THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

BENNETT Philip Lyell

6/1017, Lieutenant, 1st Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, WW1

30967, Lieutenant Colonel, 3rd New Zealand Division, WW2

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 25 July 1944, Supp 36627, p3505

Gazetted 7 September 1944

For distinguished service in the field.  As Assistant Adjutant and Quarter Master General of 3rd Division, Lieutenant Colonel Bennett took control of all landing beaches during the operations which resulted in the capture of the Green (Nissan) Islands Group on 15 February 1944.  He accompanied the leading troops ashore.  His tireless energy, his inspiring example and the skill with which he directed and controlled the unloading operations were largely responsible for the successful landing in dense jungle across completely unprepared beaches of an immense amount of warlike stores.  He has moreover rendered very distinguished service in the other operations in which his division was engaged and which resulted in the capture of Vella Lavella and Treasury Islands.

Military Cross

Gazetted 15 February 1919, p9805

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 23rd October 1918.  After being wounded he continued to lead his platoon in face of heavy shelling and machine gun fire.  About two hours later he was again wounded, and although his left arm was useless he refused to leave until he had led his platoon through Beaudignies and captured the bridgehead.  To his courage and determined leadership is chiefly due to success of the operations and he set a splendid example to all ranks.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 25 July 1944, Supp 36627, p3505

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Fiji and New Caledonia from ist September, 1943 to 29th February, 1944.

AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order

Military Cross

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

1939-45 Star

Africa Star

Pacific Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

       Mention in Despatches

New Zealand War Service Medal

Efficiency Decoration

New Zealand Territorial Service Medal

Philippine Liberation Medal (USA)

NOTES

Born 30 March 1898, Lyell, Buller, New Zealand

Died