2nd Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Forces
24 August 1877 - 7 September 1918
Robert is my great grandfather's step-brother.
I have researched the following information about Robert
from his military records and other related texts.
I have endeavored to record the story of
his involvement in the war as accurately as possible.
Robert was the eldest son of John Richard Bland (19 December 1836 - 31 March 1918) and his second wife Annie Maria Bland, nee Horne (17 April 1852 - 18 April 1933), who came to New Zealand from England as government assisted immigrants on the ship Rooparell. Robert was born in Auckland on 24 August 1877. 24 August 1877 - 7 September 1918
Robert is my great grandfather's step-brother.
I have researched the following information about Robert
from his military records and other related texts.
I have endeavored to record the story of
his involvement in the war as accurately as possible.
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Taken from the supplement to the Auckland Weekly News, 31 October 1918, p41
Sir George Grey Special Collections,
Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19181031-41-54
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Robert's older half-siblings were from the marriage of John Richard Bland, and his first wife, Mary Jane Curtis (c1841 - c1867). The four boys were born in England. After their mother died aged 26 from a heart attack, John I married Emma (surname unknown), however, both Frederick and Emma both appear to have died around the same period. John I married a much younger woman named Annie Maria Horne on 20 December 1873 and the following year they brought the three surviving boys out to New Zealand. John and Mary Bland's children were:
- Frederick William Bland (1861 - 1st quarter of 1872)
- Alfred (Alf) John Bland (June 1863 - 1956)
- Charles (Charlie) Robert Bland (17 August 1864 - 13 February 1931)
- Stephen (Steve) Bland (June 1866 - 21 April 1890)
The children of John and Annie Bland were born in New Zealand:
- Annie Maria Pettett (25 July 1875 - 25 December 1958)
- Robert (Bob) William Bland (28 August 1877 - 7 September 1918)
- Edward (Ted) Bland (19 March 1879 - 1965)
- Susannah (Susie/Sue) Margaret Tonson (27 June 1880 - 5 January 1972)
- John (Jack) Richard Bland II (29 March 1882 - 28 February 1966)
- Sarah Bland (August 1883 - 17 July 1884)
Bob and his older sister Annie II were both born in Auckland. Their parents had both children baptised at the St Matthew's Church, Auckland City, on 6 February 1878. The church register lists John's occupation as 'sawyer', and the first sponsor as a woman named, Mary Young. It also states that the family were living on Picton Street.
Shortly after Bob and Annie II were baptised, their parents took the family north to Mangawhare, Marsden District, Northland where their youngest four children were born. The Bland family lived at Mangawhare until at least September 1886 at which time John won a ballot for the 'perpetual lease' of some land nearby, at Motukaraka. John worked as a carpenter.
Bob and his siblings attended the Native School in Motukaraka. Family records state that the Bland children were the only European children at their sole-teacher school, apart from the children of the schoolmaster, who would row across the harbour from Rawene to teach lessons. Bob's brother, John Bland II, would later tell his children, that the headmaster was often drunk when he arrived at school!*** Robert's military records state that he did not complete Standard 4, which is the equivalent of the current Year 6.
Shortly after Bob and Annie II were baptised, their parents took the family north to Mangawhare, Marsden District, Northland where their youngest four children were born. The Bland family lived at Mangawhare until at least September 1886 at which time John won a ballot for the 'perpetual lease' of some land nearby, at Motukaraka. John worked as a carpenter.
Bob and his siblings attended the Native School in Motukaraka. Family records state that the Bland children were the only European children at their sole-teacher school, apart from the children of the schoolmaster, who would row across the harbour from Rawene to teach lessons. Bob's brother, John Bland II, would later tell his children, that the headmaster was often drunk when he arrived at school!*** Robert's military records state that he did not complete Standard 4, which is the equivalent of the current Year 6.
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| The Native School, Hokianga where the Bland children attended school in the late 1880s and early 1890s Unknown date and photographer. (Photo courtesy of C Murphy) |
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| Daughters of John Bland II outside the school-room in Hokianga where the Bland children went to school in the late 1880s and early 1890s. (Photo courtesy of L) |
In 1884, when Robert was almost 7 years old, his baby sister Sarah died. She was 11 months old and had suffered from lung congestion and apnoea. Sarah was buried in Auckland.
On 21 April 1890, Robert's older half-brother, Steve (23), who was crippled following an accident when a baby, passed away at his residence in Dargaville. Steve had been sick with tuberculosis for two years, and sadly, was destitute and living on charity when he died. He was buried at the Mount Wesley Cemetery, in Dargarville. More information about Steve can be found here.
