Leslie Wilton ANDREW
VC DSO
N.Z. VC No.
6
Global No. 849
Born:
Died:
Military Service:
Enlisted:
Disharged:
Units:
VC Action
VC Rank:
Final Rank:
Other Awards:
Other:
23 Mar 1897, Ashurst, Manawatu, N.Z.
8 Jan 1969, Palmerston North, Manawatu, N.Z.
Territorial Force 1913-15
New Zealand Expeditionary Force 1915-19
(Western Front)
New Zealand Staff Corps 1919-39
2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force 1939- (Middle East, Greece, Crete, North Africa)
Oct 1915
1919
2nd Battalion, Wellington Infantry Regiment (1915-19 VC)
Highland Light Infantry (1927-29)
1st Wellington Regiment (1929-37)
22nd Battalion (1940-42)
26 Jul 1917, La Basseville, France
Corporal
Brigadier
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Youngest NZEF VC
MINI BIO
Leslie grew up in Wanganui, and was educated at Wanganui Collegiate. After leaving school he worked as a clerk for the New Zealand Railways Department.
He participated in the cadet program while at school, later joining the Territorial Force.
By 1915, he had been promoted to Sergeant and had sat the necessary exams to become a commissioned officer in the Territorials.
He volunteered for the NZEF in Oct 15, falsifying his age so that he could serve overseas.
He was wounded in 1916 and in 1918 showed great courage and valour which saw him receive a VC.
While in England following the war he married Bessie Mead Ball of Nottingham in 1918. They had five children, one dying in infancy.
Continuing his military career after the war, he served in several administrative positions in the NZ Staff Corps. On an exchange programme in the late 1920s he served in the Highland Light Infantry in British India. Returning to NZ, was promoted, and with the
outbreak of World War II was involved in the training of soldiers under his command in the 22nd Battalion. He led the 22nd as Commander in Greece, Crete and early phases of the North African campaign.
Acting as temporary commander of the 5th Infantry Brigade, he took part in major desert actions and in 1942 was awarded the DSO for outstanding leadership of the brigade. On return to NZ, relinquishing command of the 22nd Battalion, was promoted to Colonel and commanded the Wellington Fortress Area for the rest of the war.
Commanding the New Zealand contingent at the 1946 Victory Parade (London), he was then promoted to Brigadier in 1948 and appointed commander of the Central Military District.
Brigadier Andrew retired in 1952. He was invited to run for Parliament but declined.
LONDON GAZETTE
No. 30272
4 September 1917
For most conspicuous bravery when in charge of a small party in an attack on the enemy's position. His objective was a machine-gun post which had been located in an isolated building. On leading his men forward he encountered unexpectedly a machine-gun post which was holding up the advance of another company; he immediately attacked, capturing the machine gun and killing several of the crew. He then continued the attack on the machine gun post which had been his original objective. He displayed great skill and determination in his disposition, finally capturing the post, killing several of the enemy and putting the remainder to flight. Cpl. Andrew's conduct throughout was unexampled for cool daring, initiative, and fine leadership, and his magnificent example was a great stimulant to his comrades.
