THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

SHEPHERD Norman Francis

6/821, Lieutenant Colonel, 1st Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, WW1

British Army, WW2

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 1 January 1919, p22

This officer left New Zealand with the Main Body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and served in Egypt and on Gallipoli and came with the New Zealand Division to France in April 1916.  He commanded the 1st Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade during the recent fighting at Puisieux, Bapaume and Gouxeacourt and proved a thorough and capable leader. Major Shephard has been continually reconnoitering his line under heavy Artillery and Machine gun fire helping and cheering his officers and men.  His courage and consistent devotion to duty under the most trying conditions has been a fine example to all ranks.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 4 January 1917, p261

Operations: Armentieres, 7th May to 7th August 1916, and Somme, 16th September to 2nd October 1916.  As officer commanding a company of this Battalion since its formation, Captain Shepherd has proved himself a most reliable and efficient officer.  His services have been particularly meritorious during the recent operations on the Somme, when his company, in addition to holding a portion of the Switch Trench for four days under heavy shellfire, took part in two attacks, and on each occasion his company succeeded in taking its objective and holding it.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 31 December 1918, p15231

Mentioned in Sir D. Haig's despatch of 8 November 1918, submitting names deserving of special recognition.

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

       Mention in Despatches (2)

General Service Medal 1918

       Kurdistan

1939-45 Star

France and Germany Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

NOTES

Born 2 September 1889, Reefton, New Zealand

Died unknown in England