In January 1888, Robert's mother took her youngsters to a community picnic at the farm Onoke, which belonged to the late Judge Manning. A contingent of about 100 from the nearby town of Rawene attended, and around 50 more, including the Blands, came across from Motukaraka. They spent a happy day together on the swings, playing cricket and football, fishing for mullet, and eating a delicious hangi.
On 29 January 1892, the Bland family probably attended the annual picnic on a farm near the Wairupe Creek. About 200 settlers and their friends attended the picnic. Races and activities were organised for the day, and a concert was held in the school in the evening.
At the monthly Band of Hope meeting in February 1892, Robert's sister Annie, who was about 17 years old at the time, sang a solo entitled, 'The Cottage by the Sea'.She also sang at the April meeting. The Band of Hope was a church-run programme for young people which educated them about the dangers of alcohol, and encouraged them to abstein from it.
The Bland family returned to live in Auckland later in 1892.
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| Annie Bland with her children. Left back to front: Bob, Ted & John II. Right back to front: Annie II & Susie. Photo taken 1884, probably just after John and Annie's youngest daughter, Sarah, died. Photographer unknown. (Photo courtesy of C Murphy) |
On 21 April 1890, Robert's older half-brother, Steve (23), who was crippled following an accident when a baby, passed away at his residence in Dargaville. Steve had been sick with tuberculosis for two years, and sadly, was destitute and living on charity when he died. He was buried at the Mount Wesley Cemetery, in Dargarville. More information about Steve can be found here.
In January 1888, Robert's mother took her youngsters to a community picnic at the farm Onoke, which belonged to the late Judge Manning. A contingent of about 100 from the nearby town of Rawene attended, and around 50 more, including the Blands, came across from Motukaraka. They spent a happy day together on the swings, playing cricket and football, fishing for mullet, and eating a delicious hangi.
On 29 January 1892, the Bland family probably attended the annual picnic on a farm near the Wairupe Creek. About 200 settlers and their friends attended the picnic. Races and activities were organised for the day, and a concert was held in the school in the evening.
At the monthly Band of Hope meeting in February 1892, Robert's sister Annie, who was about 17 years old at the time, sang a solo entitled, 'The Cottage by the Sea'.She also sang at the April meeting. The Band of Hope was a church-run programme for young people which educated them about the dangers of alcohol, and encouraged them to abstein from it.
The Bland family returned to live in Auckland later in 1892.
There must have been some stress in the Bland household in 1894 when teenage daughter Annie became an unwed mother. Annie gave birth to a son who was named, Edward John. It appears that the baby remained in the family and was adopted by Annie's parents. Sadly, he died aged 8 months. In 1896 Annie, now 21 and still unmarried, gave birth to a daughter, whom she named Susannah Daisy (known as Daisy). Daisy was adopted and raised by her grandparents.
The Bland family had a connection with St Paul's Anglican Church on Symonds Street, Auckland. The church is known as the oldest church in Auckland, and dates back to 1841. Robert may have been christened at this church. The present St Paul's Church on the Symonds Street site was dedicated on 1894. It may well be that Robert and his family attended this service.
Electoral Roll information for 1896 shows that John and Annie Bland were living on Fitzroy Street, Ponsonby, Auckland. Annie was listed as performing domestic duties, while Richard worked as a carpenter. Presumably, 19 year old Robert also lived with them there.
Electoral Roll information for 1896 shows that John and Annie Bland were living on Fitzroy Street, Ponsonby, Auckland. Annie was listed as performing domestic duties, while Richard worked as a carpenter. Presumably, 19 year old Robert also lived with them there.
A happy occasion for the Bland family occurred on 26 October 1898 when Robert's sister Annie married Frederick William Pettett. They settled in Hawera where Fred became superintendant of the Fire Brigade. Fred and Annie had five sons.
In 1899, Robert's oldest half-brother, Alf, married Henrietta Florence Minifie. Alf worked as a carpenter in Wellington, and later he worked for the railways in Petone and Greymouth. Then he went back to his building trade, working in Wanganui and Taranaki districts. Alf and Henrietta had one daughter, Esther Leonie, who was known as Leonie. She was born in 1900.
In 1900, John and Annie Bland lived on Howe Street, and from 1901-02, they lived on Wakefield Street, both in central Auckland. It is likely that Robert also lived with them.
In 1899, Robert's oldest half-brother, Alf, married Henrietta Florence Minifie. Alf worked as a carpenter in Wellington, and later he worked for the railways in Petone and Greymouth. Then he went back to his building trade, working in Wanganui and Taranaki districts. Alf and Henrietta had one daughter, Esther Leonie, who was known as Leonie. She was born in 1900.
In 1900, John and Annie Bland lived on Howe Street, and from 1901-02, they lived on Wakefield Street, both in central Auckland. It is likely that Robert also lived with them.
