THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT
VOSS Alfred John
29835, Corporal, 18 Battalion, WW2
30449, Major, 1 New Zealand Infantry Regiment, Malaya
CITATION
Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Gazetted 24 April 1959, p2763
In recognition of distinguished service in Malaya for the period 1st July to 31st December 1958
Military Cross
Gazetted 1 August 1944, p3605
Distinguished Conduct Medal
Gazetted 22 September 1942, p4156
During the morning of 15 July 1942 in the attack on Ruweisat Ridge, Egypt, Corporal Voss attacked and destroyed an enemy medium machine gun post and its crew with hand grenades. Later in the morning when our troops encountered enemy tanks, Corporal Voss, although hand grenades were being thrown at him by the crew, attacked a tank with a pick to damage the tracks but was driven back by heavy fire from two other tanks in the vicinity. He then moved out and brought in two wounded men under heavy fire from mortars and tank machine guns. During the whole of the attack Corporal Voss showed indifference to personal safety and led his men with determination and vigour. During the night attack of 22 July 1942 his platoon attacked what at first appeared to be a machine gun post. On nearing the objective six enemy tanks supported by infantry were encountered. As the line of withdrawal was cut off by machine gun fire from the tanks the attack was continued. Corporal Voss led his section against two tanks and by the use of anti-tank grenades forced them to retire damaged. He also killed a number of the enemy infantry with grenades and drove back the remainder. When the order to retire was given Corporal Voss rallied his section and brought them back intact.
KNOWN AWARDS
Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) - military
Military Cross
Distinguished Conduct Medal
1939-45 Star
Africa Star
8th ArmyItaly Star
Defence Medal
War Medal 1939-45
New Zealand War Service Medal
General Service Medal 1918
MalayaNOTES
Born: 3 October 1918, Micklin, UK
Died 1 March 1997 New Zealand
