'For conspicuous coolness and devotion to duty. At Newcombe Farm on the night of 7/8th May 1917 the Transport Lines were heavily shelled and this NCO displayed great coolness under fire and ability in the handling of his men. Owing to the splendid way in which he handled the animals they got away with very few casualties. He has done excellent work as Transport Sergeant during 18 months service in France and his conduct throughout has been an excellent example to the men.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 28 December 1917

Regimental number	9/466
Address	W Black, Waimate
Marital status	Single
Next of kin	Father, H Hancock, Martland Street, Geelong, Victoria
Rank on embarkation	Trooper
Enlistment status	Volunteer
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on 16 October 1914
	Three squadrons of the Otago Mounted Rifles Regiment left New Zealand on board 'Hawke's Bay', and one squadron on board 'Verdala'. From the Nominal Roll it is not possible to determine on which ship an individual embarked.
Medals	Mention in Despatches 'For conspicuous coolness and devotion to duty. At Newcombe Farm on the night of 7/8th May 1917 the Transport Lines were heavily shelled and this NCO displayed great coolness under fire and ability in the handling of his men. Owing to the splendid way in which he handled the animals they got away with very few casualties. He has done excellent work as Transport Sergeant during 18 months service in France and his conduct throughout has been an excellent example to the men.' Source: 'London Gazette' Date: 28 December 1917
Miscellaneous details	Nominal Roll Vol. 1: Otago Mounted Rifles/Main Body