Sydney Thomas SPARKE

Regimental number12/460
AddressThames
Marital statusSingle
Next of kinMother, Mrs E Trembath, Moresby Avenue, Waihi
Rank on embarkationPrivate
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, Auckland Infantry Battalion
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on 16 October 1914
The Auckland Infantry Battalion in the Main Body left New Zealand on board two ships, HMNZT 8 ('Star of India') and HMNZT 12 ('Waimana'). It is not possible from the Nominal Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked.
Medals

Mentioned in Despatches

'For gallant service and devotion to duty. At the operations near Messines in June 1917, and during a patrol operation near La Basse Ville on June 22/23rd this non commissioned officer displayed consistent gallantry and devotion to duty. At Messines he acted as platoon sergeant and during the repelling of a counter attack, his coolness and courage were a great example to all ranks. At La Basse Ville on the night of 22/23rd June after the return of his platoon to our lines, he went back alone into "No Man?s Land" to search for three missing men of his platoon. In his conduct he has always displayed the same consistent courage and devotion to duty, and he always sets a fine example.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 28 December 1917

Miscellaneous detailsNominal Roll Vol. 1: Auckland Infantry Batln/Main Body