'On the day of 25th September, Lieut W.H.S. Widdowson commanded two Stokes guns in supporting the attack upon Grid Trench. Lieut Widdowson showed particular gallantry and coolness in reconnoitring the positions held by the enemy machine guns. By skilful use of the Stokes guns, the opposing machine guns were silenced, the advance of our troops accelerated and much damage was done materially and to the morale of the enemy. He advanced the guns to a forward position in Goose Alley under heavy fire and generally the gallantry and good work of this officer was a fine example to his men and to the attacking troops whom he ably assisted.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 1 January 1917

Regimental number	8/2804
Address	Reid Street, Oamaru
Marital status	Married
Next of kin	Wife, Mrs G F L Widdowson, Newborough, Oamaru
Rank on embarkation	2nd Lieutenant
Enlistment status	Volunteer
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 7th Reinforcements, Otago Infantry Battalion
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on 10 October 1915
	The 7th Reinforcements left New Zealand on 10 October 1915 aboard three ships ('Aparima', 'Navua' and 'Warrimoo'). It is not possible from the Nominal Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked.
Medals	Military Cross 'On the day of 25th September, Lieut W.H.S. Widdowson commanded two Stokes guns in supporting the attack upon Grid Trench. Lieut Widdowson showed particular gallantry and coolness in reconnoitring the positions held by the enemy machine guns. By skilful use of the Stokes guns, the opposing machine guns were silenced, the advance of our troops accelerated and much damage was done materially and to the morale of the enemy. He advanced the guns to a forward position in Goose Alley under heavy fire and generally the gallantry and good work of this officer was a fine example to his men and to the attacking troops whom he ably assisted.' Source: London Gazette Date: 1 January 1917
Miscellaneous details	Nominal Roll Vol. 1: Otago Infantry Batln/Seventh