SPEAKMAN John Balmer

26932, Private, 1st Battalion, Auckland Regiment, WW1

30306, Sapper, New Zealand Engineers, WW2

CITATION

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Gazetted 26 November 1917, p12326

Citation 6 February 1918, p1779

France, July 1917.  For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of a Lewis-gun team during an attack.  A concrete enemy gun position was inflicting severe casualties on the flank of the attack, but by skilful use of his gun he accounted for all the enemy in the gun position and enabled the advance to continue.  Throughout the advance, and after the objective was captured, he used his gun with great judgement and effect.  He showed great courage and initiative throughout

AWARDS

Distinguished Conduct Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

1939-45 Star

Africa Star

       8th Army

Italy Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

NOTES

Born 18 September 1895, Auckland, New Zealand

Died 31 October 1955, Napier, New Zealand

Buried Wharerangi Cemetery, Napier 

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