THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

RICHMOND James MacDonald

2/311, Major, New Zealand Field Artillery, WW1

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 1 January 1918, p29

Near Messines, May 31st to June 7th 1917.  He has worked incessantly during the recent operations, has been with the Divisional Artillery without a break since the Main Body left New Zealand and has always shown great devotion to duty.  I have always had great confidence in him as Brigade Major.  This has never been misplaced, and it has enabled me to spend the greater part of my time going about the batteries and OP's and keeping in touch with the personnel of the Artillery of this Division.  I recommend Major Richmond for the DSO.  His staff work has been of a very high order

Military Cross

Gazetted 3 June 1916, p5578

26 April to 26 August 1915, Gallipoli.  Has done much good work as Staff Captain since the force first landed on the peninsula in the dual capacity of Brigade Major and Staff Captain. His work since the present operations commenced on the 6th August has been particularly arduous and praiseworthy.  This officer is my Brigade Major and was on the peninsula throughout the whole of the operations and has done most excellent staff work throughout.  I particularly request that he be decorated or rewarded.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 28 January 1916, p1209

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

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 13 July 1916, p6943

For distinguished and gallant service rendered during the period of General Sir C. Munro's command of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 1 June 1917, p5429

Operations from 28th September 1916 to 26th February 1917.  An exceptionally able young officer with an unusual capacity for writing clear and easily intelligible operation orders, no matter how complicated the tactical situation.  He is an exceedingly quick and accurate officer.  The above qualities have been of the greatest use in his capacity as Brigade Major, NZFA, during the 53 days the New Zealand Field Artillery were engaged in the Somme battle, both to me and to the various CRA's with whose command in the New Zealand Field Artillery was at times grouped.  These CRA's have all written to me in most commendatory terms of Major Richmond's work and ability.  His work as Brigade Major has also been in valuable during the months we held the line at Armentieres and Fleurbaix.  He is the sole survivor of a batch of four young NZFA officers, and I should be pleased if his work could be recognised.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 28 December 1917, p13575

Mentioned in Field Marshal D. Haig's despatch of 7 November 1917.  For distinguished and gallant service and devotion to duty during the period 26th February to midnight 20/21st September 1917.

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order

Military Cross

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Mention in Despatches (4)

NOTES

Born 17 October 1888, Wanganui, New Zealand

Killed in Action 27 October 1918, France