'On the 2nd and 3rd October 1916, this NCO on three separate occasions led parties of men from the most forward trench (Grid Support), at Factory Corner (Guedecourt) to Strong Points established in front of the Grid Support Trench. This was done under heavy machine gun and shell fire. By his action he inspired confidence and courage in a very trying situation. Later this NCO by a personal reconnaissance under dangerous and difficult conditions obtained very useful information relating to the new positions taken up by the enemy.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 14 July 1917

'This Non Commissioned officer since the arrival of his Battalion in France last April has performed his duties with conspicuous ability, especially during the operations round Flers on the 15th and 16th September. When his Platoon Commander was killed he took charge, formed two strong posts and consolidated them. On the night 2/3rd October he reconnoitred "No Man's Land" near Factory Corner, bringing back information of value in fixing the position of a new German Front Line. He has always shown great devotion to duty.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 4 January 1917

Regimental number	25/59
Occupation	Sheep farmer
Next of kin	Father, William Shearer, Karori, Wellington
Rank on embarkation	Sergeant
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 3rd Battalion, C Company
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on 5 February 1916
	The 3rd Battalion, C Company, New Zealand Rifle Brigade left New Zealand on board three ships: HMNZT 42 ('Ulimaroa'), HMNZT 43 ('Mokoia') and HMNZT 44 ('Navua'). It is not possible from the Nominal Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked.
Medals	Croix de Guerre (France) 'On the 2nd and 3rd October 1916, this NCO on three separate occasions led parties of men from the most forward trench (Grid Support), at Factory Corner (Guedecourt) to Strong Points established in front of the Grid Support Trench. This was done under heavy machine gun and shell fire. By his action he inspired confidence and courage in a very trying situation. Later this NCO by a personal reconnaissance under dangerous and difficult conditions obtained very useful information relating to the new positions taken up by the enemy.' Source: London Gazette Date: 14 July 1917 Mentioned in Despatches 'This Non Commissioned officer since the arrival of his Battalion in France last April has performed his duties with conspicuous ability, especially during the operations round Flers on the 15th and 16th September. When his Platoon Commander was killed he took charge, formed two strong posts and consolidated them. On the night 2/3rd October he reconnoitred "No Man's Land" near Factory Corner, bringing back information of value in fixing the position of a new German Front Line. He has always shown great devotion to duty.' Source: London Gazette Date: 4 January 1917
Sources	Nominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 24, p. 10