Pte
James Wilfred Crichton

Informatie over geboorte

Geboortedatum:
16/03/1886
Geboorteplaats:
Richmond, Christchurch, Nieuw-Zeeland

Algemene Informatie

Beroep:
Boekhouder

Informatie legerdienst

Land:
Nieuw-Zeeland
Strijdmacht:
New Zealand Expeditionary Force
Rang:
Private
Service nummer:
53904
Dienstneming datum:
26/02/1917
Dienstneming plaats:
Richmond, Christchurch, Nieuw-Zeeland
Eenheden:
 —  Canterbury Regiment, 1st Bn.  (Laatst gekende eenheid)

Informatie over overlijden

Datum van overlijden:
26/12/1917
Plaats van overlijden:
Polygoonbos, Zonnebeke, Belgiƫ
Doodsoorzaak:
Killed in action (K.I.A.)
Leeftijd:
31

Begraafplaats

Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood
Plot: XIII
Rij: C
Graf: 2

Onderscheidingen en medailles 2

British War Medal
Medaille
Victory Medal
Medaille

Points of interest 3

#1 Geboorteplaats
#2 Dienstneming plaats
#3 Plaats van overlijden (bij benadering)

Mijn verhaal

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.

Bestanden 1

Bronnen 2

Capt. Ferguson, D., The History of the Canterbury Regiment N.Z.E.F. 1914-1919, (Auckland, Whitcombe and Tombs Limited, 1921), 220-222 & 300.
Gebruikte bronnen
Military Personnel File
https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE13402527
Gebruikte bronnen

Meer informatie 5