THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

THOMAS Walter Babington

9234, Captain (temp Major) 23 Battalion, New Zealand Infantry, WW2

366460 Hampshire Regiment, post WW2

CITATION

Knight of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath (KCB)

Gazetted 4 June 1971, p5951

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 21 September 1944

During the attack on Takrouna on the night of 19-20th April 1943 the battalion commander was wounded and Major Thomas assumed command.  The leading

companies had come under heavy fire while advancing to the start line for the brigade second objective.  There had been numerous casualties from anti-personnel

mines and there was considerable confusion and uncertainty.  Despite this and the unexpected necessity of having to fight for the start line, Major Thomas by his

personal example and splencid leadership quickly had the Battalion reorganized and making its way forward in fierce close fighting.  Will great difficulty the start

line was reached and then as further advance was impossible, Major Thomas quickly seized the essential ground and established and firmly held a tenable

position deep within the enemy lines.  As a result of this bold and determined action, large numbers of the enemy were killed or captured after daylight.

Throughout the difficult day of April 20 when for many hours the battalion was isolated, Major Thomas continued to exhibit high qualities of leadership and when

relieved was still holding the vital ground he had gained.  Throughout he showed tactical ability of the highest order, a quickly offensive spirit and an infectious

enthusiasm and cheerfulness which were an inspiration to his battalion.

Military Cross

Gazetted 8 September 1942, p3949

Bar to the Military Cross

Gazetted

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted 15 July 1955, p4154

Silver Star (US)

Gazetted

KNOWN AWARDS

Knight of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath

Distinguished Service Order

Military Cross and bar

1939-45 Star

Africa Star

         8th Army

Italy Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

         Mention in Despatches

New Zealand War Service Medal

New Zealand Operational Service Medal

New Zealand Service Medal (J Force)

Africa General Service Medal

         Mention in Despatches

Campaign Service Medal

Coronation Medal 1953

Efficiency Decoration

Pingat Jasa Malaysia

Silver Star (US)

1 unknown

NOTES

Born 29 June 1919 Nelson, New Zealand

Died 22 October 2017 Beaudesert, Queensland, Australia