Stephen Sidney PENNEFATHER

Regimental number10/1318
Date of birth23 November 1891
Place of birthWellington
AddressFordell, Wanganui
Marital statusSingle
Next of kinO B Pennefather, Denlair, Fordell, Wanganui
Rank on embarkationPrivate
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, 2nd Reinforcements, Wellington Infantry Battalion
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on board Willochra on 14 December 1914
Final rank2nd Lieutenant
Final unit1st Battalion, Wellington Infantry Regiment
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in making daring personal reconnaissances of a hostile post. In order to do this he twice swam a river, on the second occasion discovering the position of the enemy and taking possession of two rafts which were moored on their side. On his return he constructed a ferry out of one of the rafts and that evening took a party across the river and led them to the attack and capture of the hostile post. This was effected after a stubborn fight, during which he himself was wounded. His initiative and fine leadership on this occasion greatly inspired all ranks in his battalion.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 22 October 1917

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near Briastre on October 11th, 1918. By patrolling the banks of the River Selle for half a mile, he found a bridge and guided the remainder of the company across after skillfully disposing his own platoon on the east side to cover the crossing. He then led two platoons forming the first wave of the attack over open country until held up by a nest of hostile machine guns; on which he collected and held his men together and disposed them in a defensive position to meet any counter attack. Throughout the operation he acted with marked skill and coolness.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 15 February 1919

Miscellaneous detailsNominal Roll Vol. 1: Wellington Infantry Batln/Second