The scarce Distinguished Conduct Medal and 1914/15 Star trio awarded to 8/2790 George James Nesbit, who was wounded on the Somme and awarded the DCM for gallantry in 1918.

 

George Nesbit was born 9th June 1894 at Nelson, New Zealand. Son of Charles Frederick and Jemima Nesbit (née Gardiner). He had served with H Battery, NZ Field Artillery prior to enlisting in the NZEF in 1915. Nesbit embarked with the 6th Reinforcements, Otago Infantry Battalion and joined his unit at Sarpi Camp on Lemnos in October 1915. He does not appear to have landed on Gallipoli, which was evacuated two months later. Nesbit transferred to the Western Front in April 1916, and during the Battle of the Somme in September 1916 he suffered a leg wound and was evacuated to the UK. He did return to his unit in France until April 1918. During October 1918 Nesbit displayed remarkable gallantry on a number of occasions. The recommendation for the subsequent award of the DCM stating: "For marked gallantry during active operations from 1st October onwards, particularly on 23rd October 1918, near Vertignuel, as company runner. He first accompanied a reconnoitring party, and under heavy machine-gun fire he carried back information to his company commander which enabled the company to assemble successfully. Throughout the day he continually carried messages, under heavy fire, from his company headquarters to the leading platoon commander".

 

After the war Nesbit returned to his native Nelson, where he raised a family of seven children with his wife, Eva. He died at Nelson on 12th October 1966.

 

The DCM is impressed 8-2790 Pte G. J. NESBIT. I / OTACO R. (note the use of a C in OTAGO) and the trio is all correctly impressed 8/2780 PTE. G.J. NESBIT. N.Z.E.F.

 

 

Service File Held at Archives New Zealand