| Regimental number | 12/2827 |
| Date of birth | |
| Place of birth | Parnell, Auckland |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Address | Whenuapai, Auckland |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 32 |
| Height | 5' 4" |
| Weight | 144 lbs |
| Next of kin | Brother, William Rielly, Whenuapai, Auckland |
| Previous military service | Nil |
| Enlistment date | |
| Place of enlistment | Trentham |
| Rank on embarkation | Private |
| Enlistment status | Volunteer |
| Unit name | New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 6th Reinforcements, Auckland Infantry Battalion |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Wellington on board Willochra on |
| Final rank | Sergeant |
| Final unit | 2nd New Zealand Light Trench Mortar Battery |
| Fate | Killed in Action |
| Age at death from cemetery records | 35 |
| Place of burial | Grevillers British Cemetery (Plot IX, Row AA, Grave No 3), near Bapaume, France |
| Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Parents: William and Mary Rielly, Rewa Road, Mount Eden, Auckland |
| Medals |
Distinguished Conduct Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while in command of two guns supporting an advance by the infantry. Observing an enemy post harrassing the advance with machine gun fire, he brought his fire to bear on the position, moved forward himself single-handed and rushed the post, capturing six prisoners and a machine gun. His splendid act of courage and determined initiative enabled the infantry to continue their advance.'
Source: 'London Gazette' Date: |
| Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Enlisted with rank of private and posted to A Company, 6th Reinforcements, Trentham Camp, Upper Hutt, 17 April 1915. Proceeded overseas on board HMNZT 'Willochra', 14 August 1915. Disembarked Suez, Egypt, 19 September 1915. Proceeded overseas to the Dardanelles, September 1915. Disembarked, Lemnos Island, Greece, and posted to Auckland Infantry Battalion, 29 September 1915. Proceeded overseas with unit to Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, 9 November 1915. Admitted to HMHS 'Oxfordshire', 12 December 1915 (jaundice); admitted to New Zealand General Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, 15 December1915; transferred to 'Aotea' Convalescent Home, Heliopolis, 27 December 1915. Discharged to New Zealand Base Depot, 17 January 1916. Admitted to New Zealand General Hospital, Cairo, Egypt , 26 January 1916 (pleurisy); transferred to Lady Godley's (New Zealand) Convalescent Home, Zeitoun, 14 February 1916. Discharged to Base Depot, Gezirah, 21 February 1916. Posted to 3rd (Auckland) Company, 2nd Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment, Moascar, Egypt, 8 March 1916. Proceeded from Alexandria, Egypt on board HMT 'Ascania' to France, 8 April 1916; disembarked at Marseilles, France, 12 April 1916. Attached to 2nd New Zealand Light Trench Mortar Battery, in the field, 10 May 1916. Appointed (Temporary) Lance Corporal, 21 November 1916. Promoted to rank of Corporal, 19 May 1917. Permanently attached to 2nd New Zealand Light Trench Mortar Battery, in the field, 3 July 1917. Detached to Trench Mortar School, 26 February 1918; rejoined battery, 15 March 1918. Promoted to rank of Sergeant, 3 April 1918. Detached to Divisional Rest Camp, 8 June 1918; rejoined battery, 24 June 1918. Transferred from 2nd Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment, to 1st Battalion, Otago Infantry Regiment, and remains attached to 2nd New Zealand Light Trench Mortar Battery, 2 July 1918. Killed in action, 24 August 1918. Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Sources | Nominal Roll Vol. 1: Auckland Infantry Batln/Sixth Archives New Zealand (Wellington), Agency AABK, Series 18805, File 20806007 |