Oscar Herbert JOHNSON

Regimental number10/3614
OccupationClerk
Next of kinFather, C Johnson, Port Ahuriri, Napier
Rank on embarkationQuartermaster Sergeant
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, 9th Reinforcements, Wellington Infantry Battalion, B Company
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on board SS Maunganui on 8 January 1916
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This NCO had charge of a squad of linesman prior to and during the attack and subsequent defence of La Basse Ville on the 30th and 31st July. On the night of the 30th July he reconnoitred a route for a wire from Advanced Battalion Headquarters to a proposed Company Headquarters in La Basse Ville. Then he proceeded to lay a line and kept working on the line and rendering as perfect as possible this means of communication. Before Zero hour until right through the operation he worked on the wires, striving with great fortitude and indifference to personal danger to maintain the wire. By his gallant conduct in face of exceptionally heavy shell fire he inspired his men and kept them at what was a very important but exceptionally dangerous undertaking'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 28 September 1917

SourcesNominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 21, p. 18

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