NZRB Rifleman Allan Frederick Green 28465

Article by Richard Pursehouse and Lee Dent

In January 2015, Lee and Richard went to Belgium to continue their research on the Messines terrain model they had re-discovered on Cannock Chase. While at Messines they placed a cross provided by Dolores Ho on the panel featuring the name of Rifleman Green at the Messines Ridge New Zealand Memorial as he has no known grave. Green was in the same Company as Rifleman Sam Frickleton who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in neutralising two machine gun positions near the town centre during the fighting in Messines; Green fell on 7 June 1917 during the attack led by Frickleton. Rifleman Green had left Stafford, which is barely four miles from the Messines model that Lee and Richard had re-discovered in 2007 (and was excavated by the County Council in 2013 with the help of an army of volunteer “Diggers”), for New Zealand before the war and volunteered for the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. He is also remembered on his local war memorial at Weeping Cross, near Stafford. The Berkswich Historical Society had researched his story and had informed Lee and Richard of the connection.

Richard and Lee are now following up this research and appeal to members of the New Zealand Branch of the Western Front Association for any help or information.

Information known so far: Originally from Radford Bank, Stafford (father J. F. Green), born 12 April 1896. Enlisted “for the Duration of the War” (Army From B.103) 23 June 1916, occupation “farm hand”, last employer D. Ross of Brunswick, Wanganui, New Zealand. In H Company 18 Reinforcements at Trentham, joined C Company 5th Reserve Battalion 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade. Sent to C Company 2nd Battalion 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade 21 May 1916 (he had measles in July 1916 while training), left New Zealand 26 October 1916, disembarked at Devonport (Plymouth) 29 December 1916. Vaccinated while on board HMNZT Willochra against measles 30 October 1916. Killed in action 7 June 1917 at Messines. Not married. Next of kin listed as Mrs. F. J. Green, “Prescoe House”, Holliers Hill, Bexhill on Sea, Sussex (his plaque and scroll for medals sent to her 21 July 1922).

He is listed as Allan Frederick Green on the Online Cenotaph database and in his personal file held at Archives New Zealand, and as Alan F Green on the war memorial at Weeping Cross,  Stafford.

Please contact Richard or Lee on [email protected]