Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A 1918 ‘French theatre’ M.M. group of five awarded to Lance-Corporal W. H. J. Burnett, 2nd Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, for his gallantry as a runner near Biefvillers, 24 -25 August 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (33688 Pte W. H. J. Burnett. 2/Canterbury R.) number corrected and engraved; British War and Victory Medals (33688 L/Cpl. W. H. J. Burnett. N.Z.E.F.); War Medal 1939-45; New Zealand War Service Medal, last two engraved ‘804696 W. H. J. Burnett. N.Z.E.F.’, mounted for display, generally good very fine (5) £700-£900

M.M. London Gazette 11 February 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the 24th and 25th August 1918, during the operations in front of Beifvillers, Private Burnett, who was employed as a runner between Forward Brigade Headquarters and Battalion Headquarters, repeatedly went out both by day and night, under heavy enemy artillery and machine gun fire, and, without regard for his personal safety, delivered important despatches to the Headquarters of the Battalions in the line. He carried on for a long time, during which it was of the utmost importance that operation orders and urgent despatches should be delivered to the Battalion Commanders. This man also gave valuable assistance to linesmen by carrying wire to them at a time when telephonic communication could not be maintained on account of shortage of stores. This work was voluntary and in addition to his ordinary duties as a runner. His cheerfulness, dogged determination, self sacrifice and devotion to duty inspired the greatest confidence in and were a splendid example to his comrades.’

William Henry John Burnett was born in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand in 1888. He attested for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in September 1916. Burnett served with the 2nd Battalion, Canterbury Regiment in the French theatre of war from May 1917.

Burnett returned to New Zealand in June 1919, and was discharged the following month. He died in Napier, 20 July 1974.

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