In 1902, Susannah (known as Susie) married James Tonson. They moved to Wanganui, near to older brother Alf and his family. Robert was uncle to James and Susie's four children.
On 30 January 1904, Robert's brother John II married Flora Alice Bently. They eventually settled in Birkenhead, Auckland where John worked at the sugar factory. John and Flora had twelve children.
Electoral Roll information for 1905-06 and 1911 show that Robert was working as a labourer at Kaipara Flats, Northland. It appears that no other family member lived nearby. Later in 1911 Robert moved back to Auckland and lived at 8 Alexander Street, Kingsland with his parents, and younger brother Edward. Both Robert and Edward worked as labourers. The house the Bland family lived still exists.
Electoral Roll information for 1905-06 and 1911 show that Robert was working as a labourer at Kaipara Flats, Northland. It appears that no other family member lived nearby. Later in 1911 Robert moved back to Auckland and lived at 8 Alexander Street, Kingsland with his parents, and younger brother Edward. Both Robert and Edward worked as labourers. The house the Bland family lived still exists.
Robert had many nieces and nephews. It appears that he was well loved by them all.
In 1916, Robert's 20 year old niece Daisy Bland, married Henry Standen.
On Saturday evening, 14 April 1917, Robert's seven year old neice Hazel Margaret Tonson (b1910) was accidentally killed on Queen Street, Auckland when she ran out onto the road and was hit by a taxi coming down the hill. The following story of Hazel's death was printed in The New Zealand Herald 16 April 1917:
In 1916, Robert's 20 year old niece Daisy Bland, married Henry Standen.
On Saturday evening, 14 April 1917, Robert's seven year old neice Hazel Margaret Tonson (b1910) was accidentally killed on Queen Street, Auckland when she ran out onto the road and was hit by a taxi coming down the hill. The following story of Hazel's death was printed in The New Zealand Herald 16 April 1917:
Robert was a labourer with the New Zealand Railways prior to the war. He enlisted on 14 June, 1917 giving his mother, Mrs A M Bland of 108 Grey Street , Auckland, as his next of kin. Robert gave his address as Pukeoware (Waiuku, South Auckland?). Robert stated on his military forms that he was single and had no children, but had two dependents, which presumably, were his aged parents.
Robert's dental record of 14 June suggests that his teeth were in bad shape and that he would require extractions and a full set of dentures before departing for Europe. It appears that this was carried out at his camp.
Immediately after enlisting on 14 June, Robert was given unpaid leave until 9:30am on 26 July. Robert probably used this time to make provisions for his parents before heading off to start his home service. When his leave ended, Robert was posted to G Company, 30th reinforcements Canterbury Battalion with the rank of Private. Shortly afterwards he was transferred to the 31st reinforcements, and briefly to the 32nd reinforcements before returning to the 31st.
Robert departed Wellington on the troop ship Tahiti bound for Liverpool, England, on 16th November 1917. The ship docked in Liverpool on 7 January 1918. He was marched into Sling Camp on 8 January 1918. On 20 March, 1918 Robert was sent over to France with the Canterbury Infantry Regiment and after passing through Etaples Camp, was in the field by 28 March.
The New Zealand Division were immediately sent to the front line to plug a gap at Hamel, in the Somme, which was created by the advancing German army during their 'Spring Offensive' (This began on 21 March.). When Robert's company reached the front lines it was raining and many of the soldiers didn't have wet weather gear, so it would have been miserable. Soldiers dug in and tried to fend off German attacks using the little artillary that was available at the time. The New Zealand Division were responsible for manning the trenches along the Somme front. They mounted daring raids to German held trenches on a regular basis. It has been noted that New Zealand soldiers warned the German soldiers in the trenches along the Somme, that if they were captured, they could be eaten. No doubt this added some fear into the hearts of the German army!
On 30 March, three New Zealand battalions captured Signy Farm and with it, a strategic advantage due to the higher ground.
Sadly, on 31 March, just three days after arriving in the field, Robert's father passed away at his home in Auckland after suffering from a long, painful illness. He was 81 years of age. We don't know how Robert dealt with the news, but it must have been very difficult being so far away from home and family at such a time. The following death notice for Robert's father appeared in the Auckland Star, which mentions that Robert, was on active service overseas.
Fighting was fierce in the Somme during March and April and around 1000 were killed and approximately 2700 wounded.
Early in the morning of 5 April, the Germans attacked the New Zealanders at La Signy Farm and regained control of it but the Kiwis stopped them from advancing any further. By 9 April, the German attacks lessened as their focus shifted further north to the Armentiere's area. Most of the New Zealand troops remained in the Somme to guard the line, but some were transferred north to Armentieres, to reinforce the British held line there.
