Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

1st Battalion Otago Infantry Regiment, 1st New Zealand Infantry Brigade, New Zealand Division, New Zealand Military Forces

Awarded on:

December 11th, 1916

"For conspicuous gallantry in action. He organized and led a bombing party, thereby driving the enemy back and securing his left flank. Later, he organized the defense of the position with great skill at a critical time."

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

1st Battalion Otago Infantry Regiment, 2nd New Zealand Infantry Brigade, New Zealand Division, New Zealand Military Forces

Awarded on:

November 7th, 1918

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an advance. He commanded his battalion with marked ability. His tactical dispositions were excellent, and he secured and forwarded valuable information. Constantly in the front trenches he inspired all ranks with the keenest offensive spirit, and the uninterrupted success of the battalion operations were largely due to his fine personal leadership."

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

1st Battalion Otago Infantry Regiment, 2nd New Zealand Infantry Brigade, New Zealand Division, New Zealand Military Forces

Awarded on:

January 29th, 1919

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

Headquarters, 5th New Zealand Infantry Brigade, New Zealand Division, New Zealand Military Forces

Awarded on:

December 30th, 1941

"For devotion to duty, coolness, and tactical skill in command of 5 Infantry Brigade throughout the operations during which his brigade was almost continuously engaged.
On 21 and 22 May, he withdrew his brigade from exposed positions at MALEME under conditions of great difficulty. On 26th May, West of CANEA, he held his position in the face of repeated and severe air and ground attacks, restoring a dangerous situation by counter-attack. In the evening he withdrew his brigade with great skill to a covering position some miles in rear at the head of SUDA BAY and thereater fought a rear-guard action which was largely instrumental in securing the safe embarkation of our troops at SPHARKIA."

Received as bar on the ribbon of the first DSO he earned in WOI.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

Headquarters, 5th New Zealand Infantry Brigade, New Zealand Division, New Zealand Military Forces

Awarded on:

April 10th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

Headquarters, 5th New Zealand Infantry Brigade, New Zealand Division, New Zealand Military Forces

Awarded on:

October 8th, 1943

At 1A is an account of the escape from a Prisoner of War Camp in ITALY of: -

"This escape was very fine performance, and these two officers displayed courage, resource and determination of a very high order, both in the actual escape and also during the lengthy and arduous period of preparation,

I recommend Brig. MILES for a Bar to his D.S.O., and Brig. HARGEST for a second Bar to his D.S.O."

Hargest was one of only three men known to British Military Intelligence to have escaped from an Italian prisoner of war camp and make their way to another country prior to the armistice with Italy. DSO awarded for his Escape from Campo 12, Italy, to Switzerland; subsequent evasion from Switzerland via France to Spain.

Received as a second bar on the ribbon of the first DSO he earned in WOI.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

Headquarters, 5th New Zealand Infantry Brigade, New Zealand Division, New Zealand Military Forces

Awarded on:

October 14th, 1943

"For devotion to duty and inspiring leadership over a period of two and half years in Great Britain, Greece, Crete and Libya, Brigadier Fargest command the 5 NZ Brigade in Great Britain when his troops were in counter attack role for Dover. He also commanded this brigade in Greece, Crete and Libya up tot the time when his headquarters were overrun by enemy tanks near Sidi Azeiz on the 27 November. Brigadier Hargest was indefatigable in all he did, inspiring his command to the highest degree of efficiency. His ability in training and administration was of a very high order and his powers of command in action were beyond all praise."

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)