THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

MELVILL Charles William

15/35, Lieutenant Colonel, 4th Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, WW1

CITATION

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

Gazetted 3 June 1919, p6790

For exceptionally ggod leadership on the 5th April 1918 at La Signy Farm in the Colincamps sector when, on his owm imitiative, he carried out with his Brigade a most succesful attack, therby securing all the high ground overlooking the British lines.  This attack secured our defensive positions, and reduced casualties to a minimum during the following months.  Throughout the Autumn Advance he handled his Brigade with great judgement and kill.

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

Gazetted 3 June 1918, p6454

This officer commanded his brigade, the 1st New Zealand Infantry Brigade, at the taking of Gravenstafel Ridge on 4th October 1917.  His work as a Commander has been very good, and he is well desering of recognition.

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 1 January 1917, p29

For conspicuous ability and good work since the arrival of the Division in France in April.  When the trenches around Armentieres, he organised and planned a very succesful raid against the enemy trenches.  His Battalion at all times has shown great keenness in their work and the credit for this is due to a large extent to his own example,  During the advance and capture and capture of Flers on the 13th September, Colonel Melvill again showed conspicuous ability and considerable military knowledge,  After his Battalion had captured their objective and seeing the Battalion ahead of him held up, he at once sent forward a Company to assist and so enabled the trench to be captured.  Throughout the operations he had a thorough grasp of the situation, and used his command with skill and judgement, sending up reinforcements at the critical moments.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 4 January 1917, p262

Mentioned in a despatch from General Sir Douglas Haig, Commander-in-Chief of the British Armies in France, dated 13 November 1916.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 28 May 1918, p6204

New Years Honours Despatch for period 25th February 1917 to 16/17th September 1917.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 31 December 1918, p15230

New Years Honours Despatch for period 25th February 1917 to 16/17th September 1917.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 11 July 1919, p8836

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

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 12 January 1920, p531

not available

Officer of the Order of the Crown, officer (Belgium)

Gazetted 24 September 1917, p9862

For personal gallentry in leading his Battalion in the attack on Messines on 7th June 1917.  His Battalion fought their way through and cleared the greater part of the village with great success under his personal command

Croix de Guerre (Belgium)

Gazetted 11 March 1918, p3097

For distinguished service rendered during the course of the campaign.

KNOWN AWARDS

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

1914 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

       Mention in Despatches (5)

Officer of the Order of the Crown, officer (Belgium)

Croix de Guerre (Belgium)

NOTES

Born 5 September 1878, Bournemouth, England

Died 15 September 1925, Wellington, New Zealand