Reginald Stanley JUDSON

Regimental number24/1699
Date of birth29 September 1881
Place of birthWharehine, North Auckland
OccupationBootmaker
Marital statusMarried
Age at embarkation34
Height5' 6.5"
Next of kinWife, Mrs Ethel May Judson, Waiatarua, Waikumete, Auckland
Rank on embarkationRifleman
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Rifle Brigade, 1915, 3rd Reinforcements of 2nd Battalion, F Company
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on board Tahiti on 8 January 1916
Final rank2nd Lieutenant
Final unit1st Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment
FateCommenced return to New Zealand
Medals

Victoria Cross

'For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when, in an attack on enemy positions, he led a small bombing party under heavy fire and captured an enemy machine gun. He then proceeded up a sap alone, bombing three machine gun crew before him. Jumping out of the trench he ran ahead of the enemy. Then, standing on the parapet, he ordered the party, consisting of two officers and about ten men, to surrender. They instantly fired on him, but he threw a bomb and jumped down amongst them, killed two, put the rest to flight, and so captured two machine guns. This prompt and gallant action not only saved many lives, but also enabled the advance to continue unopposed.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 30 October 1918

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the Field on the night of the 16/17th inst. in front of Puisieux-au-Mont. During the attack in co-operation with the 37th Division on enemy positions north of Crayfish and Paku Trenches and as far east as the Buoquay-Puisieux-au-Mont Road this NCO exhibited courage of the highest degree. The sections with whom he was encountered machine gun fire of an intense nature. This fire was replied to by the fire of a Lewis Gun and in order to enable the troops on our left to advance it was essential that the enemy machine guns should be taken at once. It was obvious that if an attempt were made to outflank the guns the delay occassioned thereby would result in the troops on our left probably suffering severe casualties. Realising that a frontal attack was necessary this NCO with the greatest of initiative and daring rushed straight for the machine gun nest, followed by his sections. The rapidity and daring of his action so disheartened the enemy that in spite of the unprotected nature of the attack three machine guns and 17 prisoners were captured without loss on our side. The daring and courage and skilful tactics of this NCO is beyond praise. For the success of an operation he exposes himself in positions of the greatest danger without regard to his personal safety, and as a leader and inspirer of men he has no superior.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 11 December 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack on the enemy positions. He led a patrol along a sap leading to the enemy. This patrol forced the enemy to retreat before their bombs for a distance of 600 yards and so enabled the troops who were following to garrison and hold the captured trench. He was indefatigable in organising the trench during the next twenty-four hours under heavy bomb and machine gun fire, and personally bombed the enemy out of an angle in the sap where they were collecting. The work of this NCO throughout was splendid, and his courage and enthusiasm inspired all near him.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 30 October 1918

Other details

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Medals: Victoria Cross, Distinguished Conduct Medal, Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death26 August 1972
Age at death90
Place of burialWaikumete Cemetery & Crematorium, Auckland
SourcesNominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 15, p. 8
Archives New Zealand (Wellington), Agency AABK, Series 18805, File 23559790

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