THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

KING George Augustus

Major, New Zealand Mounted Rifles, WW1

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 3 June 1916, p5570

For distinguished service in the field. (Gallipoli).

Bar to the Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted

For distinguished service in the field. (France and Flanders).

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 28 January 1916, p1207

In connection with the operations described in General I. Hamilton's despatch of 11 December 1915.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 13 July 1916, p6942

For distinguished and gallant services rendered during the period of Si C. Munro's command of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 4 January 1917, p262

This officer has commanded the Pioneer Battalion since formation.  During the time the Division has been in France he has earned the highest praise for his efficiency and high standard of work.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 1 June 1917, p5430

The services rendered by the Pioneer Battalion which this officer commands, during the operations on the Somme at the end of September and beginning of October, were of the very greatest assistance, and during the winter months the same high level of efficiency has been maintained.  Lietenant Colonel King deserves the very greatest credit for this work and deserves special recognition.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 28 December 1917, p13575

For gallantry and devotion to duty during the past eighteen months.  The personal influence and zeal displayed by this officer while in command of the New Zealand Maori (Pioneer) Battalion from its formation in February 1916 until August 1917, has made it an extraordinarily efficient unit.  His coolness under fire  and his tact and judgement have been an example and inspiration to the native race lately under his command.  I cannot too strongly recommend him for the valuable services he has so rendered to the service.

Croix de Guerre (France)

Gazetted 17 December 1917, p13206

For distinguished services rendered during the course of the campaign.

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order and bar

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Mention in Despatches (5)

Croix de Guerre (France)

NOTES

Born 3 March 1885, Christchurch, New Zealand

Killed in Action 12 October 1917, Passchendaele, France

Buried Ypres Reservoir Cemetery, Ieper, Belgium [I.H.28]

OBITUARY

Lieutenant Colonel George A. King, late of Hamilton, who has been killed in action, was a native of Canterbury, and was educated there, being an old Christ's College boy. He formerly was engaged in farming in the northern part of the South Island. On the institution of the territorial system he was appointed adjutant to the 4th, Waikato, Mounted Rifles. Subsequently he was promoted to the charge of No. 4 group, and he held this position on the outbreak of war, when he immediately volunteered for active service. He left New Zealand as staff captain in the Mounted Rifle Brigade. He went through the Gallipoli campaign, and was wounded there. When the troops returned from Gallipoli to Egypt Colonel King was placed in charge of the Maori Pioneer Force, and so far as latest advices show he held that position until the time of his death. Colonel King was the holder of the D.S.O. and also a French decoration. He leaves a wife and two children.

(Auckland Weekly News, 1 November 1917, p. 22)