'For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership near Puisiex au Mont on 21st August 1918. Corporal Patching was in charge of a fighting patrol which was sent forward to gain information. He brought back a very clear report of the position of both flanks companies; also where the enemy was holding in force. Again on 26th August near Bapaume he took charge of the Platoon when the Platoon Sergeant was killed and consolidated the position gained. Afterwards under very heavy machine gun fire he made a particularly reconnaissance of both his own and the flank companies fronts send back valuable information.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 13 March 1919

Regimental number	26/1045
Occupation	Clerk
Next of kin	Father, William Patching, Ashburton
Rank on embarkation	Rifleman
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 4th Battalion, C Company,
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on board Ulimaroa on 6 February 1916
Final rank	Corporal
Final unit	4th Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade
Medals	Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership near Puisiex au Mont on 21st August 1918. Corporal Patching was in charge of a fighting patrol which was sent forward to gain information. He brought back a very clear report of the position of both flanks companies; also where the enemy was holding in force. Again on 26th August near Bapaume he took charge of the Platoon when the Platoon Sergeant was killed and consolidated the position gained. Afterwards under very heavy machine gun fire he made a particularly reconnaissance of both his own and the flank companies fronts send back valuable information.' Source: London Gazette Date: 13 March 1919
Sources	Nominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 24, p. 27