THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

DITTMER George

12/335, Lieutenant, 1st Battalion, Auckland Regiment, WW1

6133, Lieutenant Colonel, 28th (Maori) Battalion, New Zealand Infantry, WW2

30281, Brigadier, Central Military District, New Zealand Military Forces

CITATION

Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) military div

Gazetted 31 May 1935, p3603

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) military div

Gazetted 28 December 1945, p17

For services to the Nation of Fiji.

Distinguished Service Order

New Zealand Gazette, 26 December 1941, p7334

For gallant leadership.  This officer commanded the 28th (Maori) Battalion and in both Greece and Crete rendered conspicuous service to the Division.  In Greece his Battalion held a line 5000 yards in length and was attacked along the whole of its length.  Despite the fact that its line was penetrated at several points the unit made a series of determined counterattacks, restored the position, and then made its withdrawal.  The success was due to the leadership of Lt Col Dittmer.  In the operations in Crete the 28th Battalion established a proud record.  It counter attacked the enemy on at least five occasions; inflicting heavy losses each time.  It took the largest share of rearguard work and right to the end asserted its superiority over the enemy on the ground, and in every one of its engagements was led by its commanding officer, Lt Col Dittmer.

Military Cross

Gazetted 4 June 1917, p5486

Period: 21 September 1916 to 28 February 1917. This officer left New Zealand as a Private. He has the best record for steady service in the Battalion, he has never been absent for a day save on duty or leave.  No action of his stands out vividly as an example of steady bravery in action, and daily punctual devotion to duty.  After September he commanded his company at the Somme.

KNOWN AWARDS

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

Distinguished Service Order

Military Cross

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

1939-45 Star

Africa Star

Pacific Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal

New Zealand Territorial Service Medal

NOTES

Born 4 June 1893, Maharahara, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Died 11 August 1979, Auckland, New Zealand

Buried at Kauae Cemetery, Ngongataha, Rotorua, New Zealand