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Ardagh, Patrick Augustine

Date of birth:
August 30th, 1891
Date of death:
April 6th, 1944
Buried on:
Brookwood Military Cemetery
Plot: 8. Row: A. Grave: 15.
Nationality:
New Zealander (1907-1947, Dominion UK)

Biography

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Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Awarded on:
December 2nd, 1918
Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack east of Masnieres (October 1918). Being forced to place his dressing station in a spot constantly shelled by the enemy for 36 hours. He continued to dress wounded whilst shells fell on the station. He attended not only his own battalion, but those of three other battalions and worked continually without sleep all the time. He displayed high courage and resource and was the means of saving many lives"
Military Cross (MC)
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:
Captain
Awarded on:
February 18th, 1919
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:
Captain
Unit:
1st Battalion Auckland Infantry Regiment, 1st New Zealand Infantry Brigade, New Zealand Division, New Zealand Military Forces
Awarded on:
July 30th, 1919
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack east of Masnieres (October 1918). Being forced to place his dressing station in a spot constantly shelled by the enemy for 36 hours, he continued to dress wounded whilst shells fell on the station. He attended not only his own battalion, but those of three other battalions and worked continually without sleep all the time. He displayed high courage and resource and was the means of saving many lives."
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Brigadier
Unit:
Headquarters, 2nd New Zealand Division, New Zealand Military Forces
Awarded on:
October 14th, 1943
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
"In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East."
--
"Colonel P.A.ARDAGH, ADMS 2 NZ DIVISION was responsible for the very efficient organization of the Medical Services during the heavy fighting at ALAMEIN from 23 October to 2 November and during the long pursuit. Throughout the whole of that period he has shown outstanding devotion to duty and his tireless energy and insistence on every possible attention being given to the wounded has resulted in the saving of many lives. Through his efforts full surgical attention was always available well forward and necessary operations were carried out with a very minimum of delay. Considerable strain was placed in his resources by added formations being placed under command, but all were equally well catered for.

The medical arrangements for the long desert advance from HASEIAT to NOFILIA were complete in every detail, and although the evacuation of casualties was a most difficult problem, Colonel ARDAGH's organization enabled every casualty to be promptly treated and successfully evacuated.

At all times Colonel ARDAGH, by his personal example and coolness, has inspired those under him to give of their best."

In handwriting:
"There is no doubt that due to his great experience and determination many lives have been saved".
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Brigadier
Unit:
Headquarters, 2nd New Zealand Division, New Zealand Military Forces
Awarded on:
March 23rd, 1944
Awarded for:
Operation Husky
Mentioned in Dispatches
"In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Sicily."
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)

With palm
Victory Medal 1914-1918

Sources

Photo