Harry John Laurent

From Alf Askin's research notes

Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.

LAURENT, Harry John. (reg No. 720).

Sergeant. 2nd Battalion. New Zealand (Rifle) Brigade. New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

London Gazetted on 15th November 1918.

Born on 15th April, 1895 at Tarata, Taranaki, New Zealand.

Died on 9th December, 1987 at Hastings, New Zealand. He was cremated and his remains were interred in a Memorial Wall*, Servicemen's Cemetery, Hawera, Taraniki, New Zealand. Also at the Headquarters of the Dunedin RSA.

Digest of Citation reads: During an attack,on 12th September 1918, East of Gouzeaucourt Wood, Sergeant Laurent was detailed to keep in touch with the enemy and exploit an initial success. Along with a party of 12 he located the enemy support line which was strongly held. He at once charged the position with his men, completely disorganising the enemy by the sudden onslaught. In the hand-to-hand fighting that followed he showed a great resourcefulness. He controlled and encouraged his men until, when 30 of the enemy had been killed, the remainder surrendered. In all a total of one officer and 111 other ranks were taken prisoner. The success of the venture was owed to Sergeant Laurent's gallantry and enterprise. They, themselves, suffered only four casualties.

*Wall named after Sergeant Laurent..