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