THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

MEAD Owen Herbert

6/296, Lieutenant Colonel, 2nd Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, WW1

50745, Brigadier, New Zealand Staff Corps, WW2

CITATION

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Gazetted 18 July 1940

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 3 June 1919, p6822

For gallantry and devotion to duty.  Lieutenant Colonel Mead has served continuously with the NZEF, since its inception in 1914, and throughout, proved himself to be a brave, reliable officer.  He commanded his battalion in the Passchendaele Operations, and also during the operations of the Division in the vicinity of Maillet Maillet from March 26th til June 21st 1918.  On these occasions the success of his unit was in large measure due to his skilful leadership and personal example, which inspired all ranks under his command.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 4 January 1917, p261

This officer did excellent work during the whole of the fighting round Flers from 18th to 26th September 1916,  He got his Company forward well on each Occasion and was unsparing in his efforts to get the best out of his men.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 11 July 1919, p8836

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

KNOWN AWARDS

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Distinguished Service Order

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

       Mention in Despatches (2)

1939-45 Star

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

Silver Jubilee Medal 1935

Coronation Medal 1937

New Zealand Territorial Service Medal

NOTES

Born 24 January 1892, Dunedin, New Zealand

Lost in the Pacific off Tonga 25 July 1942 to Hudson aircraft of 4 Squadron, RNZAF

Name on the New Zealand Memorial, Bourail, New Caledonia