THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

ROW Robert Amos

6/980, Lieutenant Colonel, 3rd Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, WWI

38618, Brigadier, 8th New Zealand Infantry Brigade, WW2

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 1 January 1918, p29

For continuous good service and devotion to duty during the fighting in June near Ploegsteert Wood, he showed very skilfull leadership and initiative while forcing the enemy out of the trench systen west of the River Lys.  On several occasions he personally reconnoitred the enemy's positions, and by constantly furnishing early and accurate information of the enem'y movements and dispositions largely contributed to the success of the operations.  This officer has seen active service in Egypt and Gallipoli and since March last has commanded a Battalion.  He has done excellent work at all times, and shown a splendid example of devotion to duty.

Bar to the Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 8 February 1944, Supp 36371, p725

For gallant and distinguished service in the field.  Brigadier Row was in charge of operations which resulted in the capture and occupation of the Treasury Islands.  These operations extended over the period 26 October to 20 November 1943, by which date practically every Japanese on the island had been killed.  The landing force comprised numerous technical troops in addition to the normal Brigade Group, and the smooth landing of successive transport echelons and the general development of the whole operation was eloquent proof of the thorough and careful way in which Brigadier Row had conceived and planned the expedition.  In the operations ashore he displayed similar skill and aggressive and courageous leadership.  His personal appearance at each threatened point of his defences did much to inspire his officers and men with confidence in the general direction of the operations and contributed in large measure to their success

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 1 June 1917, p5429

Operations at Somme - 20th September / 4th October 1916, Flers - Grid Trenches.  This officer has shown great ability as Second-in-Commanf.  He has always carried out his duties faithfully, and has been of great assistance to me.  During the fighting on the Somme he acted as liaison officer for the Brigade and was specially mentioned by his Brigadier for the manner in which he carried out his duties

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 28 December 1917, p13575

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

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 31 December 1918, p15231

New Years Honours despatch for period 25th February 1918 to 16/17th September 1918.

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order and bar

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

       Mention in Despatches (3)

1939-45 Star

Africa Star

Pacific Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

Coronation Medal 1937

New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal

New Zealand Territorial Service Medal

Legion of Merit, Commander (USA)

NOTES

Born 30 July 1888, Christchurch, New Zealand

Died 7 January 1959, Lower Hutt, New Zealand