For years, the story of Sergeant Herbert Milne Williamson (4/216) ended in silence. With no headstone and no marked grave. His ashes were scattered by unknown hands, leaving no physical trace of his service or his life. This Sunday, we change that.
We are finally bringing Sgt Williamson back into the fold of the Corps. After extensive research and cross-Tasman collaboration, a formal commemorative plaque has been installed to ensure his name is anchored forever at Waikumete. Join the Glen Eden RSA and the RNZE as we dedicate this memorial and ensure this "lost" soldier is never forgotten again.
Family, friends, members of the Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers (RNZE), and all service persons are cordially invited to attend a formal plaque dedication and commemoration in honour of Sergeant Herbert Milne Williamson.
Commemoration Service Announcement: Sergeant Herbert Milne Williamson
Date: Sunday, 24 May 2026
Time: 11:00 am
Rendezvous: Glen Eden RSA, 9 Glendale Road, Glen Eden (Opposite Glen Eden Library).
Parade: A parade will depart for the cemetery at approximately 11:10 am.
Dedication Location: Waikumete Cemetery & Crematorium, Service Persons Burial Area K, Row 12A, Plot 132.
(Note: This is located near the Crematorium and main entrance, not the Cenotaph).
A bugle and flag will present.
We are honoured to announce that James A. (Tony) Hill, National President of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association (RNZSA), will be in attendance.
Sergeant Williamson was a dedicated serviceman whose military career spanned over a decade of service to New Zealand:
Territorial Service (1910–1914): Served with The Highland Rifles, The 5th Wellington Regiment, and The New Zealand Railway Battalion.
Samoan Expeditionary Force (1914–1915): Enlisted with the New Zealand Engineers (Railway Engineers) as part of the Samoan Advance Party.
European Theatre (1917–1920): Served in England and France with the Canterbury Company, 4th Reserve Battalion, and the 1st Battalion, Wellington Regiment.
Medallic Entitlement: The 1914–1915 Star, The British War Medal, The Victory Medal, and The New Zealand Territorial Service Medal.
Listing in Roll of Honour Royal New Zealand Engineers (Facebook Group: Private):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/224610903132608/search/?q=Herbert%20williamson
This recognition was made possible through the approval of Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand and the tireless local efforts of Owen Phillips, Bruce Jackson, and the Glen Eden RSA.
Organised by the Glen Eden RSA on behalf of RSA National and Veterans’ Affairs.
Address: 9 Glendale Road, Glen Eden, Auckland 0602
Phone: (09) 818 4219
Email: glenedenrsa@gmail.com
Attention: John Elphick, President, Glen Eden RSA, john.elphick@gmail.com
Thank you for your service.
E kore e warewaretia.
We will never forget.
Posted by Peter Mellalieu 2026-05-23, DM Auckland, NZ Sappers Association
131 Hollister Lane, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, 3112, New Zealand
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