'For exceptional gallantry. This man, when his Company made an attack on La Basse Ville on the 27th July took charge of a Lewis gun Section. His section worked round to the south side of the Sugar Refinery. Here they were suddenly fired upon by a machine gun which Chirnside engaged and eventually silenced. He led his section in a most gallant manner and by his skilful use of his Lewis gun dispersed a large number of the enemy in the initial stages of their counter attack. On the day before this man carried out a daylight reconnaissance of the Sugar Refinery locality, a most daring act.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 17 September 1917

Regimental number	15700
Occupation	Motor driver
Next of kin	Sister, Miss Annie Chirnside, 19 Green Street, Wellington
Rank on embarkation	Private
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 15th Reinforcements (2nd Draft), Wellington Infantry Battalion, B Company
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on 29 July 1916
Medals	Military Medal 'For exceptional gallantry. This man, when his Company made an attack on La Basse Ville on the 27th July took charge of a Lewis gun Section. His section worked round to the south side of the Sugar Refinery. Here they were suddenly fired upon by a machine gun which Chirnside engaged and eventually silenced. He led his section in a most gallant manner and by his skilful use of his Lewis gun dispersed a large number of the enemy in the initial stages of their counter attack. On the day before this man carried out a daylight reconnaissance of the Sugar Refinery locality, a most daring act.' Source: London Gazette Date: 17 September 1917
Sources	Nominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 37, p. 21