THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

CRAIG George

Service in South Africa

12/360, Lieutenant Colonel, New Zealand Medical Corps, WW1

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 1 January 1919, p22

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  On March 26th 1918, when this division filled a gap in the line in front of Mailly-Maillet No 1 New

Zealand Field Ambulance, Commanded by this officer, was detailed for the evacuation of wounded from the forward area.  He established an

Advanced Dressing Station at Mailly-Maillet and at once reconnoitred and located the Regimental Aid Posts, a matter of no small difficulty at this time

owing to uncertainty of the location of the troops.  On the afternoon of March 27th Lieutenant Colonel Craig was informed that a number of wounded

were lying in the neighbourhood of an aid post at Colincamps.  Although the road was being heavily shelled at the time, and the car in which he was

travelling was struck, he succeeded in reaching this post and evacuating the wounded although the road continued to be subjected to shell and

machinegun shell fire from the forward area.  This unit continued the evacuation of wounded until 24.4.18, and during the whole of this time

Lieutenant Colonel Craig constantly visited all advanced posts where his presence not only greatly assisted the rapid evacuation but his example

was an inspiration to all which whom he came into contact.   During this period the area was liable to intermittent bursts of heavy shellfire.  This

officer was Mentioned in Despatches for valuable service on Gallipoli, and named in NZEF Orders of 15.10.17 for gallant conduct during an air raid

on London

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 5 August 1915, p7669

Mentioned in General Ian Hamilton’s despatch of 20 May 915 (Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean Expeditionary Force).

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 31 December 1918, p15231

Sir D. Haig’s despatch dated 8 November 1918 submitting names deserving of special mention.

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order

Queen’s South Africa Medal

       Diamond Hill, Orange Free State, Cape Colony, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

       Mention in Despatches (2)

New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal

NOTES

Born 17 February 1871, Scotland

Died 17 June 1947, Auckland, New Zealand