THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

GODFREY James Alfred

6/1031, Company Sergeant Major, 1st Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, WW1

CITATION

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Gazetted 28 March 1918, p3893

France, Nov 1917.  For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of his company after all the officers had become casualties.  He got the men disposed in safe positions, then organised rescue parties for men for men who had been buried by shell fire, and directed their work under very heavy fire

Military Medal

Gazetted 16 August 1917, p8430, Rec No 765

Messines Offensive – 7th to 9th June 1917. During the attack and consolidation of the Au Bon Fermoer Cabaret and German trenches in front of it, he took charge of the platoon and after his officer had become a casualty and by his prompt and immediate action reorganised and carried out the work of consolidation in spite of heavy shelling. He gained touch and secured his flank with the neighbouring Brigade and placed the position beyond doubt. His work on this and many previous occasions is worthy of the highest praise.

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Military Medal

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

NOTES

Born 17 January 1881, Picton, New Zealand

Died of Wounds 26 December 1917, France

Buried at Lijssenthoek Cemetery