James "Paddy" Phillip BRIDGMAN

James Bridgman was born in Knocknaboula, Loughill, Co Limerick on 24 May 1895 and was the fifth of six children. His parents were Michael Bridgman and Anastasia Ambrose He came to New Zealand sometime between1911 after the census was taken and 1914 when he volunteered to join the New Zealand Army. In 1915 he was recruited into the Otago Infantry Battalion as a Private. By April 1916 he was on the front line in Gallipoli. That was the end to his fighting. After months of hospital care he was returned to New Zealand where he later married and had five children. He died 28 March 1969 in Silverstream, Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand