Lot 3979

Description

Group of four, New Zealand: Military Medal (GV); 1914-15 Star; British War Medal; Victory Medal. (13-2223 Sjt: N.A. McKenzie. 1/Auck. R.) on first medal, (1/721 Sjt. N.A. McKenzie.) on last three. Impressed. With original tatty ribbons on bar as worn, very fine.

Mckenzie, Norman Alexander, Sergeant, 1st Battalion, Auckland Regiment, M.M. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the 1st October 1918 this N.C.O. did particularly gallant work in the attack on enemy positions east of Masnieres. He led his sections with fine dash against intense machine gun fire and was one of the first to enter the front line trench where he shot many of the enemy. Continuing further forward and to the right with three men he entered the enemy's second line which was very strongly held and defended with defence of machine guns. At great personal risk and quite unprotected he enfiladed their trench with rifle fire, and after killing about 15, fully 70 surrendered and the remainder ran away. Later in the same day during the enemy counter attack he did magnificent work under intense fire in organising the retirement of his men. He with two others remained behind in an advances position and covered the retirement with rifle fire. His work throughout the day was of a very high standard and the manner in which he commanded his men without thought of his own safety inspired all under his command to a remarkable degree. - London Gazette 13 March 1919, p3453, Rec No.2934.