Lance Sergeant A. W. Willis, MM; Invercargill; born Riverton, 6 Sep 1918; carpenter; wounded 18 Dec 1943. (Source: Cody, J.F. NZ Engineers, Middle East. p.454.)

'Meanwhile, time was passing fast. CSM Matthews, who was waiting in the OC's jeep, heard the noise of transport on the 26 Battalion route while 1 Platoon was still under fire, called up Brigade, and suggested that 24 Battalion's support weapons should be routed up 26 Battalion's track.

When Pemberton returned to 1 Platoon about 4 a.m. he found one Scorpion still working. The other had lost a track, both commanders were wounded, and those remaining in No. 1 Platoon were under heavy fire. A party was sent on foot to 24 Battalion headquarters to advise the battalion commander to send guides to 26 Battalion to meet his support weapons, and the battered platoon was withdrawn.

Before moving over to 5 Brigade it remains to be recorded that Sapper Willis, who drove the OC's jeep, turned it into an ambulance and carried the wounded who could not walk out to the RAP. The jeep was damaged by mortar fire and a tyre punctured, but Willis effected repairs, changed the tyre and carried on. Both he and Corporal Quinn, who had done sterling work that night and in earlier engagements, were awarded Military Medals. Lance Sergeant A. W. Willis, MM; Invercargill; born Riverton, 6 Sep 1918; carpenter; wounded 18 Dec 1943.
' (Source: Cody, J.F. NZ Engineers, Middle East. pp. 454.) AWMM