George CRAIG

Regimental number12/360
OccupationPhysician and surgeon
Next of kinWife, Mrs H J Craig, Rata Street, Devonport, Auckland
Rank on embarkationMajor
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, 19th Reinforcements, New Zealand Medical Corps
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on 15 November 1916
The New Zealand Medical Corps component of the 19th Reinforcements left New Zealand on board two ships, 'Maunganui' and 'Tahiti'. It is not possible from the Nominal Rolls to determine on which ship an individual embarked.
Final rankLieutenant Colonel
Final unitNo.1 New Zealand Field Ambulance, New Zealand Medical Corps
Medals

Mentioned in Despatches

'Sir D Haig's despatch dated 8th November, 1918, submitting names deserving of special mention.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 31 December 1918

Mentioned in Despatches

'Mentioned in General Ian Hamilton's despatch of 20th May 1915. (Commander Mediterranean Expeditionary Force).'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 5 August 1915

Distinguished Service Order

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On March 26th 1918, when this Division filled a gap in the line in front of Maily Maillet No 1 New Zealand Field Ambulance, commanded by this Officer, was detailed for the evacuation of wounded from the forward area. He established an Advanced Dressing station at Maily Maillet and at once reconnoitred and located the regimental aid posts, a matter of no small difficulty at this time owing to uncertainty of the location of the troops. On the afternoon of March 27th Lieut Col Craig was informed that a number of wounded were lying in the neighbourhood of an aid post at Colincamps. Although the road was being heavily shelled at the time, and the car in which he was travelling was struck, he succeeded in reaching this post and evacuating the wounded although the road continued to be subjected to shell and machine-gun fire from the forward area. This Unit continued the evacuation of wounded until 24.4.18, and during the whole of this time Lieut Col Craig constantly visited all advanced posts where his presence not only greatly assisted the rapid evacuation but his example was an inspiration to all with whom he came into contact. During this period the area was liable to intermittent bursts of heavy shell fire. This Officer has at all times exhibited a conscientious devotion to duty. This Officer was Mentioned in Despatches for valuable services on Gallipoli, and named in New Zealand Expeditionary Force Orders of 15.10.17 for gallant conduct during an air raid on London.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 1 January 1919

SourcesNominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 45, p. 21