'For conspicuous devotion to duty for 21/2 years with the Battalion during the last 10 months as a NCO in the trenches on wiring parties and patrols, during the Somme fighting and in two successful raids, during all of which he has exhibited a tireless energy and unflagging cheerfulness, and generally by his courage and general behaviour rendered extremely good service especially during period 21st September 1916 to 25th February 1917.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 1 June 1917

Regimental number	10/909
Date of birth	4 February 1894
Place of birth	Taradale
Religion	Roman Catholic
Occupation	Labourer
Address	Taradale
Marital status	Single
Age at embarkation	20.7
Height	5' 4
Weight	130 lbs
Next of kin	John O'Shannessy, Taradale, Hawke's Bay
Previous military service	Served in D Company, 9th (Hawke's Bay) Regiment, Territorial Force; still serving at time of NZEF enlistment.
Enlistment date	13 August 1914
Place of enlistment	Napier
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	Company Quartermaster Sergeant
Final unit	1st Battalion, Wellington Infantry Regiment
Fate	Commenced return to New Zealand 7 September 1918
Medals	Mentioned in Despatches 'For conspicuous devotion to duty for 21/2 years with the Battalion during the last 10 months as a NCO in the trenches on wiring parties and patrols, during the Somme fighting and in two successful raids, during all of which he has exhibited a tireless energy and unflagging cheerfulness, and generally by his courage and general behaviour rendered extremely good service especially during period 21st September 1916 to 25th February 1917.' Source: London Gazette Date: 1 June 1917
Discharge date	13 December 1918
Other details	War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Embarked Alexandria to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (Gallipoli Campaign), 12 April 1915. Wounded in action, 8 August 1915; transferred to Egypt, 13 August 1915 (contusion wound), and admitted to NZ General Hospital, Abbassia, 14 August 1915 (gastro-enteritis); discharged to duty, 8 September 1915. Transferred to England (date not recorded); admitted to 2nd Southern General Hospital, Bristol. Disembarked Alexandria from England, 23 January 1916, and rejoined Bn, Ismailia. Eembarked Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, France, 6 April 1916. Appointed Temporary Corporal, 26 August 1916, 5 June 1917. Promoted Corporal, 17 October 1916. Mentioned in Despatches, 9 April 1917. Detached to Reinforcements Camp, Morbecque, 5 June 1917. Appointed Lance Sergeant, 8 June 1917, and appointed Temporary Sergeant same day. Promoted Sergeant, 8 July 1916. Rejoined Bn, 18 June 1917. Promoted Company Quartermaster Sergeant, 22 November 1917. Commenced return to New Zealand from Liverpool on board HT 'Remuera', 7 September 1918; discharged (termination of period of engagement), 13 December 1918. War service: 4 years 123 days (of which 4 years 8 days were abroad). Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Miscellaneous details	Nominal Roll Vol. 1: Wellington Infantry Batln/Main Body
Date of death	7 September 1948 Auckland
Sources	Archives New Zealand (Wellington), Agency AABK, Series 18805, File 21382891