2nd Lieutenant Graham GRIFFITHS (1882-1916). NZEF Service # 6/3229; 2nd Lieutenant, Canterbury Infantry Regiment, 8th Reinforcements, NZEF.
Born 9 September 1882 - at Blenheim, Marlborough, New Zealand. 5th son of Mr C J & Mrs B S Griffiths - formerly of Blenheim and later of London, England.
Prior to enlistment for war service Graham Griffiths was employed as a Land Agent at Blenheim - in the firm started by his father - Griffith Bros Ltd, Blenheim.
Graham Griffiths was also well known in fruit growing and sports circles - and he was also a Member of the Blenheim Borough Council.
Graham Griffiths enlisted for war service and he was posted as a Corporal with the Canterbury Infantry Regiment, 8th Reinforcements, NZEF.
At Egypt he was promoted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, Canterbury Infantry Regiment, NZEF.
On 13 February 1916 2nd Lieutenant Graham Griffiths was seriously injured in a fall from his horse at Ismailia, Egypt - and he died - on 13 February 1916 - at the 1st Australian Stationary Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt. He was 34 years of age.
Lieutenant Graham Griffiths is buried at Ismailia War Cemetery, Egypt (Grave ref: B.48).
On 15 February 1916 the 'Marlborough Express' (New Zealand) published an account of Lieutenant Griffith's death - with the headline :
"Lieut Graham Griffiths - A Fatal Accident".
The article continued : " A private cablegram was received in Blenheim (New Zealand) this morning from Egypt which contains the sad news that Lieut Graham Griffiths had met with a fatal accident. The message - sent by Major George Griffiths - states that his brother was riding at Ismailia yesterday (presumably on Sunday) when the horse slipped and Lieut Griffiths fell and fractured his skull. He never regained consciousness" (Papers Past: National Library of New Zealand; 'Marlborough Express'; Volume L; Issue 38; 15 February 1916.For Lieutenant Graham Griffiths full military record refer to New Zealand Online Cenotaph.Cenotaph:Cenotaph :www.aucklandmuseum.com
Jenifer Everett