THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

DEUCHRASS William

36573, Company Sergeant Major, 2nd Battalion, Otago Regiment, WW1

CITATION

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Gazetted 16 January 1919, p868

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on the 24th August 1918, during the operations round Bapaume.  In the face of very heavy shell and machine-gun fire he did very good work in reorganising the company when the attack was held up.  When the company was well advanced he noticed a tank in difficulties, and the crew who were locked in were calling for help.  At great personal risk he went forward and liberated them by bursting open the door with a crowbar.  The tank at the time was drawing heavy fire from artillery, anti-tank and machine-guns.

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Conduct Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

NOTES

Born 23 July 1893, Dunedin, New Zealand

Died 3 January 1965, Dunedin, New Zealand