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