'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on the Passchendaele Ridge on 12th October 1917. This NCO was in charge of a Mortar during the assault, and brought his gun and carrying party up into position, under extremely heavy machine gun and rifle fire. Later, by the skilful handling of his gun he assisted to repel a counter-attack.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 28 January 1918

Regimental number	25/505
Occupation	Labourer
Next of kin	Father, W H Leighton, Buckland, Waikato
Rank on embarkation	Rifleman
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 3rd Battalion, Machine Gun Section
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on 5 February 1916
Medals	Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on the Passchendaele Ridge on 12th October 1917. This NCO was in charge of a Mortar during the assault, and brought his gun and carrying party up into position, under extremely heavy machine gun and rifle fire. Later, by the skilful handling of his gun he assisted to repel a counter-attack.' Source: London Gazette Date: 28 January 1918
Sources	Nominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 24, p. 17