OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 151, 22 March 1939, Page 6

OBITUARY

Mr. David Scott McGhie

VETERAN OF TWO WARS

A veteran of the South African War, and also of the Great War, Mr. David Scott McGhie, 15 Orchard Street, Goldie’s Brae, Wellington, died suddenly last Saturday. In 1935 Mr. McGhie unsuccessfully contested the Pahiatua seat in the general election. After serving in the South African War from 1900 to 1902, Mr. McGhie was granted a commission in the. Royal Engineers (2nd Lanarkshire) Volunteers on his return to England. He remained with the Lanarkshires till 1907. On the outbreak of the Great Wa r Mr. McGhie took active part in recruiting, addressing numerous meetings in various parts of England. He then applied for, and received, a commission in his former unit, the Lanarkshire Royal Engineers. After a short period of service in Scotland he was transferred to Egypt; where his regiment was on active service. He served on Gallipoli during the occupation, by the Allies, and on the evacuation of the peninsula served in Sinai. During the early part of 1916 Mr. McGhie was engaged in well-digging at Ogratina. On Easter Sunday of that year his company was attacked by an overwhelming force of Turks and after heavy fighting was forced to surrender, the few survivors being taken prisoners. Mr. McGhie remained a prisoner of war in Turkey till the end of hostilities when he was repatriated to England. He subsequently came to New Zealand, but his experience during the wa» had undermined his health.

Mr. McGhie is survived by his widow, two daughters, and a son who is at present in. London. The funeral took place yesterday morning.