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Topic: Michael Tobin (1880-1916)
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Miner Michael Tobin worked for the Public Works Department in Tauranga. He was the first New Zealand soldier to die on the Western Front during World War I.
Michael Tobin was born on 5 June 1880 to Michael and Mary Tobin. He had three older siblings:
- Mary Tobin (1875-1957). Mary married Joseph Whittle in 1908.
- William Tobin (1877-1949).
- Bridget Tobin (1878-1944). Bridget married William John McCloughan in 1895
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Michael worked as a miner for Tauranga's Public Works Department. On 8 October 1915 he volunteered for the New Zealand Engineers Tunnelling Company (Service No. 4/1639). He embarked from Auckland on 18 December 1915, aboard the 'Ruapehu'.
The Tunnelling Company arrived in France in March 1916. During their time in France they were stationed at Arras. There they worked on a system of tunnels that would be used a year later, in April 1917, during the Battle of Arras.
While working on the tunnels, it appears that several of the miners suffering from colds, whilst others had measles. Tobin himself was taken ill and admitted to hospital on 14 April 1916.
He died the following day, 15 April 1916, from Bronchial Pneumonia. He was aged 35
Tobin was buried at Lucheaux Military Cemetery. Later, those graves were moved to the Beauval Communal Cemetery in Somme, France. Tobin's is the only New Zealander's grave in this cemetery.
On 9 April 2012 a commemoration was held for the 95th Anniversary of the Battle of Arras. A delegation of Tunnelling Company descendants and New Zealand officials attended the ceremony in France. Included were relations of Michael Tobins.
Michael's older brother, William, also served in World War I. He embarked on 13 October 1917 aboard the 'Arawa'. William was severely wounded by machinegun fire on 19 July 1917, but survived his wounds. He died in 1949.
Sources
Bay of Plenty Times on PapersPast - search here for more information
Honouring Sapper Michael Tobin 2012
New Zealand Engineers Tunnelling Company
Michael Tobin
Michael Tobin
