ROLL OF HONOUR.

Taihape Daily Times, 29 October 1917, Page 4

ROLL OF HONOUR.

<r~ SERGEANT FRANK McLAUGHLAN

Widespread sorrow was caused by the sad new s of the death of Sergt. Frank McLaughlan who was killed in action in Flanders on October 4th. Following on the deaths in action of Privates Pat McLaughlan and Private John McLaughlan, the circumstances are the more regretful, and the sympathy of the whole community goes out to Mr P. McLaughlan and family in their sad and severe loss. Few families in the Dominion or the Empire have had such a severe cross to bear and have made such sacrifices in the present war as have the McLaughlan family of Taihape. The late Sergt. Frank McLaughlan left many months ago, and s*aw considerable active service. He was wounded in the Somme push and laid aside for several month s in hospital in England. When he was sufficiently recovered he was offered instruction work in England, but his dauntless spirit carried •him back to the front line trenches again, where, unfortunately he made the supreme sacrifice. His death will be regretted by innumerable friends of Taihape and district, where he was extremely popular with all in whom he came in contact. A further son, Private Marts McLaughlan has been on active service a considerable time, and at latest advice was on the eve of departure for New Zealand

When the sad news of the dealSf of Sergt. Frank McLaughlan on the battlefield of Flanders was . received in Taihape, the sorrow was not confined to his immediate family circle alone. Many a stalwart man besides women and children, shed a silent tear as a tribute to his memory. It is safe to say no more popular soldier ever left Taihape. The late sergeant was popular for his manly character, sunny disposition, cheery voice and kindnature. He was beloved by all with whom he came in With the children he was ever popular, at school picnics, sports and other functions where children foregathered, and his bright and happy disposition was infectious. For : those in l distress or trouble he ever had ■ a kindly 7 anu cheery word and gloom wduid ; disappear in hispresence. For the old people, he had ever a :r helping hand, and his buoyancy of spirit was contagious and made the old folk forget their ills and age. Among sporting enthusiasts he was acknowledged as a "sport," and football, hockey, and tennis of Taihape owe a lot to his kindly influence and fine' sportsmanlike qualities. In patriotic efforts, before his departure for the war he. was active and shouldered more than his share of the-work. ■--, In- pre-war day s he was prominent in i all matters appertaining to. the welfare ■of the town and man he was noted for his upright and •honest dealings. Although' having business ties he early considered it i.i s duty to go forth with the thousands of New Zealanders who have sacrificed all for their country. This same, spirit of self-sacrifice took him back to-the fighting zone" when he could have continued ,in a safe position as instructor Ih.jthe camps of England;; But as with every matter he took in hand, whether business, sport or social, he did it thoroughly, so with his soldiering. He joined up as a fighting soldier, and died as one with his face to the enemy and in the fulness of his glory. Though his sunny smile and cheery voice will not again be seen and heard in our midst, his memory will be ever green and we will know him as one other noble soul and nature's gentlemen who gave all he possessed that we should maintain the heritage won in ages past, by other such worthy men as An epitaph written by Scotland's immortal bard is a fitting one for our departed hero: — "An brave man here lies at rest

As e'er God with his image blest. The friend of man, the friend of truth, The friend of age and guide of youth. Pew hearts like his with virtue warm'd, Few heads with knowledge so inform'd."

"May his manly form sleep the soldier's sleep under the green sward of Flanders, and may his soul rest in peace."—A tribute from his friend, W. J M.