Arthur Osborne PONDER

Regimental number24/550
Address94 Rugby Street, Christchurch
Marital statusSingle
Next of kinFather, A R Ponder, 94 Rugby Street, Merivale, Christchurch
Rank on embarkationRifleman
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 2nd Battalion, B Company
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on board Tahiti on 10 October 1915
Final rankLieutenant
Final unit1st Battalion, Canterbury Infantry Regiment
Medals

Mentioned in Despatches

'For gallant conduct and devotion to duty, during the period 23rd. July to 29th August 1917, in the Ploegsteert Sector. On the 24th July 1917 this Officer made a very daring daylight reconnaissance of Pont Rouge, gaining information which was of great value.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 28 December 1917

Military Cross

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at La Vacquerie on September 29th, 1918. When a company had lost direction in the dark and got completely out of touch with the remainder of the battalion, he went forward to get in touch with the company and ascertain their location. He reconnoitred right across the front of another battalion for four hours under very heavy shell, rifle, and machine gun fire, and reached a point well in front of this battalion?s forward posts and within a few yards of a strongly held enemy post. He remained there three hours under fire all the time and gained most valuable information as to the enemy dispositions. He has at all times shown great gallantry and initiative, and has carried out many valuable reconnaissances.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 15 February 1919

Miscellaneous detailsNominal Roll Vol. 1: B Company/2nd NZRB

Print format