This is one of a series of posts to mark the international Rugby players who served in, and survived, The Great War. If anyone has further information on the men concerned, I’d be most grateful if it could be added to the thread. Gareth Geddes, William McKail MC played for New Zealand (surname spelt “Geddis” in some references) Internationals: 1 : 1913 A+ William Geddes was born on 13 May 1893 in Auckland. Played as a 1st Five-eighth for: Auckland Grammar School, University, Auckland, North Island Profession: Managing Director, food processing company War service: 2/2023 Second Lieutenant, NZ Field Artillery. MC Gazetted 16 August 1917: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. As forward observation officer he displayed the greatest courage in reconnoitring enemy country under heavy fire. He sent back information of great value to his Brigade, and throughout the operations his great daring and resourcefulness contributed in a large way to the success of out artillery.” Remarks: He played 1 match for the All Blacks; his International. He died on 1 July 1950 in Auckland
GEDDES, Lieutenant William McK, awarded the Military Cross, is the second son of Mr. McKail Geddes of Wynyard Street. He was educated at the Auckland Grammar School and before leaving NZ as second lieutenant in an early reinforcement draft was in the employ of Brown Barrett Ltd. He received his first military training as a member of A Battery. AWN 12.07.1917
The whole McKail Geddes family history is pretty interesting. Brown Barrett was a huge business for many decades, and William's mother Mary was a a well-known figure in social activism and philanthropy. The family owned quite a portfolio of land including the family home Hazelbank Mansion, Wenderholm (now Couldrey House), land in Avondale which still has the name Geddes Terrace, and a whole block of downtown Auckland which mostly still stands (the Excelsior building , Stanbeth House, The Masonic).
