THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

McGAVIN Donald Johnstone

Surgeon Major, No 5 Company Field Hospital, Royal Army Medical Corps, South Africa

3/604, Lieutenant Colonel, Temp Colonel, New Zealand Medical Corps, WW1

CITATION

Knight Batchelor (KB)

Gazetted 20 September 1921, p7382

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

Gazetted 1 January 1919,p6

For exceptional service as ADMS for the past two years, during which time his powers of organisation and attention to the health of the Division have ensured the most satisfactory results.

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while acting as ADMS to his division.  The successful evacuation of the wounded during our heavy offensive was due to the thoroughness of his preparedness and his personal attention to the smallest details.  He went into the advanced area at great personal risk to encourage the stretcher bearers and superintended the removal of casualties setting a splendid example to all ranks.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 6 December 1916, p11941

Colonel McGavin, since taking up the duties of ADMS of the Division has showed marked ability in this position.  I have formed a very high opinion of the value of his work, and the results are very satisfactory.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 1 June 1917, p54

For destinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty.  Field Marshall D. Haig, Commander-in-Chief of the British Armies in France, despatch dated 9th April 1917

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 28 December 1917, p13576

Mentioned in Field Marshall D. Haig's despatch of 7th November 1917 for destinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty during the period 26th February to midnight 20/21st September 1917.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 31 December 1918, p15231

Sir D. Haig's despatch dated 8 November 1918, submitting names deserving of special mention.

KNOWN AWARDS

Knight Batchelor (KB)

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

Distinguished Service Order

Commander of the Order of St John of Jerusalem

Queen’s South Africa Medal

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

       Mention in Despatches (4)

Silver Jubilee Medal 1935

Colonial Auxiliary Forces Decoration

New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal

New Zealand Territorial Service Medal

NOTES

Born 19 August 1876, Rochester, England

Died 8 May 1960, Wellington, New Zealand