THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

SYMON Frank

2/365, Lieutenant Colonel, New Zealand Field Artillery, WW1

CITATION

Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB)

Gazetted

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

Gazetted 14 January 1916, p568

(i) Chunuk Bair & Lone Pine 8/9th August 1915.  Previously commanded the 1st Battery which was trained by him and did most excellent work ever since the end of April.  During the operations from 6-14 August, this battery has done most excellent work both in bringing fire to bear on Chunuk Bair and also in assisting in the attack and capture of Lone Pine by 1st Australian Division.  Lieutenant Colonel Symon has on all occasions fought his battery with ability & have much pleasure in bringing to notice his good services.  (ii) September to December Gallipoli Peninsula 1915.  This officer;s name has already been submitted for good work.

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 4 June 1917, p5476

Operations from 20th September 1916 to 26th February 1917.  Officer Commanding 1st Brigade NZFA.  This officer efficiently commanded his Brigade during several important advances made by our infantry and earned the commendation in common with the other group commanders, of all CRA's, commanding groups to which his Brigade was attached when at the Somme: this Brigade made five advances during the time they were in action.  During the period we held the line at Armentieres and Fleurbaix this Brigade never failed to render good service to the infantry to their raids.  Lieutenant Colonel Symon was especially good as an organiser and administrator and it is due chiefly to him that the 1st Brigade has attained such a high state of efficiency.

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 1 June 1917, p5429

For distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty.  Field Marshal D. Haig, Commander-in-Chief of the British armies in France, despatch dated 9 April 1917.

KNOWN AWARDS

Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB)

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

Distinguished Service Order

1914-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Mention in Despatches (2)

Coronation Medal 1911

Silver Jubilee Medal 1935

New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal

NOTES

Born 6 May 1879, Christchurch, New Zealand

Died 11 May 1956, Wellington, New Zealand