'Operations Gravenstafel - 1st October to 5th October 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Early on the morning of October 1st, LanceCorporal Halligan with a Lewis gun and three men were holding an advanced Post in a shell-hole, when they were attacked by an enemy patrol of twelve men. Lance Corporal Halligan promptly brought his gun into action but after it had fired a few shots it jammed. He then led his men out of the shell-hole and attacked the enemy with bombs. He succeeded in killing four of the enemy and the remainder were put to flight, some of them being wounded. Lance Corporal Halligan then searched the dead and sent in valuable papers and proof of identification.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 17 December 1917

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On one occasion, at a most critical moment, when his platoon was forced to withdraw, he established himself single-handed in a shell-hole to cover the retirement with a Lewis gun; but was able to bring such a destructive fire on the enemy that the platoon was able to advance again and reoccupy the position. His courage, cheerful behaviour in difficulties, and initiative have always been a fine example to the men of his platoon.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 21 October 1918

Regimental number	6/3335
Date of birth	11 September 1887
Place of birth	Victoria, Australia
Religion	Church of England
Occupation	Miner
Address	Reefton
Marital status	Single
Age at embarkation	28
Height	5'7.5"
Weight	137 lbs
Next of kin	Brother, T Halligan, Bonnie Doon, Victoria, Australia
Enlistment date	26 August 1915
Rank on embarkation	Private
Enlistment status	Volunteer
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 8th Reinforcements, Canterbury Infantry Battalion
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on board Willochra on 13 November 1915
Final rank	Sergeant
Final unit	1st Battalion, Canterbury InfantryRegiment
Fate	Commenced return to New Zealand 31 July 1918
Medals	Military Medal 'Operations Gravenstafel - 1st October to 5th October 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Early on the morning of October 1st, LanceCorporal Halligan with a Lewis gun and three men were holding an advanced Post in a shell-hole, when they were attacked by an enemy patrol of twelve men. Lance Corporal Halligan promptly brought his gun into action but after it had fired a few shots it jammed. He then led his men out of the shell-hole and attacked the enemy with bombs. He succeeded in killing four of the enemy and the remainder were put to flight, some of them being wounded. Lance Corporal Halligan then searched the dead and sent in valuable papers and proof of identification.' Source: 'London Gazette' Date: 17 December 1917 Distinguished Conduct Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On one occasion, at a most critical moment, when his platoon was forced to withdraw, he established himself single-handed in a shell-hole to cover the retirement with a Lewis gun; but was able to bring such a destructive fire on the enemy that the platoon was able to advance again and reoccupy the position. His courage, cheerful behaviour in difficulties, and initiative have always been a fine example to the men of his platoon.' Source: 'London Gazette' Date: 21 October 1918
Discharge date	10 February 1919
Other details	War service: Egypt, Western Front Disembarked Egypt, 20 December 1915; joined Canterbury Infantry Bn, Ismailia, 9 January 1916. Embarked Port Said to join the British Expeditionary Force, France, 6 April 1916. Found guilty, 20 October 1916, of (1) being in Paris Plage and producing a false pass, and (2) being in possession of firearms and ammunition: forfeited 5 days' pay. Appointed Temporary Lance Corporal, 27 October 1916. Admitted to No 2 NZ Field Ambulance, 20 November 1916 (influenza); transferred to NZ Division Rest Station, 23 November 1916; rejoined Bn, in the field, 29 November 1916. Appointed Lance Corporal, 27 December 1916. Admitted to No 7 General Hospital, St Omer, 1 March 1917 (mumps); transferred to No 4 Stationary Hospital, 19 March 1916; discharged to duty, 24 March 1917; rejoined Bn, in the field, 26 March 1917. Admitted to No 2 NZ Field Ambulance, 2 May 1917 (myalgia), and transferred same day to 15th Casualty Clearing Station; to 2nd Australian General Hospital, 30 May 1917; discharged to No 1 Convalescent Depot, Boulogne, 5 June 1917; to NZ Base Depot, Etaples, 11 June 1917; rejoined Bn, in the field, 25 June 1917. Promoted Corporal, 12 October 1917. Awarded Military Medal, 15 October 1917. Appointed Lance Sergeant, 13 November 1917; promoted Sergeant, 5 December 1917. Detached to School of Instruction, 9 December 1917; rejoined Bn, 16 December 1917. Wounded in action, 24 December 1917, and admitted to No 3 NZ Field Ambulance, 25 December 1917; transferred same day to 10th Casualty Clearing Station; to 55th General Hospital, Boulogne, 27 December 1917; to England, 2 January 1918, and admitted same day to No 1 NZ General Hospital, Brockenhurst (contused back, left thigh); to NZ Convalescent Hospital, Hornchurch, 28 February 1918; to NZ Convalescent Depot, Codford, 17 April 1918. Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal. Admitted to No 3 NZ General Hospital, Codford, 7 June 1918 (bronchitis); classified 'unfit' by Medical Board, 11 July 1918, and placed on NZ Roll. Commenced return to New Zealand from Southampton, 31 July 1918; transshipped to HS 'Marama', Marseilles, France; discharged, 10 February 1919 (no longer physically fit for War Service: chronic pulmonary disease). Total war service: 3 years 172 days (of which 2 years 215 days were abroad) Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Miscellaneous details	Nominal Roll Vol. 1: Canterbury Infantry Batln/Eighth
Sources	Archives New Zealand (Wellington), Agency AABK, Series 1880, File 167907205, File