James Herbert SIMON

Regimental number8/620
Address8 Chapel Street, Mornington, Dunedin
Marital statusSingle
Next of kinJames P Simon, bootmaker, Dunedin
Rank on embarkationPrivate
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, Otago Infantry Battalion
Embarkation detailsUnit 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.
Final rankSergeant
Final unit1st Battalion, Otago Infantry Regiment
FateKilled in Action 15 December 1917
Place of burialNo known grave
Commemoration detailsButtes New British Cemetery (New Zealand) Memorial, Polygon Wood, Belgium
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: Mr & Mrs James Petch Simon, 8 Crewe Street, Mornington, Dunedin
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On 12th October 1917 during the attack on the Belle Vue Spur Corporal Simon showed splendid ability as a leader. When all the Officers with him became casualties, he immediately assumed command of all those men around him, and by maintaining control under intense machine gun fire he engaged his platoon. His personal bravery was most conspicuous. At nightfall he reorganised and consolidated his position. His conduct throughout this operation was an example to all those under him, and he showed exceptional gallantry and devotion to duty.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 14 January 1918

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Miscellaneous detailsNominal Roll Vol. 1: Otago Infantry Batln/Main Body