'Operations: West of Bapaume - 25th August 1918. For gallantry and devotion to duty. This NCO displayed great coolness during the attack on Avesnes. His platoon commander and platoon sergeant were wounded and L/Cpl Gaffney took charge of two sections which he established in posts on the flank of the Company where the defensive flank was formed. During the time his Company was in the trench he held his post under incessant machine-gun fire and kept the enemy under constant observation. He also furnished valuable information to his Company commander.'
Source: 'London Gazette'
Date: 24 January 1919

Regimental number	7/1845
Address	Timaru Road, Waimate, South Canterbury
Marital status	Single
Next of kin	Mother, Mrs John Gaffney, Timaru Road, Waimate, South Canterbury
Rank on embarkation	Trooper
Enlistment status	Volunteer
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 8th Reinforcements, Canterbury Mounted Rifles Regiment
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on board HMNZT 36 Tofua on 14 November 1915
Medals	Military Medal 'Operations: West of Bapaume - 25th August 1918. For gallantry and devotion to duty. This NCO displayed great coolness during the attack on Avesnes. His platoon commander and platoon sergeant were wounded and L/Cpl Gaffney took charge of two sections which he established in posts on the flank of the Company where the defensive flank was formed. During the time his Company was in the trench he held his post under incessant machine-gun fire and kept the enemy under constant observation. He also furnished valuable information to his Company commander.' Source: 'London Gazette' Date: 24 January 1919
Miscellaneous details	Nominal Roll Vol. 1: Canterbury Mounted Rifles/Eighth