William Henry CORBETT

Regimental number14764
OccupationMotor driver
Next of kinSister, Miss Mary Corbett, c/o J Rose, Spring Creek, Blenheim
Rank on embarkationLance Corporal
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 5th Reinforcements to 4th Battalion, H Company (Unattached)
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on 26 June 1916
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Medals

Military Medal

'For continuous gallantry and devotion to duty during active operations from 21st of August to 13th September 1918, at Miraumont, Fremicourt and east of Havrincourt Wood. As a Battalion runner Rifleman Corbett has by his excellent work, often under direct rifle and machine-gun fire rendered most valuable service in the engagements at Miraumont (23 August 1918), Fremicourt (31 August 1918) and east of Havrincourt Wood (12 September 1918). At times telephonic communication has been impossible owing to the wires being out by shell fire, and the Battalion has had to rely on runners who have kept in constant touch with the forward companies. At Havrincourt Wood this runner repeatedly passed through enemy barrages in order that the necessary information should reach Battalion headquarters. Corbett has at all times shown the utmost disregard of danger and his cheerfulness has been an inspiration to all.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 13 March 1919

Family/military connectionsBrother: 6/758 Sergeant Leonard George CORBETT, Canterbury Infantry Battalion, killed in action 8 May 1915.
Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
SourcesNominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 34, p. 37

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