'He was in command of two platoons on the flank of the leading wave of his battalion, and when a very difficult situation arose owing to the battalion on his flank being held up, he maintained his position with great resolution and kept his men together by his example until the situation was restored. His courage and determination were of great value at a critical moment.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 2 December 1918

Regimental number	10/681
Date of birth	12 November 1893
Place of birth	Christchurch
Religion	Church of England
Occupation	Cheesemaker
Address	T Harvey, Pungarehu
Marital status	Single
Age at embarkation	20.9
Height	5' 6"
Weight	145 lbs
Next of kin	Father, John McSavney, Retreat Road, Avonside, Christchurch
Previous military service	Nil
Enlistment date	17 August 1914
Place of enlistment	New Plymouth
Rank on embarkation	Private
Enlistment status	Volunteer
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, Wellington Infantry Battalion
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on board HMNZT 10 Arawa on 16 October 1914
Final rank	Lieutenant
Final unit	1st Battalion, Wellington Infantry Regiment
Fate	Commenced return to New Zealand 21 July 1917
Medals	Military Cross 'He was in command of two platoons on the flank of the leading wave of his battalion, and when a very difficult situation arose owing to the battalion on his flank being held up, he maintained his position with great resolution and kept his men together by his example until the situation was restored. His courage and determination were of great value at a critical moment.' Source: 'London Gazette' Date: 2 December 1918
Discharge date	30 October 1919
Other details	War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Embarked Alexandria with unit to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (Gallipoli Campaign), 12 April 1915. Wounded in action, 29 April 1915 (gunshot wound, right shoulder); admitted to HS 'Delta', 2 May 1915; disembarked Southampton, 12 May 1915; marched into Australia and NZ Base Depot, Weymouth, 19 June 1915. Embarked for the Dardanelles, 2 September 1915; rejoined unit, Mudros, 28 September 1915. Promoted Corporal, 1 October 1915. Admitted to hospital, Mudros, 21 October 1915 (tonsilitis); transferred to Lowland Casualty Clearing Station, Mudros, 10 November 1915; discharged, 12 November 1915, and marched in Australia and NZ Infantry Base, Mudros, 12 November 1915. Rejoined unit, Gallipoli, 17 November 1915. Disembarked Alexandria with unit, 26 December 1915. Appointed Temporary Sergeant, Ismailia, 1 February 1916. Promoted Sergeant, Ismailia, 1 March 1916. Embarked with unit to join the British Expeditionary Force, 6 April 1916. Appointed Temporary Company Quartermaster Sergeant, 6 September 1916. Attached to NZ Infantry & General Base Depot, Etaples, 26 December 1916. Proceeded to England, 31 December 1916; marched into No.5 Officers Cadet Bn, Cambridge, 3 January 1917. Promoted to Second Lieutenant, 25 April 1917. Attached to 4th Reserve Bn, Sling Camp, 18 May 1917. Taken on strength of NZEF Headquarters, London, 29 May 1917. Commenced return to New Zealand on board HT 'Arawa', 21 July 1917 (for duty in New Zealand); discharged, 31 October 1919. Total war service: 5 years 76 days (of which 4 years 193 days was abroad). Medals: Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal Also served in World War II: Service No 2/18/915 - Army.
Miscellaneous details	Nominal Roll Vol. 1: Wellington Infantry Batln/Main Body
Date of death	26 May 1972 (Christchurch)
Sources	Archives New Zealand (Wellington), Agency AABK, Series 18805, File 24170375 Archives New Zealand (Wellington), Agency AABK, Series 18805, File 10927268