Here are 2 famous musicians from New Zealand died at 26:
Charles Savory (March 23, 1889 New Zealand-May 8, 1915 Gallipoli) was a New Zealand personality.
He was a talented sportsman and excelled in rugby, cricket and boxing. He also had a passion for acting and performed in several plays during his high school years. Savory enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in August 1914 and was sent to fight in the Gallipoli campaign during World War I. Sadly, he was killed in action at the age of 26. In 1916, a memorial rugby match was held in his honor between the All Blacks and the New Zealand Army team. To this day, he is remembered as a hero in New Zealand and his legacy lives on through the Charles Savory Memorial Fund, which supports educational initiatives for young people.
Charles Savory was born in Rangiora, North Canterbury, New Zealand, the son of John and Martha Savory. He was the fifth of ten children in the family. After completing his studies at Christ's College in Christchurch, he worked as a clerk for a local law firm. In addition to his love of sports and acting, Savory was also an avid reader, with a particular interest in military history.
When World War I broke out, Savory was among the first to enlist in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. He was assigned to the Canterbury Infantry Battalion and sailed for Egypt in October 1914. After training for several months, he was sent to fight in the Dardanelles campaign on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
During his time at Gallipoli, Savory served as a machine gunner and fought in several major battles, including the Battle of Chunuk Bair. He was known for his bravery and his leadership skills, and was promoted to Lance Corporal in recognition of his service.
On May 8, 1915, Savory was killed in action during an attack on Turkish trenches at Russell's Top. He was buried at Walker's Ridge Cemetery on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
In addition to the memorial rugby match held in his honor, Savory's legacy lives on through the Charles Savory Memorial Fund, which was established in 1920 to provide scholarships and prizes for students at Christ's College. Today, the fund supports a variety of educational initiatives for young people throughout New Zealand.
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Donald Forrester Brown (February 23, 1890 Dunedin-October 1, 1916 Warlencourt-Eaucourt) was a New Zealand soldier.
Donald Forrester Brown was born on February 23, 1890, in Dunedin, New Zealand. He was the son of a prominent lawyer, and from an early age, he showed a keen interest in sports and physical activities. Brown excelled in rugby, cricket, and tennis and was known for his natural athletic abilities.
In 1914, at the outbreak of World War I, Brown enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and was sent to fight in France. He quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to the position of lieutenant in 1915. Over the next year and a half, Brown led his men with distinction, earning a reputation as a brave and skillful soldier.
On October 1, 1916, during the Battle of the Somme, Brown was killed in action near Warlencourt-Eaucourt, France. He was just 26 years old. Brown's bravery and sacrifice were recognized posthumously, and he was awarded the Military Cross for his service.
Today, Brown is remembered as a hero in his native New Zealand, and his legacy lives on through memorials and monuments dedicated to his memory.
During his time in the army, Brown wrote numerous letters to his family and friends, providing insight into his experiences and thoughts while serving in World War I. Many of these letters have been preserved and are now considered valuable historical documents. Brown's letters, along with his military records, offer a rare glimpse into the life of a soldier during one of the deadliest conflicts in human history.
In addition to his military achievements, Brown was also a talented artist and musician. He was known to sketch and paint during his free time, and he played the piano and violin. His artistic talents were later celebrated in a posthumous exhibition showcasing many of his works.
Today, Brown's memory is honored in various ways, including a plaque at the Dunedin Cenotaph, a street named after him in his hometown, and a portrait in the New Zealand Portrait Gallery. His sacrifice and heroism continue to inspire generations of New Zealanders.
He died as a result of killed in action.
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