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Ernest Walter Reeve, service number 63934
This rather damaged portrait depicts Ernest Walter Reeve who was born in Martinborough in July 1892 to parents William and Mary.
Prior to enlistment, Ernest was working as an Engine Driver in Wellington for N.Z. Railway Workshops. Ernest stated in his attestation that he served with the 7th Australian Light Horse in 1915, the NZ 16th Reinforcements in 1916, and was also a member of the Territorials on 6 August 1917. However, his attestation also states that he contracted Lumbago after falling from a horse whilst on duty. This means that he was off work for 18 months due to an injured back and ribs. It is then stated that "This man is most willing and I think the training would improve him."
Reeve embarked with the 32nd Reinforcements from Wellington aboard the Tahiti destined for Liverpool on 16 November 1917. Unfortunately, it appears that this injury was recurring during his time overseas, and he embarked for New Zealand from Plymouth aboard the Ionic on 24 August 1918. He was treated for Neuritis at King George V hospital in Rotorua in 1919, and was not recommended for soldier pension due to not having actively served, and having been injured prior to war service.
The few details we know about Ernest's later years reflect those of many men who found their lives permanently unseated by the war and its effects. He married and tried to run a small dairy in Auckland. However, he mistreated his wife and was known to drink, and they divorced in 1930. Ernest Reeve died in Auckland on 28 May 1948.