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11795, Corporal |
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:
"When in charge of a small party in an attack on the enemy's position at La Basses-Ville, France, on July 31, 1917, his objective was a machine-gun post which had been located in an isolated building.
On leading his men forward he encountered unexpectedly a machine-gun post which was holding up the advance of another company.
He immediately attacked, capturing the machine-gun and killing several of the crew. He then continued the attack on the machine-gun post which had been his original objective.
He displayed great skill and determination in his disposition, finally capturing the post, killing several of the crew and putting the remainder to flight.
Corporal Andrew's conduct throughout was un-exampled for cool daring, initiative and fine leadership, and his magnificent example was a great stimulant to his comrades."
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:
Leslie Andrew's Medals
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