McGILLEN, William Peter

36472, Company Sergeant Major, 2nd Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, WW1

CITATION

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Gazetted 3 June 1919, p6864

Citation 11 March 1920, p3135

On 26th October 1918, in front of Le Quesnoy, he took his Lewis gun and five men  to a forward position, from which he broke up several attempts by the enemy to counter-attack. He stuck to his advanced position, and, though isolated, held on till he was relieved thirty-six hours later. On 4th November he personally rushed a house and killed five of the enemy with a bomb and captured fourteen more.

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Conduct Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

NOTES

Born 21 January 1893, Temuka, New Zealand

Died 11 February 1982, Timaru, New Zealand

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