Skip to content
Featherston Heritage Museum
All stories

First World War

The Story of the Butcher from Masterton

Albert McPeak was born in Mauriceville and was a butcher in Masterton when he enlisted in the 13th Reinforcement in February 1916. After training at Trentham and Featherston this group left New Zealan

The Story of the Butcher from Masterton

Albert McPeak was born in Mauriceville and was a butcher in Masterton when he enlisted in the 13th Reinforcement in February 1916. After training at Trentham and Featherston this group left New Zealand in May 1916. He was posted to 2nd Battalion, NZ Rifle Brigade and joined it on the Western Front in August.

The unit was part of the N.Z. Division at the Battle of the Somme in September and October 1916. Albert was killed near Messines on 20 May 1917 when another N.Z. soldier accidently fired a revolver.