Private Ronald Hunter White died of illness on 3 September 1917. Born at Riccarton in 1895, Ronald White attended Harewood School and prior to his enlistment, farmed at Prebbleton. He arrived in England in January 1917, but while training at Sling Camp awaiting transfer to France, he contracted influenza and bronchitis in May. In July 1917 he was discovered to have been absent without leave for 9 days, and was required to forfeit nine days pay and was awarded 9 days CB (Confined to Barracks). He was sent to France in August but never made it to the front line. His condition worsened and despite being sent to the 24th General Hospital, at Etaples, he died of lobar pneumonia five days later. He was buried in the Etaples Military Cemetery and is commemorated along with Stanley Dalley on a plaque in St Giles Presbyterian Church in Papanui (see below) as well as on the Harewood School War Memorial.

Back to The Men from Papanui