THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

HALLIGAN Robert Henry

6/3335, Sergeant, 1st Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, WW1

CITATION

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Gazetted 3 June 1918

Gravenstafel, 1 Oct 1917.  For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On one occasion, at a most critical moment, when his platoon was forced to withdraw, ha established himself singlehanded in a shell hole to cover the retirement with a Lewis gun; but he was able to bring such a destructive fire on the enemy that the platoon was able to advance again and reoccupy the position. His courage, cheerful behaviour in difficulties and initiative have always been a fine example to the men of his platoon.

Military Medal

Gazetted 17 December 1917

Operations Gravenstafel – 1 October to 5 October 1917.  For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  Early on the morning of 1 October, Lance Corporal HALLIGAN with a Lewis gun and three men were holding an advanced post in a shell hole, when they were attacked by an enemy patrol of twelve men.  Lance Corporal HALLIGAN promptly brought his gun into action but after it fired a few shots it jammed.  He then led his men out of the shell hole and attacked the enemy with bombs.  He succeeded in killing four of the enemy and the remainder were put to flight, some of them being wounded.  Lance Corporal then searched the dead and sent in valuable papers and proof of identification

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Military Medal

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

NOTES

Born 11 September 1887, Victoria, Australia

Died 29 December 1922, Hokitika, New Zealand