Herbert Stanley Sing
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Palmerston North, New Zealand
Somme, Northern France
Herbert Stanley Sing | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Nickname(s) | Bert |
| Born | 9 May 1892 Palmerston North, New Zealand |
| Died | 3 July 1916 Somme, Northern France |
| Buried | Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres, France |
| Allegiance |  New Zealand |
| Service | Army |
| Years of service | 1914-1916 |
| Service number | WW1 12/1097 |
Herbert Stanley Sing (9 May 1892 – 3 July 1916) also known as Private Herbert Singe was a New Zealand World War I soldier of Irish and Chinese descent.[1][2][3]
Sing was born in Palmerston North on 9 May 1892 to mother Mrs Frances Margaret Sing (Nee Smith) (3 March 1868 - 7 June 1923) of Irish descent and William Ping Sing (1849 -14 October 1929), who was born in China and later immigrated to New Zealand.[4][5][6][7][8]
Herbert was one of four brothers, Albert Victor Sing, Robert Francis Sing and Arthur Percy Sing, who all served New Zealand in WW1.[4]
Herbert Sing, along with his three brothers attended Marist Brothers High School in Palmerston North.[9][10] Prior to enlisting, he was a well-known swimmer and completed the cross-harbour swim from Northcote to Shelly Beach.[11]
Sing was described to have come from a 'fighting family' with his great- grandfather Stephen Neary of the 57th Regiment, who fought in the Battle of Waterloo.[12] And his maternal grandfather who fought in the Crimean War and Indian Mutiny. It is also noted that other relatives took part in the New Zealand Wars.[13]
Sing enlisted in the New Zealand Army on 4 September 1914 at age 22.[1] On 16 October 1914 Sing left from Wellington, New Zealand on HMNZT 8 (Star of India) or 12 (Waimana) and arrived to Suez, Egypt on 3 December 1914.[14] He also served throughout the Gallipoli campaign.[3][11]
Sing enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force under the assumed name 'Albert Sing'. His records were amended after his death to read 'Herbert Stanley Sing'.[3]
He served as a Signaler during his time in the Army. Sing was also a cook by trade before enlisting. He was appointed corp cook on 3 March 1916. [3] Sing's military records show he was wounded on the 5 May 1915 during the Gallipoli campaign.[3][13]
Herbert Stanley Sing is one of 71 New Zealand WW1 service people identified as being of Chinese descent.[15]
