'For great bravery and initiative. In the early stages of his Company's attack on the enemy front line system to the immediate east of La Basse Ville on 31st July, this NCO's Platoon Commander was wounded so he assumed command. With conspicuous gallantry and able leadership he lead his Platoon to the capture of its objective and its consolidation. His personal bravery inspired the men of his command and when the Platoon was temporarily held up by machine gun fire and suffered severe casualties he reorganised the Platoon and instigated a successful attack on the machine-gun strong Post. On the position being consolidated, Borlase brought up an enemy machine gun which his Platoon had captured and brought it into action against the Germans.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 28 September 1917