Alfred Andrews, a clerk and son of a carpenter, volunteered for the New Zerland Army in April, 1915, being appointed Cook in October of that year and then relinquishing that job to serve on trench mortars. He musgt have found his place in the war, being promoted to Bombardier at the beginning of 1917 and then Corporal the following March. This second promotion would seem to be the result of his actions - which were "Mentioned in Dispatches" by Commander in Chief Sir Douglas Haig - with the Auckland Regiment as detailed below:
At Bois Grenier on 21st February 1917, this NCO did exceptionally good work during the raid of the 2nd Auckland Battallion. The batteries were heavily shelled throughout and in spite of the heavy fire Bombardier Andrews remained with the mortar, adjusting the mechanism which was causing trouble during the action, and set a splendid example to the men under him. During a previous raid by the enemy, the Corporal in charge of the detachment was killed. Bombardier Andrews took charge although the mortar was out of action, removed same to a dug out, exhibiting coolness and resourcefulness throughout, thus saving his mortar from being captured.
In August of that month he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal:
London Gazette, 16/8/1917: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He showed the greatest coolness and contempt for danger on three seperate occasions, when his mortar had been put out of action by hostile fire, repairing it himself and getting it back into action. On another occassion, although wounded himself, he assisted to carry one of his comrades back to the dressing station. His cheerful disposition and pluck at all times inspired great confidence in his men. He has since been seriously wounded.
Alfred died in No. 2 Australian Casualty Clearing Station of abdominal wounds received in action. That he survived to reach the Station indicates the possibility of a painful death. I hope he was given morphine for the rough journey from the front line to the CCS.
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