Charles Croft Marsack

Charles Croft Marsack
Charles in WWI
Mayor of Taumarunui
In office 1923–1925
Personal details
Born	May 7, 1892 Auckland, New Zealand
Died	October 3, 1987 (aged 95)
Nationality	New Zealander
Spouse	Ninette Padiou
Children	Philippe Charles Marsack Raymond Oliver Marsack
Parent	Mary Ann Marsack (mother) Richard Marsack (father)
Military service
Years of service	1915 - 1948

Charles Croft Marsack (May 7, 1892 - October 3, 1987), or known by his nickname Charlie, was a World War I (WWI) and World War II (WWII) veteran. ^[1] He was the second son from his mother Mary Ann Marsack and Richard Marsack. He is known for being one of the soldiers that participated in The Battle of Messines. He was also the mayor of the town of Taumarunui from 1923 until 1925. He published two books 'Teach Yourself Samoan' and 'Samoan Medley'. Later in life, he was a jurist in Samoa and Fiji.

Early life

Charles was born on May 7, 1892 in Auckland, New Zealand. He was the second son of Mary Ann Marsack and Inspector of the back-then Wellington Police Force Richard Marsack. At the time, he was only one of the four children in his family.

Education

Charles attended Auckland Grammar School. And later University of Auckland, which made him get a degree in law. ^[2]

Military career

Charles was first enlisted on April 28, 1915. At the time, he was practicing as a solicitor. He set sail to Suez, Egypt, on October 9, 1915, and arrived on November 22, 1915. He was on the same Brigade as his brother. He was also a prominent figure for campaigning in Egypt. ^[1] He was eventually promoted to the 2nd Lieutenant where he worked on sending units to the battlefield.

Charles eventually returned home where he met and married a French woman named Ninette Padiou in 1918. They later had 2 sons named Philippe Charles Marsack and Raymond Oliver Marsack. ^[3]

Charles went back to serve in WWII. He was then promoted major in 1940, which then led him to being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He was then in the 'Mentioned in Despatches' (MID), that was published by The London Gazette in 1940. ^[4] He served in Egypt and was there based on the Maadi Camp. ^[5]

Short-lived Political career

Charles' political career was very short-lived. He became the mayor of Taumarunui in 1923, until the end of his term ended in 1925.

Civil career

After WWII, Charles went on to have a Civil career. During this time, he was The Chief Justice of Samoa, along with being The Judge of the Fiji Court of Appeal. In 1962, he was awarded The Order of the British Empire, which was given to him by Elizabeth II during her visit in Fiji. He also was awarded a KBE in 1981. He later published two books called `Teach Yourself Samoan', which is now available using The Internet Archive, ^[6] and 'Samoan Medley', along with his diaries for his service in WWII. He later died on October 3, 1987. He was 95 years old at the time of his death.

References

1. "WW1 Cyril William Trew Marsack (25/891) and Charles Croft Marsack (WWI 24/657, WWII 38625)". Remuera Heritage. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
2. "National Library of New Zealand". natlib.govt.nz. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
3. "Charles Croft Marsack". Auckland War Memorial Museum. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
4. "The Gazette". The London Gazette . 22 September 2025. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
5. "National Library of New Zealand". natlib.govt.nz. Retrieved 23 September 2025.
6. Marsack, C. C. (1962). Teach yourself Samoan. Internet Archive. London English Universities Press.