=crichton+53904
Sources used
Military Personnel File
https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE13402527
Sources used
N.Z.E.F.-Project
https://nzef.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=57290
Sources used
The Long, Long Trail
http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/
Sources used