George David King
Born 19 Mar 1922
- Service number
- 800816 AWMM
- Also known as
- —
- Armed force / branch
- Army AWMM
- Last rank
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- War
- World War II, 1939-1945 AWMM
Images
Documents
About birth
- Birth
- 19 Mar 1922 AWMM
- Date of birth
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- Place of birth
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- Birth notes
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- Address before enlistment
- Unknown AWMM Taumarunui, New Zealand AWMM
- Post war occupation
- Worked on the Whakamaru dam before moving back to Taumarunui where he lived until passing away 2002Public - John - Other relative - 14 May 2017 - Family oral history
- Next of kin
- Mrs R. King (mother), Taumarunui, New Zealand AWMM
- Relationship status
- Pre 21 Jul 1943 AWMM Single AWMM
Wars and conflicts
- War
- World War II, 1939-1945 AWMM
- Campaign
- —
- Armed force / branch
- Army AWMM
- Service number
- 800816 AWMM
- Military service
- —
- Promotions/ Postings/ Transfers
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Military decorations
- Medals and Awards
- Military Medal (MM) AWMM
28 Jun 1945 AWMM
"During action on the morning of 12 October 1944, L/Cpl. Commanded a section detailed to attack a very heavily fortified strongpoint on Baldona River. Under heavy shelling and against severe Spandau fire, he led his men with dash and determination until, by his skilful tactics, the objective was captured, several of the enemy being killed and many taken prisoner. Realising the enemy held another strongpoint beyond, which dominated and threatened this objective and acting on his own initiative, he led his men in another attack which met with strong enemy resistance, during which he was severely wounded. His section being pinned, he went forward, recced and attacked with renewed vigour from another direction, thus capturing this second objective. He refused to be evacuated but continued to consolidate his objective, remaining with his men weill after the action, when his condition became worse whereupon he had to leave. Throughout all previous actions L/Cp/. King has shown initiative, devotion to duty and gallantry of the highest order, and the success of his men in this action was due to his skill and inspiring leadership. (London Gazette 28/6/1945 (P)) The National Archives. Recommendation for Award for King, George David. (Ref. WO 373/12/446). Military Medal. 28 Jun 1945" AWMM - War Medal 1939-1945 AWMM
- New Zealand War Service Medal AWMM
- Military Medal (MM) AWMM
Training and Enlistment
- Military training
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- Branch Trade Proficiency
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- Enlistment
- WW2 Unknown AWMM Mill hand/Civilian AWMM
- Age on enlistment
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- Occupation before enlistment
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Embarkations
- Embarkation details
- WW2 Vessel was Nieuw Amsterdam AWMM Private AWMM 28 (Maori) Battalion AWMM Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force AWMM
Prisoner of war
- Capture details
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- Days interned
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- Liberation date
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- POW liberation details
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- Liberation Repatriation
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- POW serial number
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Medical history
- Medical notes
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Last known rank
- Last rank
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- Last rank
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Biographical information
- Lance Corporal G. D. King, MM; Taumarunui; born Taringamotu, 19 Mar 1922; millhand; twice wounded. (Source: Cody, J.F. 28 Maori Battalion. p.425.)
'The troops crossed the start line at a quarter to six in the morning (12 October) and reached the first halt line, the Rio Baldona, an hour later without much trouble, with no casualties and with eleven prisoners. One newcomer to the battalion, with more enthusiasm than discretion, shot up the cemetery in passing but was gently reproved by his platoon sergeant: ‘You shoot at live Jerries, Arthur, not dead ones.’
The 23rd Battalion, which owing to the winding of the Baldona had much further to go, was not far behind.
While this movement was in progress the enemy blew sky high the Sant' Angelo bridge over the Rio Baldona but showed no intention of vacating the village itself. There were more strong-points near C Company prepared to defend the Baldona stream and the troops had a bad time from them and from guns and mortars further back. Lance-Corporal G. D. King took his section forward to quieten the fire, which had cost nine casualties since the company had halted on the Baldona. He stalked a spandau post and killed most of the occupants, only to find that the position was dominated by another post. King was wounded but able to carry on, and he led his section to a flank and rushed the second post. He stayed with his section for some hours but had finally to give in and be evacuated. In due course the award of an immediate MM was announced.' (Source: Cody, J.F. 28 Maori Battalion. p. 425.; Kay, R. Italy Volume II : From Cassino to Trieste. p. 258.) AWMM
About death
- Death
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- Date of death
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- Age at death
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- Place of death
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- Cause of death
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- Death notes
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- Cemetery
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- Cemetery name
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- Grave reference
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- Obituary
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- Memorial name
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- Memorial reference
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Memorial
- Memorial name
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Sources
- External links
- 28th Maori Battalion Website 1941-1945
http://www.28maoribattalion.org.nz/
Further Reference - Cody, J. (1956). 28 (Maori) Battalion. Wellington: Dept. of Internal Affairs, War History Branch. Digital copy.
https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/webarchive/20210104000423/http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-WH2Maor.html
Further Reference - 'The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.' (London Gazette, 28 June 1945, p.3380.). Military Medal.
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37151/supplements/3380
Further Reference - The National Archives. Recommendation for Award for King, George David. (Ref. WO 373/12/446). Military Medal.
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=D7354523
Further Reference
- 28th Maori Battalion Website 1941-1945
- References
- Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force. (1945). Nominal Roll Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force No. 12 (Embarkations from 1st July, 1943 to 31st December, 1943). Wellington, N.Z.: Govt. Printer.
WW2 12: WW2 106 - Cody, J. (1956). 28 (Maori) Battalion. Wellington, N.Z.: Department of Internal Affairs, War History Branch.
p.425. - Kay, R. (1967). Italy. Volume 2. From Cassino to Trieste. Dept. of Internal Affairs, Historical Publications Branch, Wellington, N.Z.
p.258.
- Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force. (1945). Nominal Roll Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force No. 12 (Embarkations from 1st July, 1943 to 31st December, 1943). Wellington, N.Z.: Govt. Printer.
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