BLACK Clarence Alexander
59856 Sergeant, 1st Battalion, Auckland Regiment, WW1
N/N, Home Guard Service WW2
676, Legion of Frontiersmen, New Zealand
CITATION
Military Medal
Gazetted 17 June 1919, p7700
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the attack north of Le Quesnoy on the 4th November, this NCO, together with an officer and another man attacked a machinegun position on the left flank of the company. Severe enfilade fire was being directed against the troops and in addition to causing casualties was making further progress practically impossible. The situation was critical and called for prompt and dashing action. Lance Corporal Black advanced under heavy machinegun fire across an open stretch of 100 yards, firing and rushing alternately until with the two others became to close quarters with the gun crews. Those straight away surrendered and an enemy and machineguns were captured. It is without doubt that this prompt and courageous action was the means of saving many lives. His handling of his section throughout the entire action was skilful and his personal leadership was of the highest order.
AWARDS
Military Medal
British War Medal
Victory Medal
War Medal 1939-45
New Zealand War Service Medal
NOTES
Born 28 Oct 1897 Hawera, New Zealand
Died 7 Dec 1977 New Zealand
Buried
BIOGRAPHICAL
