Joe HAWIRA

Regimental number16/1550
OccupationLabourer
Next of kinWife, Mrs J Hawira, Halcombe
Rank on embarkationPrivate
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, 4th Maori Contingent
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on 6 May 1916
Final unitNew Zealand Pioneer (Maori) Battalion
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous coolness and bravery during the attack on Messines on the 7th June 1917. Private Hawira acted as Orderly to his Company Commander in the laying off of a new Communication Trench from Calgary Avenue to the left of Messines. The place was heavily shelled during the day but Hawira never hesitated to carry out orders althout at times it looked liked walking into certain death. He was sent back twice to bring out a supply of tape and never failed to get it through. Owing to the trench being taped off before the Company was brought up the working parties were brought on to the work at once thus minimising risk to a large number of lives. Hawira's coolness and devotion to duty during his service in France has proved a fine example to the other men in his Company.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 28 December 1917

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
SourcesNominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 31, p. 26