AWARD OF D.S.O.

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 190, 10 May 1944, Page 4

AWARD OF D.S.O.

Commander Of Maori Battalion

The King has approved of the award of the Distinguished Service Order to Lieut.-Colonel R. R. T. Young, Officer Commanding the Maori Battalion, 2nd N.Z.E.F. Advice to this effect has been received by the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones. In civil life a company executive in the employ of the Shell Oil Co. (N.Z.), Ltd., Wellington, Colonel Young vjas for many years before the war actively associated with the Territorial Force. He was commissioned in 19211 as a secondlieutenant and posted to the Wellington Regiment. He had attained captain’s rank by 1905 and three years later was posted to the reserve of officers. He returned to the active list In 11940 and later sailed with the sth Reinforcements as a captain in the infantry. He attained his majority in July, 1(94(2. After a short period as Commandant, N.Z. School of Instruction, Snd N.Z.E.F. (Middle ‘East) early last year he was appointed second in command of ,the Maori Battalion, and a few months ago officer commanding, with the rank of lieut.-Colonel. A dispatch from Lieut.General Freyberg in April this year stated that Lieut.-Colonel Young was “leading the battalion with skill and courage.” , His wife is Mrs. D. Young, Lednam Flats, 138 Tinakori (Road, Wellington. Colonel Young was wounded in December, 11948. He is 42 years of age.