THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

HART Herbert Ernest

SA7449, 9th Contingent, South Africa

10/133, Major, Wellington Battalion, WW1

Service in WW2

CITATION

Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Civil) (KBE)

Gazetted 31 May 1935, p3609

For service as administrator to Western Samoa

Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB)

Gazetted 3 June 1919, p6790

This officer has served continuously in the field from the landing in Gallipoli until armistice - except for a short period while wounded.  In action for the first time as a regimental officer, later as a battalion commander, and for the last eighteen months as a brigade commander, his leadership and gallantry have throughout won the confidence of his men.  His conduct of operations entrusted to him has always won the confidence of his superiors.  Behind the line, his own high sense of duty has been an example to his officers, and his unremitting care for the comfort and welfare of his men in the ranks ensured their affection and obedience.  For some years previous to the war, and at a time when no other reward than a sense of duty performed could be looked for, this officer, among others, by hard work with the Volunteers, later with the Territorial Force, made possible the foundation off which the success of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force has largely been built.

Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)

Gazetted 3 June 1918, p6454

This officer has commanded a brigade, which he had previously trained, since the operations at Messines with great success, notably at the taking of the Gravenstafel Ridge on the 4th October 1917.  He has shown great ability and merit by his own energy and example brought an entirely new and untried brigade to a high standard of efficiency and discipline.

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 3 July 1915, p5331

For gallantry and devotion to duty in connection with operations at the Dardanelles (Mediterranean Expeditionary Force).  On 26 April 1915 during operations near Gaba Tepe for distinguished service in rallying men and digging into an important forward position in the face of an extremely severe fire.  The country was wooded and difficult and unreconnoitred and his force was subject to constant surprise attacks.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 5 August 1915, p7669

Mentioned in General Ian Hamilton's despatch of 20th May 1915.  Commander Mediterranean Expeditionary Force.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 4 January 1917, p261

Lieutenant Colonel Hart - a man of exceptional ability has upheld his reputation as a brave and thoroughly reliable CO during the operations carried out by the brigade on the 16/17th September and on 26/28th September, and I consider him capable of commanding a brigade.  I would recommend his promotion within the New Zealand forces in the interests of the service.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 28 May 1918, p6204

For distinguished and gallant service and devotion to duty during the period 25th September 1917 to midnight 24/25th February 1918.  Sir D. Haig's despatch of 7th April 1918.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 31 December 1918, p15230

New Year's Honours despatch for period 25 February 1918 to 16/17th September 1918.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 11 July 1919, p8836

For distinguished and gallant service and devotion to duty during the period 16th September 1918 to 15th March 1919.

Croix de Guerre with Palm (France)

Gazetted 15 December 1919, p15579

For distinguished serve rendered during the course of the campaign

KNOWN AWARDS

Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Civil) (KBE)

Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB)

Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)

Distinguished Service Order

Queen’s South Africa Medal

       Transvaal, South Africa 1901

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Mention in Despatches (5)

General Service Medal

1939-45 Star

Africa Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

Silver Jubilee Medal 1935

Coronation Medal 1937

Colonial Auxiliary Forces Decoration

Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal

New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal

New Zealand Territorial Service Medal

Croix de Guerre with Palm (France)

NOTES

Born 13 October 1882, Carterton, New Zealand

Died 5 March 1968, Masterton, New Zealand

BIOGRAPHICAL

Brigadier General Sir Herbert Ernest Hart KBE, CB, CMG, DSO, VD (13 October 1882 – 5 March 1968) was an officer in the New Zealand Military Forces who served during the Second Boer War and the First World War.  He later served as the Administrator of Western Samoa and worked for the Imperial War Graves Commission.

Hart volunteered for the Ninth New Zealand South African Contingent, which was raised for service in South Africa during the Second Boer War.  By the time the contingent arrived in South Africa, the war was largely over.  He saw extensive action during the First World War as a volunteer with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, first at Gallipoli and then on the Western Front. By the end of the war, he had advanced in rank to brigadier general, commanding a number of brigades in the New Zealand Division.

Trained as a lawyer before the war, Hart returned to New Zealand to resume his legal practice after his discharge from the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. He later served as Administrator of Western Samoa from 1931 to 1935 and was knighted for his services in this role. From 1936 to 1943, he worked in the Middle East for the Imperial War Graves Commission, a task made difficult by the outbreak of the Second World War and the subsequent fighting in the region. Following his retirement in late 1943, he became involved in Rotary International. He died at his home in Masterton on 5 March 1968.