THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

MOODIE John William

Service in WW2

200042, Lieutenant Colonel, 16 Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 18 January 1952, Issue 39443, p388

In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Korea during the period 21 January to 30 June 1951.

Lieutenant Colonel Moodie has been in command of the 16 Field Regiment, Royal NZ Artillery, since its arrival in Korea in December 1950, and subsequently during the whole period that it has been in support of the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade.

Due to the fact that the regiments wholly consisted of volunteers, many of its personnel at its inception lacked artillery experience.  That the Regiment was rapidly welded into a first class artillery machine , which stood up to the test of the battle, was largely due to the enthusiasm, guidance and leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Moodie.

Throughout operations this officer gave invaluable advice and support to his Brigade Commander and cheerfully carried out all tasks for his regiment.  This included sighting his guns well forward of the remainder of the brigade group when in support of a South Korean Division on the 21st April, which subsequently rapidly retreated, Lieutenant Colonel Moodie extricated his guns coolly and with skill, and brought them rapidly into action in support of the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade who were committed as a result of the withdrawal of the South Korean Division.

During the subsequent action between 22nd and 25th April, the 16th NZ Field Regiment under the intrepid leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Moodie gave invaluable and essential support to the infantry, firing many thousands of rounds and materially assisting in bringing the Chinese attack to a standstill.

AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order

1939-45 Star

Africa Star

8th Army

Italy Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

Queen's Korea Medal

United Nations Korea Medal

Coronation Medal 1953

Efficiency Decoration

NOTES

Born 9 June 1907, Dunedin, New Zealand

Died 11 May 1991, Levin, New Zealand