Born on 5th January 1889 in East Ballarat, Australia. His forebears had come from Cornwall, UK. At the age of 10 he moved to New Zealand where his father, a Methodist Minister, had been transferred. In 1914 he graduated from the University of Otago with a medical degree and qualified as a doctor. In January 1917 he was commissioned as a Captain into the New Zealand Expeditionary Force where he served as a medical officer. His regiment was sent to Flanders and saw action around Ypres in autumn 1917 On 15 Nov 1917 he was awarded the Military Cross. The citation read: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in attending to the wounded at the regimental aid post under heavy fire. Although twice wounded he went on with his work until ordered to hospital by his commanding officer. He was killed just a month later on 15th December 1917 at the age of 28. He is buried at Menin Road South Cemetery, Ypres. He left a widow, Mabelle Martha Summons who he had married in Sydney, Australia on 23 Dec 1915

Nick Serpell