George Reginald PARK

Regimental number2/104
Date of birth7 October 1893
Place of birthBlenheim
SchoolBlenheim Borough School; Robin Hood Bay School; Christchurch Boys' High School
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationBank clerk
Address205 Antigua Street, Christchurch
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Height5' 11"
Weight165 lbs
Next of kinMrs H J S Murchison, Lake Coleridge, Canterbury
Previous military serviceServed in the Senior Cadets; previously rejected (Christchurch) for enlistment in NZEF.
Enlistment date13 August 1914
Place of enlistmentChristchurch
Rank on embarkationGunner
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, New Zealand Field Artillery
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on 16 October 1914
Other detailsJoined the Bank of New South Wales, Christchurch branch, 13 August 1912.
FateCommenced return to New Zealand 1 February 1918
Medals

Military Cross

'Lieut. G.R. Park, when under heavy shell fire with his battery, distinguished himself by attending to two of his wounded men, setting a splendid example of courage and disregard of personal safety. His conduct has on all occasions been marked by the same fine qualities.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 16 August 1917

Bar to Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While taking his guns forward he was caught in a heavy barrage, which caused casualties to men and animals. He himself was wounded in three places, but continued at his work, and got the guns to the required positions when he collapsed. '
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 17 December 1917

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Embarked Alexandria to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, Gallipoli, 12 April 1915.

Promoted Corporal, 2nd Battery, 6 April 1915.

Wounded in action, and admitted to HS 'Dongala', 9 August 1915 (gun shot wound, forearm); transferred to NZ General Hospital, Egypt (date not recorded); transferred to Special Camp, Zeitoun, 20 August 1915; rejoined unit, Ghezireh, 29 September 1915.

Appointed Temporary Sergeant, Gallipoli, 21 November 1915.

Marched in to NZ Base, Zeitoun, from Gallipoli, 22 December 1915.

Reverted to rank of Corporal, 24 January 1916.

Transferred to 11th Battery, 28 February 1916, and appointed Temporary Sergeant.

Promoted Sergeant, 7 March 1916.

Embarked Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, France, 7 April 1916.

Promoted 2nd Lieutenant, 24 July 1916.

Attached to 10th Battery, 24 July 1916.

Transferred to NZ Divisional Ammunition Column, 30 July 1916.

Attached to 12th Battery.

Transferred to 4th Battery, 3rd Brigade, 14 September 1916.

On leave to United Kingdom, 29 June 1917; rejoined unit from leave, 11 July 1917.

Awarded Military Cross.

Wounded in action (second occasion), 11 October 1917 (gun shot wound, arm), and admitted to 28th Field Ambulance, and transferred to 46th Casualty Clearing Station; to 20th General Hospital, 14 October 1917; to England, 16 October 1917, and admitted to No 2 NZ General Hospital, Walton-on-Thames, 17 October 1917; transferred to Convalescent Home, Brighton, 24 November 1917.

Awarded Bar to Military Cross.

Commenced return to New Zealand from Liverpool on board SS 'Willochra', 1 February 1918; discharged, 17 January 1919.

War service: 4 years 158 days (of which 3 years 157 days were abroad)

Medals: Military Cross & Bar, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Also served in World War II as 807346, 1st Canterbury Regiment.
Miscellaneous detailsNominal Roll Vol. 1: Field Artillery/Main Body
Date of death13 June 1944
Age at death50
SourcesFile No 0360804, New Zealand Defence Force Archives, Trentham Military Camp
'Bank of New South Wales Roll of Honour' (Sydney, 1921), p. 306.

Print format