11795, Corporal LESLIE WILTON ANDREW 2nd Battalion, Wellington Infantry Regiment, N.Z.E.F. La Bassee Ville, Belgium - 31 July, 1917

Corporal Andrew was born at Palmerston North, New Zealand, on 23 March 1897, and was 30 years old when the action for which he was awarded The Victoria Cross took place.

The citation from the London Gazette dated 6 September 1917 reads:

"For most conspicuous bravery and brilliant leading as a battalion commander. By his splendid personal gallantry he carried the initial attack straight through the enemy's front system of trenches. Owing to mist and heavy fire of all descriptions, Lieutenant Colonel Freyberg's command was much disorganised after the capture of the first objective. He personally rallied and re-formed his men, including men from other units who had become intermixed. He inspired all with his own contempt of danger. At the appointed time he led his men forward to the successful assault of the second objective, many prisoners being captured. During this advance he was twice wounded. He again rallied and re-formed all who were with him, and although unsupported in a very advanced position, he held his ground throughout the day and the following night under heavy artillery and machine-gun fire. When reinforced on the following morning, he organised the attack on a strongly fortified village and showed a fine example of dash, personally leading the assault, capturing the village and 500 prisoners. In this operation he was again wounded severely but refused to leave the line till he had issued final instructions. The personality, valour and utter contempt of danger on the part of this single officer enabled the furthermost objective of the corps to be permanently held, and on this point d'appui the line was eventually formed."

In World War II he commanded the 22nd Battalion of the Second NZEF, and led the New Zealand victory contingent in London in 1946.

He later achieved the rank of Brigadier. He died at Palmerston North, New Zealand on 8 January 1969 and is buried at the Levin RSA Cemetery, Tiro Tiro Road, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

His Victoria Cross is held at the Queen Elizabeth II Army Memorial Museum, Waiouru, New Zealand.

The medals awarded to Corporal Andrew are:

• The Victoria Cross
• The Distinguished Service Order
• The British War Medal
• The Victory Medal
• The 1939-1945 Star
• The Africa Star
• The Defence Medal
• The War Medal 1939-45 (with Mention in Despatches oakleaf)
• The New Zealand War Service Medal
• The Coronation Medal 1937
• The Coronation Medal 1953
• The New Zealand Long & Efficient Service Medal

Leslie Andrew's Medals

 

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