World War I Service: Graham Murrell The information below is from Graham's Defence Force Personnel Record, from Archives NZ. Biographical Details According to his History-Sheet, his occupation was Farmer, last New Zealand was Manapouri, and his religion was C.E. and his birth-date was 31.10.88. His next of kin was listed as Mrs Annie Agnes Murrell (wife), of Castle Rock, Lumsden, whose Maiden name was shown as Clearwater, and they were married in Lumsden on 6 October 1915 by Rev. Fisher. His children are shown as Iris Bryson, born 10 October 1916, in Lumsden. His physical description is given as: 28 years 5 months, 5 foot 10 ¼ inches, 157 lbs, chest measuring 37-40 inches, Sallow complexion, Blue eyes, Brown haired. His vision and hearing were normal, and he cited Pneumonia at 12 as a previous illness. Overall he was classed 'Fit Class A'. His Attestation was dated 3 March 1917 at Gore. It cites his parents as Robert & Margaret, both resident in NZ from birth. His occupation is given as Farmer, from Manapouri, the name of his last employer was 'Self', and he was married with one child. Service Details Graham's service number was 59215. He was assigned to H Company, 30th Regiment, and he began his service on 3 March 1917. On 25 June 1917 he was posted to Private. From 19 October 1917 to 18 January 1918 he was on Leave Without Pay, and that was continued pending receipt of a decision of a Medical Board. On 19 January 1918 he was issued a Certificate of Leave in Lieu of Discharge. Graham was Balloted for service, with the Summons issued on 13 February 1917, and an Appeal received 22 February 1917 and sent to the Military Service Board. The Board duly sat at Invercargill on 4 February 1918. Graham claimed a disability, being Chronic Rheumatism, which was not due to causes existing prior to enlistment. The Board decided the disability was contracted in the service and caused by military duty.