World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Ashurst, New Zealand, he served as a Corporal in the 2nd Battalion Wellington Infantry Regiment, New Zealand Military Forces. On July 31, 1917 at La Bassee Ville, France, Corporal Andrew was 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, but on leading his men forward he encountered another machine-gun post which was holding up the advance of another company. He immediately attacked it, capturing the gun and killing several of the crew. He then continued with his attack on the original objective and finally captured the post, killing a number of the enemy. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was promoted Sergeant and awarded the Victoria Cross on September 4, 1917. Remaining in the Army, he served in World War II as a Colonel in command of the 22nd Battalion in the North African Campaign. He retired from active service as a Brigadier General of the Central Military District New Zealand, in 1952. He died at age 71 in Palmerston North, New Zealand.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Ashurst, New Zealand, he served as a Corporal in the 2nd Battalion Wellington Infantry Regiment, New Zealand Military Forces. On July 31, 1917 at La Bassee Ville, France, Corporal Andrew was 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, but on leading his men forward he encountered another machine-gun post which was holding up the advance of another company. He immediately attacked it, capturing the gun and killing several of the crew. He then continued with his attack on the original objective and finally captured the post, killing a number of the enemy. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was promoted Sergeant and awarded the Victoria Cross on September 4, 1917. Remaining in the Army, he served in World War II as a Colonel in command of the 22nd Battalion in the North African Campaign. He retired from active service as a Brigadier General of the Central Military District New Zealand, in 1952. He died at age 71 in Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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