William James CROSSEN

Regimental number57487
OccupationBlacksmith
Next of kinFather, Bernard Crossen, 301 Harewood Road, Papanui, Christchurch
Rank on embarkationCorporal
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, 29th Reinforcements, Canterbury Infantry Regiment, C Company
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington, New Zealand, on board SS Ruahine on 15 August 1917
Final rankPrivate
Final unit1st Battalion, Canterbury Infantry Regiment (attached to 2nd New Zealand Infantry Brigade Headquarters)
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the operations from Crevecoeur to Solesmes 6th to 12th October 1918, Private Crossen, while acting as a Brigade Observer, showed conspicuous gallantry, particularly on the 10th October when, the situation becoming obscure, he at once made a daring and valuable reconnaissance about 6.20am, pressing forward while in advance of our troops, through Beauvois and on to the Western outskirts of Biefvillers, where the accuracy of enemy machine gun fire prevented his further advance, and he returned with his report under heavy machine-gun fire. His gallant conduct was of the utmost use in to the speedy following up of the enemy, and his reports enabled the Brigade Commander to exploit the success to the fullest extent. His observation and reconnaissance work has been consistently enterprising and bold, and on this particular morning materially assisted to the success of the operation.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 14 May 1919

SourcesNominal Roll Vol. 3: Roll 70, p. 10

Print format