THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

WILSON Stanley Livingstone

31820, Major, New Zealand Medical Corps, WW2

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 12 October 1943, p4545

During the period July to September 1942, including the Battle of Alamein, this officer was the senior surgeon of a surgical team attached to New Zealand Field Ambulance Main Dressing Stations.  He operated continuously during long periods without rest, providing major surgery for the most seriously wounded with outstanding skill and devotion.  Taken in conjunction with his previous service, frequently under conditions of the greatest danger, he has made a most distinguished and meritorious contribution to battle surgery.  This service extends over the Libyan campaign in November/December 1941 at Sidi Rerzegh when, his unit was taken prisoner, he operated continuously for days frequently under heavy fire and during which time many wounded patients were killed.  Escaping after six days, though his unit was withdrawn, he went forward and gave similar outstanding services with the main dressing stations of 5th New Zealand Infantry Brigade near Gazala.  Later in January/February 1942 when his surgical unit was attached to an Armoured Division his work was even more outstanding, again frequently under heavy fire and threatened by capture.  When the enemy broke through on 21 January 1942 his unit was ordered to retire and remain closed ready to retire before dawn.  On an appeal later from a British Field Ambulance to provide vital surgery to gravely wounded men, he operated all night to allay the suffering and save lives of those patients.  In the succeeding week throughout the retreat, he continued giving the same gallant service, under conditions of extreme danger and threat of capture.  During the whole of these times he displayed not only fortitude and outstanding devotion to duty, but was a wonderful example and inspiration to all ranks.  This officer’s record is one of great distinction and merit and he has undoubtedly saved much suffering and many lives.

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

Gazetted 2 June 1966, p6571

For valuable services to surgery and medical education.

KNOWN AWARDS

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

Distinguished Service Order

1939-45 Star

Africa Star

      8th Army

Pacific Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45 Star

New Zealand War Service Medal

Coronation Medal 1953

NOTES

Born 17 April 1905, Dannevirke, New Zealand

Died 5 June 1990, Dunedin, New Zealand