THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

BENNETT Charles Moihi Te Arawaka

6121, Lieutenant Colonel, 28 (Maori) Battalion, WW2

CITATION

Knight Batchellor

Gazetted

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 21 September 1944

In the attack on the Roman Wall position on 26 March 1943, Lieutenant Colonel Bennett’s Battalion became directly engaged with a German

battalion holding Point 209.  A desperate struggle ensued between the two units which continued unceasingly for two hours and ended with the

surrender of the enemy remnants to a final attack launched by Lieutenant Colonel Bennett with a fine exhibition of will power and skill.  Throughout

this very severe action he displayed initiative and determination of a high order and qualities of leadership and courage which were an inspiration

to his battalion

KNOWN AWARDS

Knight Bachelor (KB)

Distinguished Service Order

1939-45 Star

Africa Star

8th Army

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

Commendation Medal of Merit and Honour (Greece)

NOTES

Born 27 July 1913, Rotorua, New Zealand

Died 26 November 1998 Tauranga, New Zealand

Buried Kauae Cemetery, Ngongotaha, Rotorua