1st Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade (New Zealand Army)
Date Of Birth:
25/08/1895
Died:
01/09/1918 (Killed in Action)
Age:
23
Summary
John McCay Torrens was born on 25th August 1895 in Moneydig, near Garvagh. John was raised by his grandparents, James and Jane Torrens. They lived in Culnaman, Bovagh, County Londonderry. They were a farming family. Around 1913, John emigrated to New Zealand. He had relatives in Christchurch. Private Torrens was seriously wounded in November 1917. He received a severe gunshot wound to the elbow. He was removed to hospital. On 12th July 1918, John ‘Jack’ Torrens returned to the front. Private John McCay Torrens was serving with the 1st Battalion of the 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade when he was killed in action east of Bapaume in France on 1st September 1918.
Bancourt is a village which lies approximately 4 Kms due east of Bapaume on the north side of the D7, Bapaume to Bertincourt road. Bancourt British Cemetery is situated east of Bancourt village, 300 metres off the D7 on the north side. The CWGC direction signs on the D7 indicate the best approach to the cemetery.
