James PERRY

Regimental number32461
OccupationStone hand
Next of kinMother, Mrs J D Perry, 25 Hills Road, Christchurch
Rank on embarkationCorporal
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, 19th Reinforcements, Canterbury Infantry Battalion, C Company
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on 15 November 1916
Members of the Canterbury Infantry Regiment, 19th Reinforcements, left New Zealand on board two ships, 'Manganui' and 'Tahiti'. It is not possible from the Nominal Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked.
Final rankLance Corporal
Final unit1st Battalion, Canterbury Infantry Regiment
FateKilled in Action 23 October 1918
Age at death from cemetery records32
Place of burialRomeries Communal Cemetery Extension (Plot VI, Row C, Grave No 4), France
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: John David and Jane Perry, 25 Hill's Road, Christchurch
Medals

Military Medal

'Operations: British Front east of Baupame 3rd September 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the 3rd Setember 1918, Private Perry' s platoon was sent to clear Velu Wood. This soldier was in command of the Scouts and showed great skill and daring in handling his Section through thick undergrowth. On reaching the edge of the wood a large party of the enemy was seen attempting to destroy a Railway Bridge, Private Perry led his section to a flank with a view to driving them on to the troops on our leftflank, and had they come up in time, he would probably have succedded in capturing the whole party. He was sucessful in cutting off a party of about 20, three of whom were killed and the rest taken prisoner. Through the remainder of the operations Private Perry had been in charge of the Company carrying party and has worked indefatigably and well to keep the Company supplied with rations, during a period of constant advance. His cheerfulness and personal example to his men both under fire and in the most trying circumstances show him to be an excellent leader.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 11 February 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
SourcesNominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 45, p. 10

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