Death of All Black Dave Gallaher

Dave Gallaher and his mates

Thirteen former All Black rugby players were killed in the First World War – 1 in 10 of those who had worn the black jersey during the previous decade. Four of them were killed within a fortnight in June 1917 when the New Zealand Division took part in the assault on the Messines ridge.

The most famous of these casualties was Sergeant Dave Gallaher, who had captained the All Black Originals on their celebrated 1905–06 tour of Britain, France and North America. He was mortally wounded on 4 October 1917 during the successful, but costly, attack on Gravenstafel Spur. He died a few hours later and was buried at Nine Elms Cemetery, Poperinge. Officially aged 41, Gallaher was actually almost 44 years old. He had first lowered his age when volunteering to fight in the South African War in 1901.

In recent years All Black teams touring France have paid homage to Gallaher at his Belgian grave. His name lives on in the Gallaher Shield, awarded to the winner of Auckland’s premier club competition since 1922. A more recent trophy, the Dave Gallaher Cup, has been awarded to the winner of the first rugby test between New Zealand and France in each calendar year since 2000.

All Blacks killed in the First World War