James Macdonald RICHMOND

Regimental number2/311
Date of birth17 April 1888
Place of birthWanganui
OccupationSoldier
AddressAlexandra Barracks, Wellington
Marital statusSingle
Next of kinFather, Maurice Wilson Richmond, 47 Webb Street, Christchurch
Rank on embarkationLieutenant
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, New Zealand Field Artillery
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on 16 October 1914
Final rankMajor
Final unitNew Zealand Field Artillery
Promotions

Major


Promotion date: 25 January 1917

Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Mention in Despatches


'For distinguished and gallant services rendered during the period of General Sir C. Munro's command of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force.'
Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', 13 July 1916.

Mention in Despatches


'Operations from 28th September 1916 to 26th February 1917. An exceptionally able young officer with an unusual capacity for writing clear and easily intelligible operation orders, no matter how complicated the tactical situation. He is an exceedingly quick and accurate officer. The above qualities have been of the greatest use in his capacity as Brigade-Major, N.Z.F.A., during the 53 days the New Zealand Field Artillery were engaged in the Somme battle, both to me and to the various C.R.As, with whose command in the New Zealand Field Artillery was at times grouped. These C.R.As have all written to me in most commendatory terms of Major Richmond's work and ability. His work as Brigade-Major has also been invaluable during the months we held the line at Armentieres and Fleurbaix. He is the sole survivor of a batch of four young N.Z.F.A. Officers, and I should be pleased if his work could be recognised.'
Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', 1 June 1917.

Mention in Despatches


'In connection with the operations described in General I. Hamilton's despatch dated 11 December 1915.'
Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', 28 January 1916.

Mention in Despatches


'Mentioned in Field Marshal D. Haig's despatch of 7 November 1917 for distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty during the period February 26th to midnight September 20-21st, 1917.'
Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', 28 December 1917.

FateKilled in Action 27 October 1918
Place of death or woundingLe Cateau, France
Age at death from cemetery records30
Place of burialSolesmes Communal Cemetery (Row B, Grave No 1), nr Le Cateau, France
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: Maurice Wilson Richmond and Flora Hursthouse Richmond, 15 Upper Phillimore Gardens, Kensington, London, England (formerly of Christchurch, New Zealand)
Medals

Distinguished Service Order

'Near Messines May 31st to June 7th 1917. He has worked incessantly during the recent operations, has been with the Divisional Artillery without a break since the Main Body left New Zealand, and has always shown great devotion to duty. I have always had great confidence in him as Brigade-Major. This has never been misplaced, and it has always enabled me to spend the greater part of my time going about the batteries and O.P.s and keeping in touch with the personnel of the Artillery of this Division. I recommend Major Richmond for the D.S.O. His staff work has been of a very high order.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 1 January 1918

Military Cross

'26 April - 26 August 1915 Gallipoli. Has done much good work as Staff Captain since the force first landed on the Peninsula in the dual capacity of Brigade-Major and Staff Captain. His work since the present operations commenced on the 6 Aug has been particularly arduous & praise-worthy. This officer is my brigade-major and was on the peninsula throughout the whole of the operations and has done most excellent staff work throughout. I particularly request that he be decorated or rewarded.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 3 June 1916

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Miscellaneous detailsNominal Roll Vol. 1: Field Artillery/Main Body