(1893-1973)
Occupation: Farmer
Rank: Sergeant
ServiceNumber: 6/752
Force: NZEF
Family
Ted was born on 31 July 1893 at Wakefield, oldest son of Joseph and Charlotte Baigent.
From the age of 14 Ted helped to run the farm at Gleniti under the guidance of his mother and Steve Price.
1914
On 31 July 1914 his mother, who had risen early, cried out, “Ted, there is a man in the house.” He leapt out of bed shouting, “Where? Where?” Whereupon his mother reminded him that it was his 21st birthday. Five days later war was declared and Ted was one of the first to enlist, and he and another canvassed the district for further volunteers. He left with the Main Body, 1st NZ Expeditionary Force.
1915
He saw service in Egypt and was at the landing at Gallipoli where he fought against the Turks for four months until he was wounded.
He later served in France up to the Battle of the Somme then was posted to Sling Camp as an experienced instructor.
1918
On receiving his discharge in 1918, Ted decided to make farming his career and in 1919 he and his brother, Harold, purchased an almost undeveloped block of land at Paerata in Opotiki and proceeded to break it in.
Post-War
During the Depression Harold moved to Auckland and Ted married Marjorie, an office clerk with a firm of solicitors in Opotiki.
Marjorie Florence Holloway was born on 27 November 1901, daughter of Frank and Florence Holloway (nee Hall).
Having established his farm, Ted’s interest turned to community service and he served as a director of the Opotiki Dairy Association, the Opotiki Bacon Company and was a member of the Opotiki Hospital Board. In addition, he served on the committees of the Red Cross, Rehabilitation and National Party. He became a member of the Opotiki Patriotic Welfare Committee when it was formed in 1940 and was its chairman for 19 years. He was also the Opotiki representative on the Bay of Plenty Patriotic Council for about 30 years.
Ted’s main interest however, was the New Zealand Returned Services Association and the welfare of returned soldiers. He first joined the RSA in Nelson on 21 August 1918 and was a member for 55 years. He served on the committee of the Opotiki branch and was its president for 16 years. For services to the association and its members, he was awarded the RSA Gold Star which was presented by the late Lt-General Sir Howard Kippenberger in October 1948.
He died on 31 July 1973 in Opotiki and is buried there.