'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on the Passchendaele Ridge on 12th October 1917. When all the officers in his Company became casualties, this NCO took command of the Company, organising and leading them to the objective. With 20 men and a Lewis gun he established the most forward post of the Battalion. He acted with great gallantry and initiative throughout the day and was an inspiration to his men.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 28 January 1918

Regimental number	24/413
Address	Awarua Plains
Marital status	Single
Next of kin	Father, H Duston, Queenstown, Otago
Rank on embarkation	Rifleman
Enlistment status	Volunteer
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 2nd Battalion, B Company
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on board Tahiti on 10 October 1915
Medals	Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on the Passchendaele Ridge on 12th October 1917. When all the officers in his Company became casualties, this NCO took command of the Company, organising and leading them to the objective. With 20 men and a Lewis gun he established the most forward post of the Battalion. He acted with great gallantry and initiative throughout the day and was an inspiration to his men.' Source: London Gazette Date: 28 January 1918
Miscellaneous details	Nominal Roll Vol. 1: B Company/2nd NZRB