CROMBIE, George Pye

George Pye Crombie

member of the Dunedin Photographic Society

born 20 December 1882 Edinburgh, Scotland
killed in action in France or Belgium 13 June 1917.
no. 29744, Private, 1st Otago Infantry Battalion.

PRIVATE CROMBIE. Private George Crombie (reported killed in action on June 13) was the eldest son of Mr James Crombie, merchant tailor, Stuart street. He was a pupil at the George Street School and latterly at the Kaikorai School.

After leaving school he went into his father's shop to learn the business, and there he remained until two years ago, when he bought an orchard in Nelson and went to settle there. He was well known among a large circle of friends as a man of sterling character. The key-note of his life was thoroughness. 

For a number of years he was closely connected with the Dunedin Photographic Society, and held the position of secretary for a period. He was one of the best amateur photographers in Dunedin, and his artistic pictures were always a noteworthy feature of the various photographic exhibitions held locally and elsewhere. 

He was also an ardent horticulturist, and his garden at Roslyn, which was admired by all, contained many beautiful and rare flowers. When the call to arms came he enlisted in the Medical Corps, but subsequently transferred to the infantry (Eighteenth Reinforcements) when he found that men were not urgently required in the former arm of the service.

A younger brother, who left with the Eighth Reinforcements, is at present on active service in France.

Otago Daily Times , Issue 17048, 5 July 1917, Page 7