2/1751 Corporal Alfred Nind Andrews, DCM, MiD, 21/12/1894-17/6/1917. "a splendid example"

Alfred Andrews might have been one of those men who initially found the Army a difficult prospect to handle - until he found his niche.  In 1915, at Alexandria, Egypt, his record shows that he was given 21 days' Field Punishment No. 1 for an offence which is not specified.  At the beginning of 1916 he was appointed cook.  In May of that year he was attached to a mortar battery and began to show some promise.  He was promoted to Bombardier at the beginning of 1917 and Corporal three months later. 

Alfred's work in cooperation with infantry is described in the Official History of the NZ Field Artillery:  "Little reference has so far been made to the Divisional Trench Mortars, the unit formed almost on the eve of going into the line at Armentieres; but it must now be said that of such value did the mortar batteries prove that they came to be regarded as an indispensable factor in almost every enterprise undertaken by the Division. Three batteries in all, X., Y., and Z., each equipped with four medium weight mortars firing a 60lb. bomb, their greatest usefulness lay in the very powerful support which they were able to lend to all the raiding and other trench activities of the infantry; a usefulness to which the courage and devotion of the personnel contributed very materially. The mortars were mounted on solid wooden platforms set in the front line, from where they could be used to greater advantage as regards range and accuracy. They were used principally for wire cutting and destroying enemy trenches, new works, and strong points. In preparing a gap in the wire for a raid, the spot selected would be ranged on in the daytime, and the same night, very shortly before the raid, the wire-cutting would commence. This method, if successful, — and it generally was — had obvious advantages over the cutting of the wire by 18prs. in broad daylight. In addition, the mortars nearly always directly supported the raid, either by firing on the enemy front line on either flank of the section of trench being raided, or by creating a diversion at another point. The work was arduous, involving a great deal of hard physical labour; fresh positions had frequently to be constructed, and all the ammunition had to be carried from the dump somewhere near the subsidiary line, although in this latter task the infantry helped with carrying parties. The gunners were usually relieved each week, spending a week in the line and a week in billets.

Alfred Andrews' hard work with the 

DCM: London Gazette: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He showed the greatest coolness and contempt for danger on three separate occasions, when his mortar had been put out of action by hostile fire, repairing it himself and getting it back into action. On another occasion, 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.

Mentioned in Despatches: London Gazette, 1 June 1917, p5429, Rec No 600: At Bois Grenier on 21st February 1917, this NCO did exceptionally good work during the raid of the 2nd Auckland Battalion. 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.

Andrew was wounded in the abdomen on June 10th, 1917, and died at the No 1 Australian Casualty Clearing Station seven days later.  His death there and not in a hospital might indicate that his case was regarded as a hopeless one, or that moving him would worsen his condition.

It is not certain that he was still with the 2nd Battalion, Auckland Regiment at the time of his fatal wound but the Official History of the Regiment denotes the 10th as the day of their assault on German positions at Messines, preceded by hard work for all types of guns, Andrew's mortar included.  He would have been well within range of the inevitable German counter fire on the Aucklands' trenches and supporting artillery.

FOR KING AND COUNTRY.

DEATH. 

ANDREWS. — On June 17, 1917 (died from wounds received while in action in France) Alfred Nind Andrews, 5th Reinforcements, third beloved son of George and Elizabeth Andrews, Allandale road, St. Clair; aged 22 years.   -Evening Star, 30/6/1917.

Southern Cemetery, Dunedin.