This cache is a follow-up to another recent hide (GCB5WV7), which honours another fallen soldier from the Selwyn district. Together, these caches form part of a remembrance series dedicated to local men who gave their lives in World War One.
This particular cache commemorates Private George Lawrence Crossen who is the only official war grave from World War I in this resting place here in the Lincoln Cemetery. Born on 15 November 1893 at Brookside, the son of Thomas and Ellen Crossen. Before enlisting, George worked as a farm labourer in Kirwee and had previous military experience with the 13th Regiment.
George enlisted on 18 October 1915 and was assigned to the 9th Reinforcements, Canterbury Infantry Battalion, C Company. After training at Trentham, he departed New Zealand in January 1916 for Egypt. There, he was hospitalised with measles and only rejoined his unit at Ismailia in March. He soon embarked for France.
In August 1916, an unusual entry in his record notes he was temporarily attached to the Mayor of Armentières for fire duties. But only weeks later, during the Somme offensive, George was severely wounded by shrapnel on 27 September. The injury shattered his right elbow, rendering his arm permanently disabled. He was evacuated to England and eventually returned to New Zealand in early 1917. While recovering at Coronation Hospital in Cashmere, Christchurch (then a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients), George was exposed to phthisis (tuberculosis). He died on 12 October 1919, aged just 26. He is buried in Lincoln Cemetery and remembered on the Rolleston Roll of Honour.
But George was not the only Crossen to fall.
His brother, Robert Joseph Crossen, also served in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Robert enlisted on 22 January 1917 and sailed for Europe in April aboard the SS Turakina. He was killed in action on 3 December 1917 during the attack on Polderhoek Chateau near Ypres, Belgium. His body was never recovered.
Their mother, Ellen Crossen, wrote a deeply moving poem in memory of her son Robert:
“Somewhere in France no matter where,
He was just as near to Heaven,
As though he had lain on his bed at home,
When the signal to ‘cease’ was given.
He has borne his Cross, he has gained his crown,
Though he lies in a far off grave,
And we think of his life, a duty done,
Manly, unselfish, and brave.”
This touching verse captures the grief of a family and the enduring memory of two brothers who answered the call and never came home.
when hidden cache contained RITR log & 1x ftf geocoin. Please BYO pen. This cache boarders a pathway between the golf course so some stealth may be required at times. Best entry to GZ is from the cemetery side. Please rehide carefully & don't post anything in your log to give away what you find at GZ. Happy caching!
If you would like to visit the final resting place of Private Crossen, pictured below is the grave site located in section two of the cemetery plot 1506
