The Military Medal awarded to 2/1313 Anthony John Paterson, NZ Field Artillery for his bravery under fire while directing ammunition to his battery in October 1917.

 

Anthony Paterson was born 27th June 1897 at Palmerston North, New Zealand. Son of James George and Elizabeth Magdalen Paterson. At the time of his enlistment in December 1914 he was working as a butcher at Otahuhu, Auckland. He raised his age by three years to enlist, meaning he was only 17 when he signed up. Paterson landed on Gallipoli on 26th April with 4th (Howitzer) Battery, NZ Field Artillery and served throughout the entire campaign on the peninsula. He returned to Egypt following the evacuation in late December 1915.

 

Paterson transferred to the Western Front, and served virtually continuously over the next three years. At St. Julien in early October 1917 he was awarded the Military Medal: "For conspicuous coolness on the night 1st/2nd October, 1917 near St Julien. When engaged in the hurried delivery of ammunition to his battery in a new advanced position, and while under heavy enemy fire, he was indefatigable in straightening traffic blocks and ensuring the continuous handling of ammunition. His conduct undoubtedly helped to keep his party steady at work under very trying conditions."

By October 1918 Paterson had served in the field for over 3.5 years, but on 23rd October 1918 his luck ran out when he suffered a gunshoy wound to his thigh necessitating his evacuation to hospital and ending his active service. During WW2  he served with the 9th (Heavy) Battery, NZ Field Artillery at Tauranga and was awarded the 39/45 War Medal and NZ War Service Medal. He died 15th November 1964 at Tauranga.

 

The MM is correctly impressed 2-1313 GNR. A.J. PATERSON. 4 / BY: N.Z.F.A.

 

Service file held at Archives New Zealand