Staff Sergeant A. J. Duckworth, MM; Cambridge; born Rotorua, 9 Apr 1916; cheesemaker. (Source: Cody, J.F. NZ Engineers, Middle East. p.286.)

'Fifth Field Park Company, working about one and a half miles in front of 28 (Maori) Battalion, was fired on as the approaching 21 PaNew Zealander Division began the demonstration that should have been the cue for the opposition to depart. The sappers knew it was dangerous for men not fully practised to fuse mines and had heard what happens when a truckload of mines explodes.

‘It was in great measure due to the personal example and inspiring leadership of Major Anderson that the protective minefield was laid before the enemy attack reached the FDL's at Minqar Qaim on 27 June 42. Despite the intensity of the enemy shelling of his parties and the development of the attack, 4,000 mines were rapidly laid. Where the shelling was heaviest Major Anderson was to be seen, encouraging his men and he, himself, fusing mines.’

Sergeant Duckworth was a tower of strength to his Company Commander, for his calm manner inspired confidence in sappers working far beyond infantry protection. Both were later decorated with a DSO and MM respectively. Sergeant A. J. Duckworth, MM; Cambridge; born Rotorua, 9 Apr 1916; labourer.; Battle For Egypt - The action at this period is perhaps given better perspective by the phlegmatic manner in which it was treated by the engineers of the field companies and field park. They carried on to complete their minelaying across the Division's northern front and eastern flank. The steadfastness of the Field Park Company was especially meritorious, as minelaying was an unusual task for the unit and dangerous for men not fully trained in the work. Inspiring examples were set by Major Anderson, the company commander, and Sergeant Duckworth. Neither they nor their men were deterred even when a shell exploded a truck of mines, damaging other trucks and causing casualties.' (Source: Cody, J.F. NZ Engineers, Middle East. p. 286.; Scoullar, J. L. Battle for Egypt : The Summer of 1942. p. 88.) AWMM