D.C.M. AWARDED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 175, 27 July 1942, Page 5

D.C.M. AWARDED

SERGEANT'S BRAVERY

LEADER OF GUN CREW

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, this day For gallantry in Minqar Qaim south-east of Mersa Matruh, four weeks ago, Sergeant Phillip Andrew McConchie, of the original Southland Battalion, is the first New Zealander to receive an immediate decoration for this campaign. Sergeant McConchie, who is a member of the First Echelon, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. 8 leu

The citation reads: "On June ?7 Sergeant McConchie was in charge rl a two-pounder anti-tank gun He led a crew who had never manned or had experience with anti-tank guns previously. From the very start of the action this non-commis--olfpH °ft' ce r displayed coolness and confidence. When the action started he held his fire, and by doing so he destroyed a portee (an anti-tank gun carrier), one small tank, one troop carrier and two transports. His gun was subjected to heavy mortar Ire! His number two gunner was wounded, and the firing mechanism ot his gun broken. The sun wi« then useless, and the position of the crew was critical.

Sergeant McConchie held the crew together by coolness and example During a lull he walked out to the damaged portee, retrieved the firine mechanism and got his gun into action again. When his officer arrived he accompanied him out and towed the portee back.

M J? 111 'Pf» withdrawal Sergeant McConchie had trouble in getting? his gun on to the portee, and eventually had to tow it out. At one of the heaviest stages of the fighting he went out some 20 yards under heavy fire to retrieve water and tobacco for his men Sergeant McConchie's coolness and efficiency under fire were outstanding, and undoubtedly the gun would not have been in action without him."