Historical records matching Lt. Col. Harry John Laurent, VC
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About Lt. Col. Harry John Laurent, VC
Lieutenant Colonel Harry John Laurent VC (15 April 1895 – 9 December 1987) was a New Zealand soldier who served with the New Zealand Military Forces during the First and Second World Wars. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces, for his actions in the Hundred Days Offensive during the First World War.
Citation:
"For most conspicuous bravery, skill, and enterprise when during an attack he was detailed to exploit an initial success and keep in touch with the enemy. With a party of twelve he located the enemy support line very strongly held, at once charged the position, followed by his men, and completely disorganised the enemy by his sudden onslaught. In the subsequent hand-to-hand fighting which ensued he showed great resourcefulness in controlling and encouraging his men, and thirty of the enemy having been killed, the remainder surrendered, a total of one officer and 111 other ranks in all. The success of this daring venture, which caused his party four casualties only, was due to his gallantry and enterprise."
Laurent's Victoria Cross was displayed at the QEII Army Memorial Museum, Waiouru, New Zealand. On 2 December 2007 it was one of nine Victoria Crosses that were among a hundred medals stolen from the museum. On 16 February 2008, New Zealand Police announced all the medals had been recovered as a result of a NZ$300,000 reward offered by Michael Ashcroft and Tom Sturgess.
A street in Hawera, his parent's home town, is named after him.
Biographies:
- Wikipedia contributors, 'Harry Laurent', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
- National Army Museum Bio Lt Col Laurent VC (153KB PDF)
Links:
- Cenotaph Record
- Word on the street: Laurent VC Street, Hawera
- War Art
- Reference: MyHeritage Family Trees - SmartCopy: Feb 1 2017, 4:09:58 UTC
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