THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

BECK Thomas James

8/1192, Private, 2nd Battalion, Otago Regiment, WW1

CITATION

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Gazetted 16 August 1917, p8415

Messines, 7 June 1917.  For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  He displayed the greatest fearlessness in carrying messages through an intense enemy barrage from his company to battalion headquarters.  Although twice woundedhe remained on duty until sent to the dressing station by the Company Commander

Military Medal

Gazetted 3 July 1919, p8358

Operations: British front in the vicinity of the Foret de Mormal 5th November 1918.  For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  During the above operations Corporal BECK’s Company was attacking.  The right flank of the Company was obscure, owing to the Company on the right being held up, and Corporal BECK was to take out a patrol to get into touch again, his Company at the time being under very heavy machine gun fire.  By skilful manoeuvring this gallant NCO located the Company on the right and on the way back to report was fired on by an enemy machine gun.  With utter disregard for personal danger, Corporal BECK attacked the enemy, finally killing two, wounding four, the remaining one escaping.  Later in the day he took out a patrol on three different occasions and brought back very valuable information.  This NCO by his splendid courage and determination, inspired all those who came in contact with him.

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Military Medal

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

NOTES

Born 28 August 1894, Wairio, New Zealand

Died 5 October 1958, Edendale, New Zealand