WORSDALE Ormonde
1897, Gunner, 4th New Zealand Field Regiment, New Zealand Artillery, WW2
CITATION
Distinguished Conduct Medal
Gazetted 26 January 1943, Supp 35879, p525
During the action of 4 New Zealand Armoured Brigade at Ruweisat Ridge, Egypt, on the morning of 15 July 1942 the armoured artillery observation post in which Gunner Worsdale was wireless operator was set on fire by a hit from an enemy tank at close range. He showed conspicuous gantry and devotion to duty by climbing back into he burning vehicle soon afterward in order to man his wireless set and pass essential fire orders. He succeeded in getting two complete sets of fire orders away before being compelled to make his final exit from the then fiercely burning vehicle. Again during the operation of 9 Armoured Brigade, which his regiment was supporting at the action in front of Miteriya Ridge on the morning of 25 October 1942, the officer commanding the light tank used as an artillery observation post was wounded. After assisting under fire in the removal of the unconscious officer, Gunner Worsdale took immediate command of the tank and affected its safe passage through the fighting of the heavier tanks and its subsequent withdrawal through the heavily-shelled gap in the minefield. Throughout these operations this soldier has exhibited initiative, coolness and courage of an exemplary order and has been an example to all in contact with him
KNOWN AWARDS
Distinguished Conduct Medal
1939-45 Star
Africa Star
8th ArmyWar Medal 1939-45
New Zealand War Service Medal
NOTES
Born: 9 December 1917, New Zealand
THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT
