| Regimental number | 13/542 |
| Address | Waerenga, Waikato |
| Marital status | Single |
| Next of kin | C Balle, Puni, Pukekohe |
| Rank on embarkation | Trooper |
| Enlistment status | Volunteer |
| Unit name | New Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, Auckland Mounted Rifles |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Auckland on |
| The Auckland Mounted Rifles, Main Body, left New Zealand on board two ships, HMNZT 8 'Star of India' and HMNZT 12 'Waimana'. It is not possible from the Nominal Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked. | |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Mention in Despatches 'This N.C.O. did excellent work during the raid (16 officers & 516 other ranks) south of Armentieres on 21.2.17. When his men overran the objective (trench support line) he rallied them and after completion of the task brought them back to our lines. During the greater part of the Somme operations he very ably com,manded a platoon. He had been wounded during the operations on Gallipoli. He is a throughly reliable N.C.O. and sets a fine example to the men under him.' Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', 1 June 1917. |
| Medals |
Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry. During the attack oof the N.Z. Division east of St Julien on 4/10/17 Sergeant Balle, acting as platoon commander, was held up by five Germans in a covered shell hole. Single-handed he rushed the position and bayoneted the whole of the Garrison. He did valuable work in consolidating the position under heavy shellfire.'
Source: 'London Gazette' Date: |
| Family/military connections | Brother: 12/3936 Benjamin BALLE |
| Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Miscellaneous details | Nominal Roll Vol. 1: Auckland Mounted Rifles/Main Body |