MOORE, Harold Donald

Son of Frederick Moore & Margaret McKenzie
b. 1888 NZ - d. 1950 NZ

World War I, 1914-1918

Apia, Samoa (1916-1918) - wireless operator
Harold enlisted on 6 March 1916 at Auckland, aged 26 years. He was recorded as being 5', 6½" tall with a fair complexion, fair hair and hazel eyes. Medical examination showed his eyesight was not up to standard. He had previously served with the No 3 Garrison Artillery in Auckland and done compulsory military service in Invercargill, Southland. His next of kin was his mother Margaret Moore of Alfriston (Manurewa). He was convicted by court martial in 1917 in Apia, Samoa of "consorting with Germans in Samoa" and his rank reduced from sergeant to private. He was to be sent home to New Zealand with orders to report to the camp at Featherston (Wairarapa). He was accused of consorting with Kurt Meyer, an "enemy subject" on various dates in the month of May and previous dates prior to May. Giving evidence, Kurt Meyer claimed Harold had visited because he (Meyer) owned a horse Harold was training for the Apia races. The Defence argued: "...that to consort means to be continually in the company of another, or, to be living at the house of another, and must show a continuance of friendship . . . that, mere business arrangements do not amount to consorting . . . for these reasons I submit that the prosecution has failed to make a case against accused..." On 28 June 1917 the evidence and sentence of DCM held at Apia was annulled by ruling of Judge Advocate General and Harold's rank of sergeant was reinstated. He served a total of 2 years 270 days, 1 year 217 days being in service overseas.

Source: Military documents