THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT
CUNNINGHAM William Henry
10/1085, Lieutenant Colonel, 2 Battalion, Wellington Regiment, WW1
Service in WW2

CITATION
Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE)
Gazetted

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Gazetted

Distinguished Service Order
Gazetted 1 January 1917, p29
As officer Commanding 2nd Wellington Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel W.H Cunningham has displayed conspicuous ability in handling his Battalion in action.  He is particularly calm and sound under fire, and especially during the action of the 15th September, when his Battalion was detached from this Brigade and sent to repel a German counter-attack on the New Zealand (Rifle) Brigade from the northwest.  He acted with promptitude and sound judgement at a very critical period.  Again on the 1st October he supported the 2nd Otago Battalion on the left flank, north of Eacourt L’Abbaya, and drove the attack home with conspicuous success.  His judgement and sound common sense can be depended upon at all times.

Mention in Despatches
Gazetted 28 January 1916, p1210
In connection with the operation described in General I. Hamilton’s despatch of 11 December 1915.

Mention in Despatches
Gazetted 13 July 1916, p6956
For distinguished and gallant service rendered during the period of General Sir C. Munro’s command of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force.

Mention in Despatches
Gazetted 4 January 1917, p261
Mentioned in despatch from General Sir Douglas Haig, GCB, Commander-in-Chief of the British Armies in France, dated 13 November 1916

Mention in Despatches
Gazetted 31 December 1918, p15231
New Years Honours despatch for the period 25 February 1918 to 16/17th September 1918.

Order of St Stanislas, 3rd Class with swords (Russia)
Gazetted 15 February 1917, p1600
For distinguished service rendered during the course of the Gallipoli Campaign


AWARDS
Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE)
Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Distinguished Service Order
1914-15 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Mention in Despatches (4)
Defence Medal
War Medal; 1939-45
New Zealand War Service Medal
Silver Jubilee Medal 1935
Coronation Medal 1953
Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers Decoration
Efficiency Decoration
Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal
New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal
New ZealandTerritorial Service Medal
Order of St Stanislas, 3rd Class with Swords (Russia)

NOTES
Born 24 September 1883, Wellington, New Zealand
Died 20 April 1959, Wellington, New Zealand