THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

BARRINGTON Benjamin

31625, Colonel, Headquarters, 2 New Zealand Division

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 26 JUne 1945, Supp 37151, p3375

For most distinguished service and outstanding devotion to duty.  Colonel Barrington has served in the field through almost every campaign of the 2nd NZ Division during the last five years.  As a result of the organizing and administrative ability he displayed he became AA and QMG to the division in 1942 and held that appointment (the highest administrative position in the field in 2NZEF) for the next two years.  At all times during his five years service Colonel Barrington has shown the greatest resolution and coolness in grave situations.  Instances have been many, especially during the difficult earlier campaigns eg during the last days of the evacuation from Greece where he was Staff Captain of the last brigade to leave (6 NZ Brigade) at Sidi Rezagh in 1941 and during the difficult battles to stabilize the line at Alamein.  This coolness in action and in face of difficulties stood Colonel Barrington in good stead in the Italian campaign.  At Cassino when the NZ Corps was formed temporarily, Colonel Barrington, without a Corps administrative staff, organized the administration of three divisions in a most efficient manner despite the many problems with which he was confronted.  In the Cassino battles, at Florence, and in the operations to break the Gothic line, Colonel Barrington maintained the same high standard of the administrative services.  By regular visits to the forward units often under fire, he saw for himself and dealt with problems with a first hand knowledge of what was required.  Always cheerful, always efficient whatever the situation, Colonel Barrington was an inspiration to superiors and subordinates alike.

Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

Gazetted 23 November 1943, Supp 36261, p5171

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted

Mention in Desaptches

Gazetted

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order

Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)

1939-45 Star

Africa Star

Italy Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

Mention in Despatches (2)

New Zealand War Service Medal

Efficiency Decoration

NOTES

Born 2 October 1901, Marton, New Zealand

Died 17 April 1954, Wellington, New Zealand