John KEATLEY

Regimental number25/887
True NameJohn Edmund
OccupationBushman
Next of kinMother, Mrs M E Keatley, New Bond Street, Kingsland, Auckland
Rank on embarkationRifleman
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 3rd Battalion, A Company
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on 5 February 1916
A Company, 3rd Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, left Wellington on board three ships (HMNZT 42 'Ulimaroa', HMNZT 43 'Mokoia', and HMNZT 44 'Navua'), It is not possible from the Nominal Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked.
Final rankSergeant
Final unit3rd Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near Gouzeaucourt on the 9th September, 1918. This N.C.O.'s company, after an advance over ground swept by machine gun fire, was driven back, leaving several wounded men lying out in the open. Although wounded he went back to report the situation to Company H.Q., and on his return, finding that the attempts to to rescue the wounded had only tresulted in the would-be rescuers becoming casualties, he went out himself unmder a hail of bullets, and rescued two men. On reaching a third man, he found he wasd already dead. He saved these two men from becoming prisoners, and set a magnificent example to all ranks.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 16 January 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
SourcesNominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 24, p. 4

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