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The Auckland Regiment
The Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross
No. 4/400—Sergt. Samuel Forsyth, late N.Z. Engineers. (Killed in action)
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in the attack on Grevillers, 24th August, 1918. On nearing the objective, his company came under heavy machine-gun fire. Through Sergeant Forsyth's dashing leadership and total disregard of danger, three machine-gun positions were rushed and the crews taken prisoners, before they could inflict any casualties on our troops. During the subsequent advance his company came under heavy fire from several machine-guns, two of which he located by a daring reconnaisance. In his endeavour to gain support from a tank he was wounded, but after having the wound bandaged he again got into touch with the tank, which, in the face of very heavy fire from machine-guns and anti-tank guns, he endeavoured to lead, with magnificent coolness, to a favourable position. The tank, however, was put out of action. Sergeant Forsyth then organised the tank crew and several of his men into a section, and led them to a position where the machine-guns could be outflanked. Always under heavy fire, he directed them into positions which brought about the retirement of the enemy and enabled the advance to continue. This gallant N.C.O. was at that moment killed by a sniper. From the moment of the attack to the time of his death, Sergeant Forsyth's courage and coolness, combined with great power of initiative, proved an invaluable incentive to all who were with him, and he undoubtedly saved many casualties among his comrades.
No. 24/1699—Sergt. Reginald Stanley Judson, D.C.M., M.M.
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, when in an attack on enemy positions south of Bapaume, on 26/8/18, he led a small bombing party under heavy fire, and captured an enemy machine-gun. He then proceeded up a sap alone, bombing three machine-gun crews before him. Jumping out of the trench, he ran ahead of the enemy. Then, standing on the parapet, he ordered the party—consisting of two officers and about ten men—to surrender. They instantly fired on him. but he threw a bomb and jumped down amongst them, killed two, put the rest to flight, and so captured two machine-guns. This prompt and gallant action not only saved many lives, but enabled the advance to continue unopposed.
No. 14/131—Private James Crichton.
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty at Crevecœur, 30/9/18, when, although wounded in the foot, he continued with the advancing troops, despite difficult obstacles in canal and river. When his platoon was subsequently forced back by a counter attack, he succeeded in carrying a message, which involved swimming a river and crossing an area swept by machine-gun fire, subsequently rejoining his platoon. Later, he undertook, on his own initiative, to save a bridge which had been mined, and though under close fire from machine-guns page 275and snipers, he succeeded in removing the charges, returning with the fuse and detonators. Though suffering from a painful wound, he displayed the highest degree of valour and devotion to duty.