THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

ANDERSON John Nesbit

34755, Major, 5 Field Park Company, New Zealand Engineers,, WW2

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 3 November 1942, Supp 35771, p4795

It was in great measure due to the personal example and inspiring leadership of Major Anderson that the protective minefield was laid before the enemy attack reached the FDL’s at Minqar Qaim on 27 June 1942.  Despite the intensity of the enemy shelling of his parties and the development of the attack, 4000 mines were rapidly laid.  Where the shelling was the heaviest, Major Anderson was to be seen, encouraging his men, and he himself, fusing mines. One truckload of mines had already been exploded by enemy fire, causing many casualties and Major Anderson and his men well knew the risk involved. When mines had to be laid adjacent to a burning ammunition truck, he himself, displaying a total disregard of personal safety, carried mines to the area.  Just as this was being completed, he moved a wounded man to safety, and still under particularly heavy and accurate shell fire continued to direct the work to completion.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order

1939-45 Star

Africa Star

8th Army

Italy Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

Mention in Despatches

New Zealand War Service Medal

Coronation Medal 1953

NOTES

Born 15 April 1894, Okaihau, New Zealand

Died 19 July 1968, Te Awamutu, New Zealand