THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT
FALLA Norris Stephen
2/996, Major, New Zealand Field Artillery, WW1
Service in WW2

CITATION
Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)
Gazetted 1 January 1918, p6
February 26th to September 20th 1917.  Lieutenant Colonel FALLA commanded the 4th Brigade, NZFA successfuly till this Brigade was done away
with on reorganisation.  During the Messines Offensive he commanded the Divisional Ammunition Column with exceptional ability; no hitch as regards
supply of gun or small arms ammunition occurred throughout the operations.  has since commanded the 3rd Brigade with success.  Has served since
the beginning of the war.  A loyal and conscientious officer.

Distinguished Service Order
Gazetted 14 January 1916, p576
For distinguished service in the field (Gallipoli).  This Battery has done most consistent and valuable work since its arrival at ANZAC.  It has been in
action with the exception of one day ever since 25th April last.  Major FALLA has commanded his Battery with conspicuous skill, during the period
6-14 August 1915 and has fought his guns with great coolness and ability; his shooting was extraordinarily accurate and the support which he gave
the Infantry most effective. ii September - December Gallipoli Peninsula.  He has commanded during the whole of the period which to my mind has
done better work than any other Battery under my command and he has commanded it with discretion, tact and ability.  The efficiency of the Battery
has been almost entirely due to him and I have no officer whom I consider so thoroughly deserving of reward.

Mention in Despatches
Gazetted 28 January 1916, p 1209
In connection with the operations described in General I. Hamilton's despatch of 11 December 1915
Mention in Despatches
Gazetted 1 June 1917, p5429
Operations from 20th September 1916 to 28th February 1917.  Officer commanding late 4th NZFA Brigade. Has commanded a Brigade since the arrival of the Division in France.  Tactically, his Brigade has as a rule, been commanded by other group commanders owing to the necessities of the situation, but the administration has always been good.  He is a hard-woring, conscientious officer with organising ability above the average.  As Intelligence Officer he did excellent work during the time we held the line at Armentieres.

Mention in Despatches
Gazetted 28 December 1917, p13575
Menioned in Field Marshal D. Haig's despatch of 7 November 1917 for distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty during  the period February 26th to midnight September 20/21st 1917.

Mention in Despatches
Gazetted 31 December 1918, p15230
Sir D. Haig's despatch of 8th November 1918, submitting name deserving of special mention.

Mention in Despatches
Gazetted

KNOWN AWARDS
Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)
Distinguished Service Order
1914-15 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Mention in Despatches (4)
1939-45 Star
Africa Star
Defence Medal
War Medal 1939-45
Mention in Despatches
New Zealand War Service Medal
Colonial Auxiliary Forces Decoration
New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal
New Zealand Territorial Service Medal

NOTES
Born 3 May 1883, Westport, New Zealand
Died at sea returning to New Zealand, 6 November 1945
He was on his way back to New Zealand on the Port Phillip when he suffered a cerebral haemorrhage and died at sea

Photo courtesy - photographed by S P Andrew Ltd circa 1930. & Alexander Turnbull Library