'At Ploegsteert Wood on the night of the 26th July 1917, the 15th (Howitzer) Battery, N.Z.F.A. was heavily shelled from 8.30pm to midnight. By about 9.30pm all wires to the battery were out, and they were out of communication with everyone. As an operation was to commence at 2am it was essential to get communication again, and Bombardier Shove laid a new line for 300 yards under very heavy fire to the nearest test box. This wire was no sooner laid than it was out by shell fire, but Bombardier Shove at once returned and mended it. This wire was the only means of communication the Battery had during the operation. On the morning of the 26th July, 1917 Bombardier Shove was working on wires near the Battery forward observation post. A heavy barrage was opened by the enemy and the wires from the Battery observation post to the junction box were out. Knowing that an officer was on his way up to observe for wire cutting, Bombardier Shove at once went across in the barrage and mended these wires, communication was established without delay. This NCO?s coolness and determination under fire has been an excellent example to the remainder of the Battery Signallers.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 17 September 1917