THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

COOKSLEY William Ernest

10/3519, Corporal, 2nd Battalion, Wellington Regiment, WW1

CITATION

Distinguished Conduct Medal

For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership on 29 September 1918, near La Vacquerie.  Early in the advance his platoon commander became a casualty.  He took command, and in the course of the attack his men captured five machine guns and forty prisoners.  Later on again he led a platoon to the final objective, and formed a defensive flank which protected a wide gap

Military Medal

Gazetted 11 December 1918, p14670, Rec No 2276

For conspicuous gallantry, skill and initiative. On the 14th August 1918, during operations near Puisieux this NCO, showed great gallantry skill and initiative in handling his platoon in the advance against the enemy. Subsequently Cpl Cooksley took charge of a daylight patrol which obtained valuable information as to the whereabouts of the enemy. Later on the same day, Cpl Cooksley captured two prisoners single handed. His conduct set a magnificent example to his comrades.

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Military Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

NOTES

Born 26 February 1895, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Died 19 September 1965, Palmerston North, New Zealand