George Robert Dansey

Ingoa whānau
Dansey
Ingoa tuatahi
George Robert

World War 1

Tau Rangatū
33004
Whanaunga tino tata i te wā o te kuhunga
Roger Delamere Dansey (father), Rotorua, New Zealand
Rōpū whakaeke
Maori Reinforcements
Ope whakaeke
14th Reinforcements

Takupu (1)

George was my one of grandmother Lucy Kusabs nee Dansey's younger brothers. He along with Harry and Roger Dansey served as a member of the Maori Pioneer Battalion on the Western Front.

in his younger days he was a competent rugby player and it was reported that he outshone Freddie Roberts as a half back in trials for the 1905 All Blacks that toured Great Britain. Unfortunately he was not able to tour due to work commitments.

At the end of hostilities he returned to his occupation with the NZ Post Office rising to Postmaster Gisborne. On retirement he moved to the family farm at Dansey Road, Ngongotaha/Mamaku, married Aunty Ruby and had four children all younger than me but they are my father's first cousins. As children my siblings and I enjoyed visiting the farm and spending time with our cousins who became like brothers and sisters to us.

As a fluent te reo speaker he was our speaker at Maori Land Court and land owner meetings.

Uncle George was a true gentleman, a leader of the Dansey family and was greatly missed by all. He is buried with his brothers Roger and Harry at Muruika Cemetery Ohinemutu