Nelson Henry LAW

Regimental number20173
Date of birth13 September 1897
Place of birthDannevirke
SchoolPublic School, Dannevirke North; Dannevirke High School
OccupationClerk
Next of kinFather, John Law, Te Awamutu
Rank on embarkationRifleman
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 10th Reinforcements to 2nd Battalion, F Company
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on board HMNZT 61 Aparima on 19 August 1916
Final rankPrivate
Final unit2nd Battalion, Wellington Infantry Regiment
Other detailsJoined the Bank of New South Wales, Napier branch, 10 August 1914 (subsequently apppointed ledger keeper).
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the 24th August 1918 during operations near Grevillers Private Law volunteered to carry and deliver an important message to a forward platoon. Private Law immediately went through an extremely heavy barrage of heavy shell and machine gun fire, in order that no time should be lost in getting his message to its destination. Later on the same day, he rendered valuable service in carrying messages through a heavy barrage. His devotion to duty was of a very high order.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 24 January 1919

Bar to MM

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the morning of 1st October 1918, near Crevecoeur Private Law while serving as a Runner carried many messages to forward posts through heavy enemy shell and machine-gun fire. It was in a great measure due to Pte Laws absolute disregard of danger and splendid devotion to duty that the forward posts were kept advised of the position on the flanks, during a very critical period. His work was magnificent.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 10 September 1918

Mentioned in Despatches

'For gallantry and consistent devotion to duty. During the period from 22/9/17 to 24/2/18 this man has acted as a Company Runner, and has many times displayed conspicuous bravery in the carrying of messages, especially during the operations near Gravenstafel in October 1917, when owing to casualties the bulk of the running for the Company fell to his lot. He is a fine type of soldier with a most exemplary sense of duty.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 28 May 1918

SourcesNominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 38, p. 32