'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the night of 28th September when the Brigade moved into action in front of Havrincourt Wood this NCO who is in charge of the Brigade runners went out while the position of the front line was still obscure and successfully located and delivered urgent and important despatches to the Battalions which had moved forward. Whilst on this mission which occupied some hours Lance Corporal Oliver was continually under the enemy's heavy shell fire, but without regard for his personal safety and under most adverse conditions he continued on until his work was completed. On 1st October, near the Canal, he again displayed great courage by delivering despatches to the Battalion in the line despite constant heavy shell fire. Lance Corporal Oliver has repeatedly done splendid work and his untiring devotion to duty, dogged determination and self sacrifice were a fine example to all with whom he came in contact and inspired the greatest confidence in his men.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 13 March 1919

Regimental number	6/3819
Occupation	Cycle mechanic
Next of kin	Mother, Mrs E E Oliver, Royal Hotel, Hawera
Rank on embarkation	Lance Corporal
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 9th Reinforcements, Canterbury Infantry Battalion, C Company
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on board SS Maunganui on 8 January 1916
Final rank	Lance Corporal
Final unit	2nd Battalion, Canterbury Infantry Regiment (attached 2nd New Zealand Infantry Brigade Headquarters)
Medals	Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the night of 28th September when the Brigade moved into action in front of Havrincourt Wood this NCO who is in charge of the Brigade runners went out while the position of the front line was still obscure and successfully located and delivered urgent and important despatches to the Battalions which had moved forward. Whilst on this mission which occupied some hours Lance Corporal Oliver was continually under the enemy's heavy shell fire, but without regard for his personal safety and under most adverse conditions he continued on until his work was completed. On 1st October, near the Canal, he again displayed great courage by delivering despatches to the Battalion in the line despite constant heavy shell fire. Lance Corporal Oliver has repeatedly done splendid work and his untiring devotion to duty, dogged determination and self sacrifice were a fine example to all with whom he came in contact and inspired the greatest confidence in his men.' Source: London Gazette Date: 13 March 1919
Sources	Nominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 21, p. 23