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 20 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 when in charge of a small party in an attack on the enemy's position.
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 enemy, and putting the remainder to flight.
Cpl. Andrew's conduct throughout was unexampled 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:
- 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