THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

BUNBURY Thomas Atkinson

8/2809, Company Sergeant Major, 1st Battalion, Otago Regiment, WW1

CITATION

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Passchendaele 12 October 1917

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  The advance was held up by uncut wire and a very heavy machine-gun barrage, and all his officers became casualties.  He took command of the company and, after making another gallant attempt to advance he successfully re-organised the company, extricated them from a body of mixed troops and dug in under heavy fire.  He continued in command of the company until relieved.  During the whole operation in his efforts to lead, encourage, and re-organise his command he repeatedly exposed himself to the most deadly fire, and set a magnificent example of courage, cool leadership and determination

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Conduct Medal

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

New Zealand War Service Medal

NOTES

Born 8 December 1893, Dunedin, New Zealand

Died 26 January 1957, Balclutha, New Zealand