'Operations Somme: 20th September/4th October 1916. Recommended for meritorious service and devotion to duty all the time, and in particular during operations at Goose Alley (Somme) when 25th/27th September as 2nd Lieutenant, he was in charge of a strong point. Although the point was continually shelled by the enemy, and knocked about. Captain Selby held on and continued to repair it, in spite of heavy fire. He maintained the morale of his men under these adverse conditions, and was of great assistance throughout. On leaving the Somme he, although a Junior Officer, was given command of a Company, in the control of which he has displayed conspicuous ability. He is an officer in whom I place the greatest reliance.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 1 June 1917

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an attack he showed the greatest personal courage in reorganizing the whole of the line during a critical moment, supervising the work himself and ensuring the successful completion of the line against counter attack. During the whole of this time the position was being heavily shelled.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 16 August 1917

Regimental number	8/483
Address	Grace Street, Invercargill
Marital status	Single
Next of kin	Mother, Mrs Emma Selby, 48 Grace Street, Invercargill
Rank on embarkation	Sergeant
Enlistment status	Volunteer
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, Otago Infantry Battalion
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on 16 October 1914
	Members of the Otago Infantry Battalion, Main Body, left Wellington on 16 October 1914 on two ships, HMNZT 9 'Hawke's Bay' and HMNZT 5 'Ruapehu'. From the Nominal Roll it is not possible to determine on which ship an individual embarked.
Medals	Mentioned in Despatches 'Operations Somme: 20th September/4th October 1916. Recommended for meritorious service and devotion to duty all the time, and in particular during operations at Goose Alley (Somme) when 25th/27th September as 2nd Lieutenant, he was in charge of a strong point. Although the point was continually shelled by the enemy, and knocked about. Captain Selby held on and continued to repair it, in spite of heavy fire. He maintained the morale of his men under these adverse conditions, and was of great assistance throughout. On leaving the Somme he, although a Junior Officer, was given command of a Company, in the control of which he has displayed conspicuous ability. He is an officer in whom I place the greatest reliance.' Source: London Gazette Date: 1 June 1917 Military Cross 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an attack he showed the greatest personal courage in reorganizing the whole of the line during a critical moment, supervising the work himself and ensuring the successful completion of the line against counter attack. During the whole of this time the position was being heavily shelled.' Source: London Gazette Date: 16 August 1917
Miscellaneous details	Nominal Roll Vol. 1: Otago Infantry Batln/Main Body