The Reverend Clarence Seton came to New Zealand from England as a young Anglican minister, serving at St Peter’s Church in Raglan. However, when WW1 broke out, he left the quiet seaside village to return to Europe with the NZ Rifle Brigade, 1st Battalion, to face the horrors of war in France.

He served the troops faithfully, comforting, encouraging and helping them in the difficult and dangerous conditions of the trenches.

During an intense enemy bombardment, the medical aid post had to be shifted five times to try to keep it out of range of the firing. Padre Seton volunteered to help care for the wounded, dressing wounds and comforting them, despite intense circumstances. When the numbers of wounded being brought in began to ease, he went back to the frontline to visit the men there. His perseverance, courage and presence with the men was known to boost their morale.

Reverend Seton was awarded the Military Cross for his courage and conduct on that day. He returned to England after the war and died in London in 1930. We remember him.

Thanks to Raewyn Pattemore for help with research and writing. Photo supplied with thanks to by Regimental Historian Angus Kirk, 16 Field Regt RNZA QAMR RNZAC. Soured via Archives New Zealand, AALZ 25044 5 / F1794 63.