Orders, Decorations and Medals

New Zealand Memorial Cross, G.VI.R. (65434 WO II J. August (M.M.)) in case of issue, together with a display mounted group comprising: Military Medal, G.VI.R., copy; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D.; N.Z. War Service Medal, extremely fine (7)

Sergeant John August served in the 28th (Maori) Battalion, New Zealand Infantry, and was awarded the Military Medal London Gazette 5 November 1942: ‘This NCO commanded one of the leading platoons in the attack made by the Battalion on enemy positions at El Mrier depression on the night 25/26 August. Sgt August showed outstanding qualities of leadership, controlling and leading his men in difficult conditions under shell fire, and in smoke and dust. His coolness and personal courage was a continual source of inspiration to his men, who largely owing to the example he set successfully attacked and captured in succession eight enemy MG posts, taking prisoners and equipment and inflicting heavy casualties.’ Sergeant August was killed in action on 2 November 1942 and is buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery.