Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

New Zealand Medical Corps, New Zealand Military Froces

Awarded on:

January 31st, 1946

Citation:
"For Valuable services as OC Troops NZ Hospital Ship MAUNGANUI. Lt Col Bennett served with NZEF oversees in the awar of 1914-18, and was commissioned in NZMC in Mya 41, and was on full time mobilization service with 3 Fld Amb )TF) from then until Jul 43. He commanded the unit from Apr 42. From Aug 43 to Jul 44 he served oversees with 2 NZEF in the PACIFIC, holding appointments as 2 IC Fld Amb NECAL, later at 4 NZ Gen Hosp, and from Jun to Jul 44 as OC 2 NZ Conv Depot. On return to NEW ZEALAND he was appointed SMO Papakura Mobilization Camp, where he served from Sep to Nov 44, and was then reposted to 2 NZEF and appointed OC Troops HS MAUNGANUI, which appointment he has held to date. Since 1941 the services of this officer have been most valuable in the interests of sick and wounded in NEW ZEALAND, in the PACIFIC and on the "MAUNGANUI", including the seven months during which this Hospital Ship functioned as Advanced Gen Hosp with the British Pacific Fleet. His efficiency, administrative ability, tact and devotion to duty contributed greatly to general contentment and confidence of the patients and the good team spirit of the staff on the Hospital Ship."