THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

JARDINE Leonard Handforth

10/1049, Lieutenant Colonel, 2nd Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, WW1

31543, Lieutenant Colonel, OC Convoy and OC HMT No 22, WW2

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 1 February 1919, p1616

For conspicuous gallantry and good leadership at Gauzeancourt from 8th to 13th September 1918.  His battalion was engaged in very heavy fighting against

strong enemy positions held by picked troops.  He constantly reconnoitred the front, having to pass through gas and enemy barrage and by keeping in the

closest touch with the situation he was able to cope with several enemy counter attacks.  It was owing to his skilful leadership that the operation was a success

and his courage and coolness under heavy fire inspired all ranks

Bar to the Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 4 October 1919, p3225

For conspicuous gallantry and resource at Le Quesnoy on the 4th November 1918.  His battalion was detailed to capture the city.  The enemy were holding a

railway embankment in front of the city from which they brought such heavy machine-gun fire to bear on our troops that the attack was temporarily held up.

He promptly used his reserved troops with such skill that he overcame the resistance of the enemy and enabled the advance to be continued.  Finally by his

gallant and able leadership he was instrumental in bringing about the fall of the city

Military Cross

Gazetted 1 January 1917, p45

Flers 15 September 1916 and Grid Trench and Grid Support Trench 1 October 1916.  This officer has displayed conspicuous ability and leadership on several, but

especially on the above two occasions.  On the 15th September he handled his company with great skill when ordered up to cover the north of Flers and take

up a new line.  Again on the 1st October he displayed great presence of mind, resource and initiative, under heavy fire, when supporting two companies of the

2nd Otago Battalion who had suffered heavily from machine gun fire.  All the officers of the latter two companies had been either killed or wounded, and Captain

Jardine reorganised the line at a critical time with admirable judgement.  He is possessed of rare soldierly qualities and his work is deserving of special

recognition.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 11 July 1919, p8837

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

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order and bar

Military Cross

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

      Mention in Despatches

Africa Star

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal

New Zealand Territorial Service Medal

NOTES

Born 18 July 1890, Napier, New Zealand

Died 15 May 1969, Katikati, New Zealand

Buried 1 June 1978, Kopuatama Cem, Stratford, New Zealand [Block 47, Plot 15]