THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

WILSON John Hugh

8/2184, 2nd Lieutenant, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, WW1

822283, Captain, Home Guard, 3rd Guards Vital Posts, Dunedin, New Zealand, WW2

CITATION

Military Cross

Gazetted 8 March 1919, p3253

For fine courage and determination.  During the attack on Neuville on 23rd October 1918 he was in command of the leading platoon, and helped the company on his right to clear a machine gun post.  He then discovered three enemy machine guns in a strong point.  He the brought up his Lewis Gun, got his No1 to place it on his shoulder, and enabled fire to the opened with good effect.  Dropping the Lewis Gun he ran forward, and single –handed captured the guns and the survivors of their crews

Military Medal

Gazetted 16 August 1917, p8430

Messines Offensive - 7th to 9th June 1917. On the 7th June 1917, during the attack on Messines two platoon Commanders of Sergeant WILSON's Company became casualties during the advance.  Sergeant WILSON immediately took command of these two platoons led them forward and controlled them during consolidation of the position.  While consolidation was proceeding, the line was being heavily shelled by the enemy and Sergeant WILSON displayed conspicuous gallantry in the controlling of his men.  Throughout the attack and consolidation he set a splendid example to all of those under him.

Bar to the Military Medal

Gazetted 13 March 1918, p3225

Operations opposite Polderhoek 27th November to 5th December 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  On 3rd December 1917 during the attack on the Polderhoek Chateau, Sergeant WILSON displayed the utmost bravery and skill in leading his men forward. Early in the operations all the officers of his Company became casualties; this N.C.O. immediately took command and led his men forward against heavy machine gun and rifle fire. This fire came not only from the Chateau itself, but also from some "pill boxes" protecting it. Under these most adverse circumstances Sergeant Wilson pressed ahead until he had led his men right alongside the Chateau. By this time the Company was reduced to very small numbers, and without reinforcements the capture of the objective was impossible. Sergeant WILSON however maintained complete control of his men, and managed to establish a strong point in a dominating position from which he continued to harass the enemy and assist the troops on his flank. His outstanding bravery was an effective inspiration and his brilliant leadership was a service of the greatest value to the successful conduct of the operations.

KNOWN AWARDS

Military Cross

Military Medal and bar

1915-15 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

NOTES

Born 13 September 1889 New Zealand

Died 18 July 1965 Stewart Island, New Zealand