Auckland accountant Spencer Boscawen enlisted for service with the New Zealand Field Artillery on 19 September 1914. His services on the Somme (Delville Wood), at Messines and at Passchendaele were commended and he was twice mentioned in despatches and received the Belgium Croix de Guerre. He served a total of 4 years and 120 days of which 4 years and 67 days were served overseas.

Citations:

Mentioned in Despatches: London Gazette 1 June 1917, p5429, Rec no 609

Operations from 20th September 1916 to 26th February 1917. At Delville Wood displayed courage and devotion to duty during operations from 15th to 30th September, especially on two occasions when the Officers Commanding had become casualties. He commanded the battery from 25th to 30th September in a most capable manner, and on several occasions, when acting as F.O.O. and Liaison officer, sent in most useful reports. He was with his battery continuously from 15th to 30th September during a most trying period and by his cheerfulness and devotion to duty kept his men well together and instilled confidence at rather critical times when being heavily shelled.

Mentioned in Despatches: London Gazette 28 December 1917, p13575, Rec no 1242

February 26th to September 20th, 1917. For consistent good work as a Battery Officer and in the Divisional Ammunition Column. When his Battery Commander was killed he took command and for several days handled the Battery in difficult circumstances with great ability and bravery. Has a high sense of duty and is very conscientious.

Croix de Guerre (Belgium): London Gazette 5 April 1919, p4528 Rec no 2857

For consistent good work and devotion to duty during his service with the New Zealand Division from April 1915 up to the recent operation. He particularly distinguished himself during the Messines and Passchendaele operations when he was in charge of ammunition dumps. Under his direction ammunition supply has never failed.