THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

CONOLLY Jack

23076, Major (temp Lieutenant Colonel), 24 Battalion, New Zealand Infantry, WW2

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 15 June 1943, Supp 36057, p2759

Lt Col Conolly commanded the left battalion in the tank and infantry attack east of the Roman Wall on the afternoon of 26 March 1943. About 1,000 yards short of the objective a minefield was found on the left portion of the battalion front and tanks were not able to assist the infantry in that area. The barrage had passed on and the battalion had to deal with a strong enemy position in daylight with the support only of their own weapons. After heavy fighting the position was successfully taken from the Germans with many prisoners and as soon as darkness fell, Lt Col Conolly organised his reserve company to destroy the many enemy pockets still holding out on the left flank of the position. Throughout the attack he traveled in a carrier organising and leading his command and inspiring them with his own courage and determination

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 22 June 1943, Supp 36065, p2866

AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order

1939-45 Star

Africa Star

Italy Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

       Mention in Despatches

New Zealand War Service Medal

Coronation Medal 1953

Efficiency Decoration and 2 bars

NOTES

Born 15 August 1908, Waihi, New Zealand

Died