George KELK

Regimental number23/2515
OccupationFarmer
Next of kinFather, Frank Kelk, Newborough, Oamaru
Rank on embarkationRifleman
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 4th Reinforcements to 1st and 2nd Battalions, E Company
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on 4 March 1916
E Company left New Zealand on board two ships, HMNZT 47 Willochra and HMNZT 48 'Tofua'. It is not possible from the Nominal Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked.
Final rankCompany Sergeant Major
Final unit1st Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near Miraumont on 23rd August 1918. His Company was holding an outpost line in shell holes under direct observation from enemy machine-gunners. Sergt-Major Kelk crawled, pushing the rations in front of him, to each shell hole and succeeded in delivering rations to every section of his company. Again on September 1st near Bapaume he again succeeded in delivering the rations reaching the company when they were consolidating. After this he organised a party for carrying S.A.A. and under heavy fire he delivered the ammunition to every post. During the whole of the operations Sergt-Major Kelk has shown a considerable contempt for danger.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 24 January 1919

SourcesNominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 26, p. 29

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