WINNING THE M.C.

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 171, 9 April 1918, Page 7

WINNING THE M.C.

«, — LATE MAJOR 11. G. PURDY'S WORK, The circumstances under which the late Major R. G. Purdy, M.C., N.Z.S.C, of the 3rd New Zealand (Rifle) ■ Brigade, was j awarded the Military Cross and subsequent bar were as follow:— "Military Cross.—For dovotion to duty and extremely, good organisation. This officer is staff captain of his brigade, tho 3rd New Zealand (Rifle) Brigade, and was present with it during the operations on the Soinme. By his energy, skill, and thoroughness of detail he.kept the 1111113 of the brigade fully supplied with ammunition, bombs, flares, lights, etc., and rations through? out the operations, and thus materially contributed to the good work done by them. In addition, on October 2 and 3, 1916, a portion of our brigade on our left was supplied. Since the formation of the brigade, as a result of his keen conception of his. duties, i his staff work has been of the highest order, and lie has been mainly responsible for the high standard of interior economy maintained in tho brigade." Later he was awarded the further distinction as follows :—"Bar to Military Cross.—For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the Passchendaele operniiojis. On the morning'of October 13, 1917, the position, on. the brigade front was vory obscure. This officer, under very severe sniping fire, reconnoitred the whole of the brigade front, visited each of the posts, and established communication with tho posts of tho brigade on each flank. Tho information brought back enabled dispositions to bo made to hold the cemetery, a vital point for the continuance of operations. He was decorated with both honours tiy the King at Buckingham Palaco on December 26, 1917. Major Purdy, who was the son of Colonel J. R. P.urdy, Director of Medical Services, was horn, at Lower Hutt on. December 30,-1891. Prior to joining' tho Expeditionary Force in 1915 he was adjutant to the 16th Regiment, with headquarters a,t Milton, Otago. He was one of fifty officers selected from the whole of the fintish Forces early in 1917 to undergo a special eis weeks' staff course, and "on its conclusion received a speoially good report.