Early Life :

Service Life:

Campaigns:

• The First World War 1914-1918, World-wide.

Although many perished in times of national conflict and in the service of their country, many more survived including those interned as Prisoners of War. Stories of those who did survive are included as part of this site, especially those with high gallantry awards, those included against an external rolls of honour and those who had a distinguished career in wartime and military leaderhip.

Detail :

Major John Butterill Ariell, The Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment.

John became eligible to carry a Silver War Badge from 6th April, 1918.

The Northern Advocate provides an obituary:
"MAJOR J. B. ARIELL. PAPAROA, This Day. The passing away of Major Ariell removes another of the bonds which link the district today with its interesting pioneer history. A son of the late Mr W. W. Ariell, he was born in London, and educated at the Forest Hill school. He came to Paparoa shortly after his parents in 1872, settling on land near the Upper Pahi River. Associated with his father on the same farm, he proved an industrious and successful settler. In several public matters he was prominent, notably as district Coroner for 21 years. For three years he represented the Paparoa Riding on the Otamatea County Council. In defence matters he was keenly interested and in the days of volunteering he was sergeant major in the old Otamatea Mounted Rifles. During the Great War, though over 60 years of age, he journeyed to Europe and took service in the Queen’s Royal West Surrey (Labour Battalion), receiving the rank of major from the Imperial War Council. During the conflict he was gassed, and has since suffered from chronic bronchitis. In Masonic circles Major Ariel was well known, being one of the Charter members of Franklin Lodge, Paparoa. Heart trouble added to the bronchial affection resulting from the War, hastened his end. However, though subject to intermittent attacks of sickness, he was during recent years frequently about and active, and had several good days immediately prior to his death. He passed peacefully away early on Monday morning last. Major Ariell was married in 1882 to Miss Mary Thomson. He is survived by his widow and the family of two sons, Messrs Douglas and Allan Ariell, and four daughters, Mrs W. W. Upton, Mrs C. Lamont, and the Misses Isabel and Hannah Ariel. The funeral took place at St Mark’s Anglican Cemetery, Paparoa, on Wednesday, many residents gathering to pay the last tribute to one who has been identified with the district life for over half a century."

His death was also reported in the New Zealand Herald 16th May, 1929:-
"DEATHS. ARIELL.—On May 11, at his residence, Thorne, Paparoa, John Butterill Ariell (Major), dearly-loved husband of Mary Ariell; aged 75 years.—By request no mourning."

Masonic :

John was initiated into St. George's Lodge No. 1801, at Dargaville, Auckland, New Zealand, when he was a 32 year old Seller, resident at Paparoa.

Joined Star of the North Lodge No. 1647, Whangarei on the 26th October, 1898. No details are recorded other than his name and contributions and that he joined from Lodge No. 1801. He resigned on 3rd, October. 1906. He further joined Franklin Lodge No. 2138 on the 7th June 1904 when he is listed as a Farmer resident of Whakaparate. A year of war service is seen for 1916, whereafter dues are paid until "Res'd 25/5/1921."

Source :

The project globally acknowledges the following as sources of information for research across the whole database:

• The Commonwealth War Graves Commission
• The (UK) National Archives
• Ancestry.co.uk - Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History online
• ugle.org.uk - The records of the United Grand Lodge of England including the Library and Museum of Freemasonry

Additional Source:

• Founder Researchers : Paul Masters & Mike McCarthy
• Researcher : Bruce Littley