'Messines Offensive - 7th to 9th June 1917. This N.C.O. is a most energetic and conscientious worker. During the attack on Messines on June 7th 1917, he assumed command of his platoon when his platoon commander was wounded and continually moved about among his men. He showed disregard for all danger and set a fine example to his men. Later he was made acting C.S.M. and carried out his new duties with confidence and ability. When severely wounded he would not allow himself to be moved until he had handed over all papers and records to the next senior Sergeant.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 16 August 1917

Regimental number	8/3867
Occupation	Carpenter
Next of kin	Father, W F Bennetto, Box 16, Waikaka via Otago
Rank on embarkation	Private
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 10th Reinforcements, Otago Infantry Regiment, D Company
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on 4 March 1916
	The Infantry component of the 10th Reinforcements left New Zealand on board two ships, 'Willochra' and 'Tofua'. It is not possible to determine from the Nominal Roll on which ship an individual embarked. Harbour records indicate that the actual date of sailing was 5 March 1916.
Medals	Military Medal 'Messines Offensive - 7th to 9th June 1917. This N.C.O. is a most energetic and conscientious worker. During the attack on Messines on June 7th 1917, he assumed command of his platoon when his platoon commander was wounded and continually moved about among his men. He showed disregard for all danger and set a fine example to his men. Later he was made acting C.S.M. and carried out his new duties with confidence and ability. When severely wounded he would not allow himself to be moved until he had handed over all papers and records to the next senior Sergeant.' Source: 'London Gazette' Date: 16 August 1917
Other details	War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Sources	Nominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 26, p. 17