Reference NumberPhoto 15-016DescriptionJohn McLaren Lett was one of sixteen children. His parents were Charles and Sarah Jane Lett (nee Watson). John McLaren Lett was known as 'Jack'. He was born in Wellington on 28 January 1877 and later became a farmer. He fought in the South African conflict (Boer War 1899-1902), Service Number: 3386. John left New Zealand on 30 January 1901 aboard the Cornwall. He served as a Private with the No. 17 company (Wellington section). On 26 May 1902 he married Kathleen Elizabeth Akenson (1880-1965) (reg. 1902/1543). The wedding was reported in the Manawatū Standard on 29 May 1902:The Horowhenua Village Settlement was enlivened on the afternoon of Monday last with a wedding, and there was a pleasant gathering of friends to witness the ceremony and offer congratulations. Miss Kathleen Elizabeth Akenson was the bride, and Mr John McLaren Lett, a returned trooper, the bridegroom. John and Kathleen had two daughters; Barbara Kathleen Lett and Mavis Isabell Lett. The couple later separated and John moved to Austinmer, New South Wales, Australia, where he worked as a gravel merchant. In January 1916 John enlisted to fight in World War I with the Australian Imperial Force. He was with the Australian Infantry, 29th Battalion. On the way to Europe aboard the SS Port Napier, John was docked a day's pay as punishment for gambling. John was sent to France. He took part in the Battle of Passchendaele near Ypres in Belgium. He was killed by friendly fire during the Battle of Polygon Wood on 27 September 1917 (Service Number: 6762). John's name is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. John Foster owns a metal hat that his grandfather made out of an 18-pounder shell casing whilst in the Passchendaele trenches. He also has a World War I bayonet that has been passed down through the family. FormatPrintSource of AcquisitionJohn Foster (Great Grandson to John McLaren Lett)
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Roomoriginal not held
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Kaitiakitanga StatementWe ask that, in addition to normal copyright and privacy considerations, users of our heritage resources uphold the mana and dignity of the people, communities and places depicted within.Cultural/Ethical StatusNoaRestrictionsNo cultural/ethical restrictions apply.CopyrightNo known copyrightAcknowledgementTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Photo 15-016
