'On the 4th August 1917, in the La Basse Ville Sector, South West of Warneton, 8/3850 Private H. McDonald, 2nd Batt., Otago Regiment assisted by 8/3771 Private A. Strode, (both telegraphic linesman) succeeded in restoring telephonic communication to the two advanced Companies, the wires of which had been destroyed by hostile shell fire. These two men went forward while the enemy was heavily bombarding the advanced posts, both in front and in rear of them, and after working continuously for three hours, succeeded in laying the wires and establishing not only communication between Battalion Headquarters and the two Companies but also lateral communication between the two Companies themselves. As the outpost area was completely exposed and under observation from the enemy, and runners could not be sent forward by daylight, the telephone communication proved to be invaluable. The difficult task set these two men was carried out with constant coolness and with the greatest devotion to duty. They repaired the wires on several occasions under heavy shell fire.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 28 September 1917