SINGER, David Alexander

Son of Abraham Singer & Sarah Martha Blanche Reves
b. 1894 NZ - d. 1958 NZ

World War 1, 1914-1918
First-known Rank: Private
Serial No.: # 6/3869
Unit: 9th Reinforcements Canterbury Infantry Battalion, C Company, New Zealand Expeditionary Force
Embarkation: Wellington, New Zealand to Suez, Egypt
Vessel: Maunganui
Rank Last Held: Lance Corporal

France & Ypres, Belgium (1916-1918)
David enlisted on 22 October 1915 at Trentham (Upper Hutt). He was recorded as being a 21 year-old Anglican, 5', 7¾" tall, with brown hair, blue eyes and a fair complexion. He was born in Westport, New Zealand, his last address being 18 Russell Street, Westport. His occupation was hairdresser and his last employer Charles Clarke of Westport. He belonged to the No 8 Garrison Artillery, Westport from 2 November 1908 to 28 February 1911. Next of kin on enlistment was Frederick [sic] Singer (father), 18 Russell Street, Westport. He signed as Dave Singer.
David was gassed on 15 February 1918 and since that date had shortness of breath and pain between his shoulders. Disability recorded as "chronic pulmonary disease"; date & place of disability about February 1918, Ypres. A note stated he'd had rheumatic fever 7 years earlier.
He returned home to New Zealand on 7 October 1918. He was medically discharged on 3 November 1918, having served a total of 3 years and 13 days, of which 2 years 272 days were spent in active service overseas.
Next of kin on death was Mrs G Singer (widow), 335 Adelaide Road, Wellington.

Source: Military documents; Auckland Cenotaph