The Memorial Cross issued to the next-of-kin of John David Austin Chettleburgh, who was killed in action during the attack on Ruweisat Ridge on 15th July 1942.

 

John Chettleburgh was born at Port Chalmers, Dunedin in 1920, son of John and Clara Selina Lillian Chettelburgh (née Austin). At the time of his enlistment for service in the 2nd NZEF he was working as a salesman in Dunedin. He initially embarked with 30 Battalion for service in Fiji, but returned to New Zealand and embarked with the 5th Reinforcements in 1941. Details of his service are unknown as his service file has not been obtained by the vendor.

 

It is unknown when Chettleburgh lost his life - whether during the attack in the early hours of 15th July, or during the subsequent armoured German counter-attacks which occured throughout the daylight hours. Of note, this is the action where Charles Upham, also of 20 Battalion, performed the deeds which saw the award of a Bar to his Victoria Cross in 1945. John Chettleburgh lies in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.

 

The cased Memorial Cross is officially engraved 14066 Pte J.D.A. CHETTLEBURGH