Sergeant

Roy William John Bridger

Conflict: 
WW2
Additional Information: 

Son of William Bridger, and of Emma Grace Bridger (nee Mitchell), of Motueka; husband of Julia E. B. Bridger, of Motueka. Also served in 1914-18 War.

References:
  • CWGC
  • Archives New Zealand
NZ WAR GRAVES

Biographical Notes:

Embarkation details shown are for service in WW1.

"Trooper Roy Bridger, of Motueka, who passed away suddenly at Nelson after a few days illness at the age of 53, was a son of the late Mr and Mrs Win. Bridger, of Blenheim. He was educated in the Nelson district, and after leaving school worked with his father as an apprentice in the blacksmith trade. He followed his calling in the North Island, returning to Nelson later in connection with the construction of the Glenhope railway. Mr Bridger enlisted with the 9th Nelson and Marlborough Mounted Rifles in 1915 and served with the forces in Egypt. He was wounded in both legs and invalided home in 1916. He returned to his trade and worked. at the Upper Moutere smithy for a short period, and in 1917 commenced business on his own account at Motueka, marrying Miss Nita Webb of Wellington in 1919. The late Mr Bridger always took a keen interest in military training and at the outbreak of hostilities enlisted with the 7th Independent Mounted Rifles and was serving with that unit at the time of his death. Trooper Bridger is survived by his widow and two sons, Vernon and Keith, both of whom are with the Armed Forces. 

Messrs Claude Bridger. Riwaka. and Cyril Bridger, North Island, are brothers of deceased. The funeral, which took place at the Motueka Cemetery on Monday, was largely attended by officers and men of the 7th I.M.R., ex-servicemen, and the public. The Rev. G. Stuart King officiated at the graveside, and Mr J. Goodyer read the R.S.A. burial service. Ex-servicemen paid their last respects to a departed comrade by dropping poppies on the casket. The Last Post was sounded by Trooper Robinson and Sgt. A. L. Cook was in charge of the firing party. The bearers were Sgt.-Major McKenzie, and Troopers A. Wratt. C. Bisley, E. Reed, D. Askew, and M. Soane." [Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 4 June 1942, Page 2]

 

Public Contributions:

There are no public contributions written for this casualty

Personal Tributes:

Casualty

Service Number: 
3/21/54
Name:
Roy William John Bridger
Rank: 
Sergeant
Date of Birth:
02 May 1889
Place of Birth:
Blenheim, Marlborough, New Zealand
Next of Kin: 
Julia Emma Bonetta Bridger (wife, née Webb), Motueka
Date of Enlistment:
Not known
Marital Status:
Married
Occupation on Enlistment:
Blacksmith
Employer:
Self, Motueka
Unit:
New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade

Casualty Details

Cause of Death:
Date of Death:
30 May 1942
Day of Death:
Saturday
Age at Death: 
53
Conflict: 
WW2

Embarkation Details

Embarkation Body:
New Zealand Expeditionary Force
Embarkation Place:
Wellington, New Zealand
Embarkment Date:
22 February 1916
Transport:
HMNZT 41
Vessel:
Waihora
Destination:
Suez, Egypt

Text in italics supplied by Cenotaph Online, Auckland War Memorial Museum

Cemetery

Cemetery: 
Cemetery Reference: 
67. 6.
Cemetery Location: 
New Zealand
Roy William John Bridger
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