Reginald Stanley Judson

The New Zealand Sergeant Who Earned the Victoria Cross Through Unmatched Courage

Some soldiers follow orders. Others inspire history by refusing to give up. Reginald Stanley Judson was one of New Zealand's greatest battlefield leaders, a soldier whose extraordinary courage under relentless enemy fire earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the British Empire. His fearless actions during the First World War and a lifetime of devoted service established him as one of New Zealand's most respected military heroes.

Born on 29 January 1881 in Portland, Dorset, England, Judson emigrated to New Zealand with his family as a child and settled in Auckland. Before becoming a soldier, he worked as a carpenter and builder, developing the determination and practical skills that would later distinguish him in military service. His first experience of active service came during the Second Boer War, where he served with the New Zealand Mounted Rifles, gaining valuable combat experience that would shape his remarkable military career.

When the First World War began, Judson again volunteered for active service, joining the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Serving with the 1st Battalion, Auckland Regiment, he quickly earned a reputation as an exceptional non commissioned officer whose calm leadership and personal bravery inspired the men around him. His defining moment came on 23 August 1918 during the Second Battle of Bapaume in France. Despite intense machine gun fire and repeated enemy counterattacks, Judson repeatedly led assaults against heavily defended positions, personally capturing enemy strongpoints, taking prisoners, and encouraging his men to continue advancing even after he had been wounded. His extraordinary courage, leadership, and determination earned him the Victoria Cross.

Judson's distinguished military service was recognized with the Victoria Cross, the Queen's South Africa Medal with the Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, and South Africa 1901 clasps, the King's South Africa Medal with the South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902 clasps, the 1914–15 Star, the British War Medal 1914–1920, and the Victory Medal with a Mention in Despatches, reflecting a career that spanned both the Second Boer War and the First World War.

After returning to New Zealand, Judson remained committed to public service. He became active in local government and was elected as a Member of Parliament, continuing to serve his country long after leaving the battlefield. Although celebrated as a Victoria Cross recipient, he remained known for his modesty, practical leadership, and deep commitment to the welfare of his fellow veterans and the wider community.

Reginald Stanley Judson passed away on 24 August 1955, leaving behind a legacy built on courage, leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty. Today, he is remembered as one of New Zealand's most distinguished soldiers, whose remarkable achievements in both the Second Boer War and the First World War continue to inspire generations. His Victoria Cross stands as a lasting symbol of the extraordinary bravery and selfless service that define the finest traditions of New Zealand's military history.