| Regimental number | 32378 |
| Occupation | Plumber |
| Next of kin | Father, William John Putnam, 47 Antigua Street, Christchurch |
| Rank on embarkation | Rifleman |
| Unit name | New Zealand Expeditionary Force, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 10th Reinforcements to 3rd Battalion, G Company |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Wellington on |
| The Infantry component of the 19th Reinforcements left New Zealand on board two ships, 'Maunganui' and 'Tahiti'. It is not possible from the Nominal Rolls to determine on which ship an individual embarked. Harbour records indicate that the actual date of sailing was 16 November 1916. | |
| Final rank | Lance Sergeant |
| Final unit | 1st Battalion, Canterbury Infantry Regiment |
| Fate | Killed in Action |
| Place of burial | Maubeuge-Centre Cemetery (Row C, Grave No 39), Nord, France |
| Medals |
Distinguished Conduct Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on Mill Cross, east of Bapaume, on the 2nd September, 1918. Some enemy machine guns at the crossroads were holding up the advance and causing many casualties. He took his section and led them round to a flank under heavy fire, and succeeded in killing or capturing the enemy crews, and enabled the advance to proceed. His courage and initiative relieved the awkward situation and saved many lives.'
Source: 'London Gazette' Date: |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Distinguished Conduct Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Sources | Nominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 45, p. 30 |