Robert's Battalion took turns manning the trenches at the front line, but during June 1918, the whole New Zealand Division were withdrawn for some rest. They were sent to a camp south-west of St Leger-les-Authie. While away from front line duties, soldiers trained for four hours each morning. They practiced some tactical maneuvers to combat the enemy in the event that they had attacked and penetrated the line. Each soldier was assigned a particular role to play in several different hypothetical situations. During the afternoon, soldiers spent a further hour on fitness, then had the rest of the day free.
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| Bob Bland (seated) with two friends. This photo was taken in France shortly after he arrived at the Western Front 9 June 1918. Photographer unknown. (Photo courtes of L) |
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| The photo of Bob and friends was accompanied by this note to Alice: Dear Alice, I write these few lines hoping to find you well... We had a very fine trip across to England. I had my teeth out when this photo was taken. This photo was taken in France in the time of the great war. 9 June 1918. (Courtesy of L) |
In early July, the New Zealand Division were returned to the Somme front line and were charged with guarding a sector of the line east of Hebuterne that included Rossignol Wood.
On 13 July 1918, Robert was transferred to the 2nd Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, 12 Company.
During this period of the war, the New Zealand Division carried out many raids on the German trenches. On one such raid, on 23 July, Sergeant Richard Travis performed actions that resulted in him receiving a Victoria Cross, posthumously.
On 8 August 1918, the '100 Days Offensive began'. This was the last major offensive along the Western Front.
On 21 August, the New Zealand Division joined four other Divisions of the Emperial Forces, to attack a stretch of 15 km from Puiseux to the Albert-Arras railway. Three days later, the Second Battle of Bapaume began. By 29 August, Bapaume was captured by the New Zealanders after heavy fighting. A day later, they captured the village of Fremicourt. By 3 September, the 2nd Brigade captured Haplincourt and moved into the Hindenburg Line. Here the New Zealanders were tried to capture Trescault Spur which was on the high ground, and overlooked German positions beyond. It was at this point that on 5 September 1918, Robert received gunshot wounds to his abdomen, right hip, right ankle and hands. He was taken to the 1st New Zealand Field Ambulance then quickly transferred to the 3rd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station (CCS) where he died of his injuries 2 days later, aged 41.
Robert's body was re-buried at plot IV A 58 in the Varennes Military Cemetery in Somme France where more than 1200 men are buried.
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| Grave of Robert William Bland in Varennes Military Cemetery, France. |
The death of Robert Bland was announced in the Roll of Honour in the New Zealand Herald on 19 September 1918. The following memorials for Robert were published in the Auckland Star on the first anniversary of Robert's death:
Robert had a will in which he stated that all his possessions were to be transferred to his mother Annie Maria Bland.
Robert is remembered on his parent's grave at Purewa Cemetery, Auckland.
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| The grave of John and Annie Bland. Purewa Cemetery, Auckland. (Photo by K Bland 2016) |
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| Gravestones on John and Annie Bland's grave. (Photo by K Bland 2016) |
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| Robert William, beloved son of J R and A M Bland Killed in action in France, 7 Sept 1918, aged 41 years. (Photo by K Bland 2016) |
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| Robert's name etched into the Auckland War Memorial Museum's World War 1 Sanctuary. (Photo by K Bland 2015) |
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| Robert's name is part of a war memorial at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. (Photo by K Bland 2015) |
The British Medal and The Victory Medal were awarded to Robert W Bland.
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| Replica war medals for R W Bland (Photo by K Bland 2015) |
More information about Robert's family can be found at the blog, The Bland Family.
Sources
- Auckland War Memorial Museum - Online Cenotaph: Robert William Bland
- Archway: Archives New Zealand - Record R22276787
- Wiki Tree - John Richard Bland
- St Paul's Anglican Church, Auckland
- The History of the Canterbury Regiment
- Papers Past
- Births Deaths & Marriages
- Purewa Cemetery Search
- Heritage Images Database - Auckland Weekly News 19181031-41-45
- Heritage Images Database - Auckland Weekly News 19220504-37-2
- Ancestry.com - New Zealand Electoral Rolls 1853-1981
- Anglican Archives - St Matthew's Church, Auckland Baptism register & St Paul's Church (Symonds Street) memorial planning notebook. Accessed 28 June 2016.
- *** Recollections of L L (Daughter of John R Bland II)
- Photos: K Bland, C Murphy
Last updated 7 March 2020
1 comment:
my name is George Nevill and Robert Bland was my great uncle.Roberts brother John Richard Bland was my Grandfather .I would have loved to have met Robert as I,m sure he would have been a wonderful man just as my grandfather was. Eternal peace and rest to them both
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