Private Skipper Pou HEMI (1889-1916).

NZEF Service # 16/1320 : Private, New Zealand Pioneer Battalion, A. Company, 3rd Maori Contingent, NZEF.

Born 21 November 1889 - at Blenheim, Marlborough Region, South Island, New Zealand.

Skipper was the son of Pou W & Tire Hemi - of Canvastown, Marlborough Region.

Prior to enlistment for war service Skipper Hemi was employed as a Bushman (Forest Feller) - at Forsyth Island, Marlborough Sounds.

Skipper Hemi enlisted for war service - on 29 October 1915 - at Blenheim, Marlborough.

On 5 February 1916 Private Hemi left New Zealand for overseas war service aboard HMNZ Transport Ship 'Navua'.

Private Hemi served at France (1916).

Private Skipper P. Hemi was killed in action - 10 September 1916 - at the Somme, Armentieres, France. He was 27 years of age.

Private Skipper P. Hemi is buried at Quarry Cemetery, Montauban, Somme, France : Grave ref: VI.E.5

Private Skipper P. Hemi is also remembered at his birth-place in New Zealand - on the Marlborough War Memorial (1914-1918) - at Blenheim, Marlborough.

Private Skipper P. Hemi is also rememembered at the home district of his parents - Pou & Tire Hemi - at the Canvastown War Memorial Hall, Canvastown, Marlborough.

For the full military record of Private Skipper P. Hemi refer to New Zealand Online Cenotaph : www.aucklandmuseum.com

Photo Credit : Private S. P Hemi : Auckland (New Zealand) Library Heritage Collection : AWNS 19170118-44-21.

Photo Credit: Canvastown Roll of Honour : S. Halpin (2017) : New Zealand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jenifer Everett