Robert Charles ECCLESFIELD

Regimental number6/625
AddressKokatahi
Marital statusSingle
Next of kinMrs W Wogan, Lower Kokatahi, Hokitika
Rank on embarkationLance Corporal
Enlistment statusVolunteer
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, Main Body, Canterbury Infantry Battalion
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on 16 October 1914
The Canterbury Infantry Battalion, Main Body, left New Zealand on board two ships, 'Tahiti' and 'Athenic'. It is not possible from the Nominal Roll to determine on which ship an individual embarked.
Final rankSergeant
Final unit2nd Battalion, Canterbury Infantry Regiment
Medals

Mentioned in Depatches

'New Years Honours Despatch for period 25th February, 1918, to 16/17 September, 1918.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 31 December 1918

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On 8th October, 1918, in the assault on the Masnieres Support Line, two hostile machine guns caused his section heavy casualties, and were holding up the advance of the rest of the company. He, with two other men worked round the flank and engaged the attention of the guns. His gallant conduct was largely instrumental in the success of the operations.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 18 February 1919

Miscellaneous detailsNominal Roll Vol. 1: Canterbury Infantry Batln/Main Body