Rifleman Charles David Cruickshank - One of our WW1 Soldiers

Charles “Chick” was born on the family orchard in Rosemount Cottage, Anderson Road, Matakana on the 15th of November 1889.

His Grandfather, Doctor Alexander Cruickshank and Father left Scotland and arrived in Matakana around 1859.

Chick was a keen and talented amateur photographer and left a legacy of photographic plates that are held in the family archives.

His military career started with the Rodney Mounted Rifles a local militia group, that disbanded around 1908.

In May 1916 he enlists and his Military Attestation form states that he is single and a farmer in Matakana. He is 26 years old , 5ft 3in and in excellent health.

In late September 1916 he leaves NZ on the ‘Pakeha’ with the 8th Reinforcements NZ Rifle Brigade 1st Battalion, C Company. During his journey he developed Measles and spends 14 days in the ship's hospital.

Arriving in Etaples, France December 1916. He is immediately attached to the NZ Machine Gun Depot as a “Batman” - Military Aid to an Officer. Then again in April 1917 he serves at a “Batman” at the Lewis Machine Gun School.

Charles returns to NZ in April 1919, unfortunately he is unwell and dies in Auckland Hospital, 11th July 1921 after a long illness with Tuberculosis.



Charles David is also remembered on the Matakana War Memorial.

Lest we forget