WEIR Walter Thomas

1176, Corporal, 2nd Divisional Cavalry Regiment, New Zealand Armoured Corps, WW2

CITATION

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Gazetted 31 October 1941, Supp 35333, p6358

At Galatas, Crete, on 22 May 1941 the 2nd NZ Divisional Cavalry Regiment was defending the village, occupying a defensive line along the western boundary. A determined attack was made by the enemy and our right flank was thrown back, exposing the village. This was caused by the enemy gaining high ground to our right flank and thus enfilading the defensive position. At great personal risk Corporal Weir covered the withdrawal with a captured Maxim machine gun with which he had acquainted himself. In addition to covering the troops withdrawing, his action gave our forces time to organize and subsequently launch a counter-attack which resulted in recapturing the original positions. Corporal Weir later gave invaluable instruction to others in the use of the enemy Maxim guns. During the whole of the Crete campaign his devotion to duty and example and initiative were outstanding and an inspiration to others.

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Conduct Medal

1939-45 Star

Africa Star

       8th Army

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

       Mention in Despatches

New Zealand War Service Medal

NOTES

Born 14 September 1907, New Zealand

Died

THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT