World War I veteran William Edward Ilton MM

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DescriptionA sad grave at Karoro Cemetery – remembering William Edward Ilton MM
At Karoro Cemetery, Greymouth, lies a quiet and largely forgotten grave that tells a deeply tragic story of a New Zealand soldier who gave everything in war, and then struggled on his return home.
William Edward Ilton, a native of Māori Creek, served in the First World War as 14638 Lance Corporal, Wellington Infantry Regiment, earning the Military Medal for conspicuous gallantry.
In August–September 1918, during the brutal fighting at Loupart Wood, Bapaume and Bancourt, Ilton acted as senior battalion runner—repeatedly carrying messages through intense shell and machine-gun fire, accompanying officers on reconnaissance, and never once failing in his duty. His citation speaks of exceptional courage, intelligence, and endurance under fire.
After the war, Ilton returned to the West Coast and lived alone at North Beach, Cobden, where he farmed pigs and worked his land quietly for many years. But like so many returned soldiers, the war never truly left him.
On the morning of 5 October 1933, Ilton was found dead in his hut, having taken his own life. Newspaper reports of the time note that he was not in financial difficulty, leaving behind money in his hut, but they also remind us—without saying it outright—of the hidden wounds carried by many veterans of the Great War.
William Ilton was just 42 years old.
He is survived by five brothers and a sister, spread across the country—families left to grieve quietly, as was so often the case in that era.
Today, his grave stands as a stark reminder that bravery on the battlefield did not guarantee peace at home.
William Edward Ilton MM did his duty with extraordinary courage for New Zealand. His service, sacrifice, and struggle deserve to be remembered.
Lest we forget.ContributorNZ Remembrance Army

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PersonWilliam Edward IltonEventWorld War I veteran William Edward Ilton MM

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CommentsAnne Baxendale
Respecting his memory ?

Violet McDermott
Peter Ilton, Francie Ilton, Russell Ilton Isaac and Minnie are our great grandparents

Sandra Ilton
Bobs family

Colin Whale
Issac and minnie were my g g grandparents .

Ken Duncan
West Coasters served in the Canterbury battalions so wonder why he was put in Wellingtons. In both wars Maori of the West coast & southland were also at times in Canterbury & Otago battalions before some were or did transfer to Maori battalions I know in my whanau that was known to have happened

Jamie Ilton
The family came from Melbourne chasing gold like many others.

Brenda Dundass
These are my Great Grandparents I have Minnie's original hand painted framed portrait and she looks beautiful as she was young when she died. My mother's middle name was Ellen Minnie and my Granddaughters Isla Minnie in rememberence of our pioneer ancestors who made living in New Zealand for

Jenny Mackie
Williams mother Minnie nee Larcombe is my gg grandfather's sister

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World War I veteran William Edward Ilton MM

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