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The Auckland Regiment

No. 4/400—Sergt. Samuel Forsyth, late N.Z. Engineers. (Killed in action)

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.