THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

FOUNTAINE Denver James

7254, Lieutenant Colonel, 26 Battalion, NZ Infantry, WW2

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 15 June 1943, Supp 36057, p2759

Lieutenant Colonel Fountaine commanded one of the two battalions which took part in the night attack on an enemy position west of the Roman Wall on 21/22 March 1943.  The position was well organised and protected by a minefield, anti-tank ditches and wire obstacles.  Only a limited amount of artillery covering fire was available to support the attack , but despite this his battalionpenetrated the position to a depth of over 2000 yards capturing its objective in the face of considerable opposition and taking several hundred prisoners.  As a result of this attack a bridge-head was gained over the minefield and our tanks were able to exploit the success gained.  Lieutenant Colonel Fountaine showed great skill and powers of leadership during this operation and inspired his officers and men by his own coolness, courage and determination

Military Cross

Gazetted 10 August 1943, Supp 36129, p3626

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order

Military Cross

1939-45 Star

Africa Star

     8th Army

Italy Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

Efficiency Decoration

NOTES

Born 4 July 1914, Westport, New Zealand

Died 20 November 1993, Westport, New Zealand