Erling ZIESLER

Regimental number12338
Date of birth12 December 1889
Place of birthTimaru
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationClerk
AddressElizabeth Street, Timaru
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation25.9
Height5' 9.5"
Weight161 lbs
Next of kinMother, Mrs L E Ziesler, Elizabeth Street, Timaru
Previous military serviceNil
Enlistment date21 September 1915
Place of enlistmentTrentham
Rank on embarkation2nd Lieutenant
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 6th Reinforcements to 2nd Battalion, F Company
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on 6 May 1916
The 6th Reinforcements to 2nd Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, F Company, left New Zealand on board two ships (HMNZT 52 'Mokoia' and HMNZT 53 'Navua'). It is not possible from the Nominal Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked.
Final rankCaptain
Final unit3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade Headquarters
FateCommenced return to New Zealand 5 April 1919
Medals

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty whilst in charge of his brigade dump. He so controlled his working parties under continuous shell-fire that he kept his own brigade supplied with ammunition and water, as well as meeting the demands of other brigades. On several occasions his dumps were blown up, yet, owing to his untiring energy, there was no shortage of munitions, water or rations.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 14 August 1917

Family/military connectionsBrother: 25/1632 2nd Lieutenant Charlton Conrad ZIESLER, New Zealand Rifle Brigade.
Other details

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Embarked Wellington, 6 May 1916; disembarked Suez, Egypt, 22 June 1916.

Embarked Alexandria, 26 July 1916; disembarked Southampton, England, 7 August 1916, and marched into Sling Camp the same day.

Proceeded overseas to France, 4 October 1916; marched into NZ Infantry and General Base Depot, Etaples, 7 October 1916.

Proceeded to unit, 12 October 1916, taken on strength of 3rd Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, in the field, 13 October 1916.

To Divisional School, 7 December 1916; rejoined unit, 21 December 1916.

Rejoined unit from Divisional Ammunition Column, 9 January 1917.

Detached to Brigade Headquarters for grenade duties, 13 March 1917.

Appointed Brigade Grenade Officer, 20 June 1917.

Proceeded on leave in United Kingdom, 16 July 1917; rejoined unit, 28 July 1917.

Appointed Lieutenant, 12 October 1917.

Proceeded on leave in United Kingdom, 9 February 1918; rejoined unit, 26 February 1918.

Appointed Temporary Captain, 29 March 1918, and appointed Staff Captain, 3rd NZ Rifle Brigade, the same day; transferred to 3rd NZ Rifle Brigade Headquarters, 29 March 1918.

Proceeded on leave in United Kingdom, 15 October 1918; rejoined unit, 2 November 1918.

Appointed Brigade Major, 3rd NZ Rifle Brigade, 5 December 1918.

Marched in Sling Camp, England, 17 March 1919.

Marched into Codford Camp, 29 March 1919.

Commenced return to New Zealand on board HMNZT 'Rimutaka', 5 April 1919, relieved of appointment of Brigade Major the same day; appointed Adjutant, HMNZT 'Rimutake', 5 April 1919; disembarked New Zealand, 28 May 1919.

Appointment terminated (discharged), 27 June 1920.

Total war service: 3 years 357 days (of which 3 years 23 days were abroad).

Medals: Military Cross, British War Medal, Victory Medal
SourcesNominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 31, p. 16
Archives New Zealand (Wellington), Agency AABK, Series 18805, File 24235552
Archives New Zealand (Wellington), Agency AABK, Series 18805, File 22024449

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