FURTHER AWARDS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 236, 6 October 1942, Page 5

FURTHER AWARDS

BRAVERY IN ACTION

BRIGADIER WINS D.S.O.

K.Z.E.F. Official War Correspondent.

CAIRO, Oct. 1. Ten further immediate awards for gallantry in battle at Alamein are announced to-day. They are as follows:—

Distinguished Service Order. Colonel (temporary-Brigadier) W G Gentry, Lower Hutt.

Bar to Military Cross.—Captain W Porter (Poata), M.C., Kaeo, North Auckland.

Military Cross.—Captain K. A. Keiha, Gisborne; Captain P. R. Pike Auckland; Lieutenant J. P. TikaoBarrett, Hawera.

Distinguished Conduct Medal.— Sergeant R. Davis, Karetu, Bay of Islands; Corporal L. T. McClurg Owenga, Chatham Islands. Military Medal.—Sergeant John August, Auckland; Sergeant G. J. r S' k, whose father resides in Scotland; Sergeant W. R. Goodmanson, Lyttelton. '

Recently promoted, Brigadier Gentry was General Staff Officer of the New Zealand Division in the battle of El Alamein. He displayed conspicuous skill and organising ability in the field during the complicated mobile operations. Often under fire, Brigadier Gentry displayed the greatest coolness, skill and determination.

Captain Porter was in command of a company when the Maori Battalion made an attack on the eastern end of the El Mireir depression on the night of August 25. He led his company with fine dash and determination. It- overran, captured and destroyed 16 enemy machine-gun posts in succession.

Captain Keiha commanded a company of the Maori Battalion at the Deir el Manassib depression on the night of September 3. Meeting with resistance from strong positions, the company overcame the enemy and enabled the main force to move to its objective. It was largely due to his leadership that the whole operation was successful.

Raid on Enemy Lines Commanding a company of an Auckland battalion, Captain Peter Pike carried out a raid on the enemy lines on the night of August 30. The company met with fairly stiff opposition, but took 33 prisoners and killed 20 or 30 of the enemy. The only casualties suffered were three men wounded. This success was due to the able leadership of Captain Pike. A forward platoon of the leading company in the Maori Battalion attack on Deir el Manassib depression was commanded by Lieutenant Tikau-Barrett. The platoon inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy, overrunning five machine-gun posts. Lieutenant Tikau-Barrett inspired his men until he was severely Wounded.

Single-handed Sergeant Davis attacked and killed the crew of 10 manning an 88mm. gun in the Maori Battalion attack on the night of September 3. He then used the gun effectively against the enemy, knocking out two machine-gun posts. When the enemy counter-attacked with grenades and machine-gun fire, and while his company was still in a precarious position Sergeant Davis used a captured machine-gun against them effectively. A former Auckland representative Rugby forward, Sergeant August commanded a platoon of the Maori Battalion in the attack on the El Mireir depression on the night of August 25-26. His platoon captured in succession eight enemy machinegun posts, taking prisoners and equipment and inflicting heavy casualties.

Bren Carriers' Exploits

Sergeant Black, of an Auckland battalion, was in charge of two Bren carriers which were detailed to act as protection to an artillery observation unit at Minqar Qaim on the morning of June 27. The party was met by a strong force of tanks and was forced to withdraw. One carrier was hit and set on fire. Sergeant Black returned and took off the crew and weapons without losses. On the evening of July 21, at Alam Nayil, three men were wounded near Sergeant Black's carrier. He left his vehicle, gave first-aid and took them back to a regimental aid post. He was wounded himself but returned to his section.

Sergeant Goodmanson, of an Auckland battalion, led a party of 10 men in a raid on the enemy lines on the night of August 30-31. Attacking with the bayonet, his party killed and wounded about 20 of the enemy and took 12 prisoners. He then led hit; party against a machine-gun post and destroyed it.