Herbert Stanley Sing


Herbert Stanley Sing also known as Private Herbert Singe was a New Zealand World War I soldier of Irish and Chinese descent.
Sing was born in Palmerston North on 9 May 1892 to mother Mrs Frances Margaret Sing of Irish descent and William Ping Sing, who was born in China and later immigrated to New Zealand.
Herbert was one of four brothers, Albert Victor Sing, Robert Francis Sing and Arthur Percy Sing, who all served New Zealand in WW1.

Life and First World War

Herbert Sing, along with his three brothers attended Marist Brothers High School in Palmerston North. Prior to enlisting, he was a well-known swimmer and completed the cross-harbour swim from Northcote to Shelly Beach.
Sing was described to have come from a 'fighting family' with his great- grandfather Stephen Neary of the 57th Regiment, who fought in the Battle of Waterloo. And his maternal grandfather who fought in the Crimean War and Indian Mutiny. It is also noted that other relatives took part in the New Zealand Wars.
Sing enlisted in the New Zealand Army on 4 September 1914 at age 22. On 16 October 1914 Sing left from Wellington, New Zealand on HMNZT 8 or 12 and arrived to Suez, Egypt on 3 December 1914. He also served throughout the Gallipoli campaign.
Sing enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force under the assumed name 'Albert Sing'. His records were amended after his death to read 'Herbert Stanley Sing'.
He served as a Signaler during his time in the Army. Sing was also a cook by trade before enlisting. He was appointed corp cook on 3 March 1916. Sing's military records show he was wounded on the 5 May 1915 during the Gallipoli campaign.
Herbert Stanley Sing is one of 71 New Zealand WW1 service people identified as being of Chinese descent.

Death

Sing was killed in action on the 3 July 1916 at the Battle of the Somme, Northern France. His death occurred during what was described as, the worst bombardment experienced in the line since New Zealand troops arrived.
Sing's brother Private Albert Sing wrote of his death:
Private Enwright, Sing's battalion mate wrote to Sing's mother accounting the circumstances of his death:Sing was noted to be extremely popular among his peers due to his 'soldierly qualities'. After his death he won a Distinguished Conduct Medal for exceptional bravery. Sing was buried alongside a friend who perished in the same attack. He was buried in the Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery in Armentières, France, with a burial service conducted by Catholic Chaplain-Captain Richards.