Leslie Wilton Andrew

He led his men against successive hostile machine gun posts.

Leslie Wilton Andrew was born at Ashhurst, New Zealand, on 23 March 1897. He enlisted in 1915 and reached France in September 1916 with the Wellington Infantry Regiment. He was wounded in the neck during his First World War service.

On 31 July 1917, near La Basse Ville, Belgium, Andrew led a small party against a German machine-gun position. When another gun unexpectedly obstructed a neighbouring company, he attacked and captured it before continuing towards his original objective. His party captured that position as well, killing several defenders and driving the remainder away. His Victoria Cross citation praised his initiative, determination and leadership.

Commissioned in March 1918, Andrew joined the New Zealand Staff Corps after the war. He served on attachment with the British Army in India from 1927 to 1929 and was staff officer of New Zealand’s contingent for the 1937 coronation.

During the Second World War he commanded 22 Battalion in Greece and Crete. At Maleme in May 1941, broken communications and uncertainty about his companies contributed to his decision to withdraw, after which German forces occupied the airfield. His conduct became the subject of later criticism. He subsequently earned the Distinguished Service Order for leadership in the Western Desert.

Returning to New Zealand in February 1942, Andrew commanded the Wellington Fortress Area. He led the New Zealand Victory Contingent to London in 1946 and later commanded the Central Military District. He retired as a brigadier in 1952 and died at Palmerston North on 8 January 1969. His medals are held by the National Army Museum Te Mata Toa.

Official citation

For most conspicuous bravery when in charge of a small party in an attack on the enemy’s position. His objective was a machine gun post which had been located in an isolated building. On leading his men forward he encountered unexpectedly a machine gun post which was holding up the advance of another company; he immediately attacked, capturing the machine gun and killing several of the crew. He then continued the attack on the machine gun post which had been his original objective. He displayed great skill and determination in his disposition, finally capturing the post, killing several of the enemy and putting the remainder to flight. Cpl. Andrew’s conduct throughout was unexampled for cool daring, initiative, and fine leadership , and his magnificent-example was a great stimulant to his comrades.