Leslie James MICHAU

Regimental number39619
OccupationFarrier
Next of kinMother, Mrs Mary Ann Michau, Westshore, Napier
Rank on embarkationPrivate
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, 21st Reinforcements, F Company
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on board Waitemata on 19 January 1917
Medals

Military Medal

'Operations opposite Polderhoek, 27th November 1917 to 1st December 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This NCO was in command of a Post with 2 men and a Lewis gun, the remainder of the garrison being withdrawn prior to a bombardment with our heavy artillery. At about 5.30am on 30th November a party of the enemy attacked this place whereupon Lance Corporal Michau fired his Lewis gun until it jammed, inflicting many casualties. He and his men thereupon threw all the bombs available and then withdrew to the support trench, where they borrowed another gun and again rushed the trench. In the meantime the enemy had entered the trench, and left a sentry in it, until they could bring up reinforcements and material. Lance Corporal Michau shot the sentry, and using his gun vigorously, he bluffed the enemy successfully into the belief that the trench was now manned in force. The Germans thus discouraged from a further attack, were satisfied with collecting their wounded under cover of the Red Cross Flag. From the sentry valuable identification was secured.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 13 March 1918

SourcesNominal Roll Vol. 3: Roll 52, p. 21