John A. McQueen

Lieutenant John Alexander McQueen, M.C, who was killed in action on the 11th of December, was the elder son of Mr. John McQueen, of Invercargill. After finishing his education at the Invercargill High School, he came to Lincoln College, and at the end of his course won the gold medal. From here he went to Otago University to qualify for his B.Ag. and his goal was within sight when the war broke out, and he immediately enlisted as a private. He left as a sergeant in the Main Body, and was wounded on Gallipoli where he took part in the landing. In France he won his commission and was one of the two officers of the battalion to come scathless through the Somme fighting. He never had a great deal to say of his own work, and even made light of his Military Cross, remarking in a letter that "he had put his hand into the bran tub and drawn a prize.'' Source: Canterbury Agricultural College Magazine, June 1918, pp546-547.

Military Cross (MC) "Operations - Flers Grid Trenches. Between 20th September and 4th October 1916, this Officer led his platoon with conspicuous ability. On the 27th and 28th September 1916 he took command of another Company when all its Officers had become casualties, and successfully consolidated the trench under a harassing fire. On the night of the 26th September, 1916, he successfully led a patrol which reconnoitred the enemy's wire, preparatory for an attack under a heavy fire and machine guns. His report was of inestimable value to his Commanding Officer. He has at all times shown conspicuous courage and devotion to duty." Lieutenant, Ist Bn, Canterbury Regiment, Source: London Gazette 4 June 1917, p5486, Rec No 646.