Charles Wesley HUMPHRIES

Regimental number8/4144
OccupationRailway cadet
Next of kinMother, Mrs C J Humphries, Fortrose, Southland
Rank on embarkationPrivate
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, 11th Reinforcements, Otago Infantry Battalion, D Company
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on 1 April 1916
The Infantry component of the 11th Reinforcements left New Zealand on board two ships (HMNZT 49 'Maunganui' and HMNZT 50 'Tahiti'). It is not possible from the Nominal Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked. The Nominal Roll gives the date of departure as 1 April 1916; harbour records indicate that the actual date of embarkation was 2 April 1916.
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and general good work as linesman during the recent operations from 14th August to 7th September, 1918, in Puisieux and Bapaume Areas. On several occasions when the telephone lines were cut by enemy artillery fire Corporal Humphries at great personal risk, went out and repaired the wires. On the morning of 14 August at Puisieux when the enemy put down a heavy barrage preparatory to counter attack, Corporal Humpries went out into the barrage and repaired the broken wires at a time when communication was vital. On 7th September, at Metz en Couture this NCO, assisted by another Corporal, laid a line from Battalion Headquarters to the outpost line under a continual harassing fire from rifles, machine-guns and artillery. Throughout the operations Corporal Humphries displayed the greatest gallantry and devotion to duty setting a splendid example to his subordinates.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 13 March 1919

SourcesNominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 28, p. 14