Bensemen, Mr
Photo Collection Reference Number
88943
Description
Copy of a photograph of a man in military uniform.
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Object detail
Object Type
Media and Materials
Collection
Credit Line
Bensemen, Mr. Nelson Provincial Museum, Tyree Studio Collection: 88943
Public comments
Lance Corporal Norman Leon BENSEMANN (1893-1974). NZEF Service # 6/2933 : Lance Corporal, Canterbury Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, 12th (Nelson) Company, 7th Reinforcements, NZEF. Born 25 April 1893 - at Moutere, Nelson District. Norman was the son of Mr J.D. Bensemann - of Takaka, Nelson District. Prior to enlistment for war service Norman Bensemann was employed as a Farmer - at Havelock, Marlborough Region. Norman Bensemann enlisted for war service - on 12 June 1915 - at Trentham Military Training Camp, Wellington District. He was 22 years of age. At enlistment he was posted as a Private with the 1st Battalion of the Canterbury Infantry Regiment, NZEF. On 9 October 1915 Private Bensemann embarked from New Zealand for overseas war service - with the 7th Reinforcements NZEF - aboard HMNZ Transport Ship T33 'Navua'. Five weeks later Private Bensemann disembarked - from his transport ship from New Zealand - at Suez, Egypt. Private Norman Bensemann served at Egypt (1915-1916) - and France & Belgium (1916-1917 & 1918). On 6 April 1916 Private Bensemann embarked from Port Said, Egypt - aboard HMT 'Franconia' - for war service at France. On 5 July 1916 Private Bensemann was wounded in action - at the Somme, Armentieres, France. He re-joined his unit - on 18 July 1916 - in the field, at Armentieres, France. Private Norman Bensemann continued to serve with his Battalion - the 1st Battalion of the Canterbury Infantry Regiment, 12th (Nelson) Company NZEF - at France & Belgium (1916-1917 & 1918) until the Armistice (11 November 1918) - which would end World War One. On 27 March 1919 Private Bensemann embarked from England - aboard SS 'Kia Ora' - and he returned home to New Zealand. He was discharged from the NZEF - at New Zealand - on 6 June 1919. Private Bensemann had served overseas - with the NZEF - for 3 years & 212 days. Private Norman L. Bensemann died - 12 November 1974 - at Takaka, Tasman District. - aged 81 years. For the full military record of Private Norman L. Bensemann refer to Archway : National Archives of New Zealand. A photograph of Private Norman L. Bensemann is also held in the Auckland Library Heritage Photograph Collection : AWNS 19160831-45-39 : Dated 31 August 1916.
- Jenifer Lemaire posted 6 years ago.