Regimental number | 24/1268 |
Place of birth | Auckland |
Occupation | Barrister and solicitor |
Address | 109 Queen Street, Auckland |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 37 |
Next of kin | Father, William Ferguson Massey, Wellington |
Rank on embarkation | 2nd Lieutenant |
Enlistment status | Volunteer |
Unit name | New Zealand Expeditionary Force, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 2nd Battalion, C Company |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Wellington on board HMNZT 31 Tahiti on |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Mention in Despatches 'For conspicuous good work and devotion to duty since the arrival of his Battalion in France last April. As Adjutant of his Unit he has shown untiring energy and a marked devotion to duty, especially during the operations on the Somme, 13th September to 3rd October, when by his tireless energy and cheerfulness under all circumstances he helped materially in the success of operations undertaken by his Unit.' Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette' 4 January 1917. Second MID: 'For distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty during the period September 25th, 1917, to midnight, February 24/25th, 1918. Sir D. Haig's despatch of the 7th April 1918.' ('London Gazette', 28 May 1918). Third MID: 'London Gazette', 31 December 1918. |
Medals |
Military Cross 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Previous to an attack he performed invaluable service to his brigade in successfully carrying out its assembly arrangements. The fact that there was no hitch was due to his careful personal reconnaissances. Afterwards, during the attack, he did valuable work in going forward when communication had broken down owing to casualties and other confusion, and returning with a clear report upon the general situation.'
Source: 'London Gazette' Date: Distinguished Service Order 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During two hard days' fighting, until severely wounded, commanded the battalion in a most efficient manner, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy, at small cost, largely owing to his resource and grasp of the situation.'
Source: 'London Gazette' Date: |
Other details |
War service: Egypt, Western Front Son of the wartime New Zealand Prime Minister, William Massey. Medals: Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Miscellaneous details | Nominal Roll Vol. 1: C Company/2nd NZRB |
Date of death | |
Age at death | 97 |
The NZEF Project, UNSW@ADFA, 2003-2024
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