Lot Essay
Just four D.C.M., M.M. combinations to the New Zealand Military Forces in the 1939-45 War.
D.C.M. London Gazette 22.7.1943. Recommendation states 'In the vicinity of Enfidaville on the night of 24-25 April 1943, Warrant Officer Lock was Company Sergeant-Major of a Company which attacked and captured Terhouna Ridge. During the consolidation the Company Commander was mortally wounded and Warrant Officer Lock took command of the Company temporarily. As the main route to the Company was under fire, Warrant Officer Lock reconnoitred an alternative route back to the Battalion, advised them the Company was consolidating on their objective and then guided the supporting arms to the Company area where he handed over to the Senior Platoon Commander who had reported to Company H.Q. at the request of Warrant Officer Lock. The following morning, as one of the forward Platoons had not reported their consolidation, Warrant Officer Lock, on his own initiative, set out to try and locate them. He had proceeded some distance forward over open ground when he was fired on by an enemy machine-gun post. He successfully withdrew and later, in a Bren-Carrier, again went forward and contacted the missing Platoon which had been isolated in their area by enemy fire. Throughout the whole operation this Non-Commissioned Officer's personal courage and coolness were an example to everyone and his initiative and determination were largely responsible for the successful consolidation and defence of Terhouna Ridge. During all operations in which this Battalion has taken part, Warrant Officer Lock has performed with outstanding ability and courage, carrying out his duties without regard for personal safety and often assisting others where the firing was heaviest'.
M.M. London Gazette 14.10.1943. Recommendation states 'Sergeant Lock was with the 26th Battalion from its inception, taking part in all Campaigns in which the Battalion was involved. In every action he showed outstanding coolness under fire and devotion to duty. At Miryiria on the night of 23 October 1942, Sergeant Lock was Provost Sergeant and members of this section were responsible for marking with lights the starting line for the Battalion and lighting the minefield gap. All his section became casualties and although wounded, Sergeant Lock finished the job alone, thus enabling the much needed supporting arms to reach the Battalion. When the Regimental Aid Post arrived, he assisted with the wounded and was evacuated only under protest. He rejoined the Battalion at Norfillia and from that time showed unequalled coolness and initiative which contributed largely to the success of the operations in which his Company was involved'.
Mention in Despatches London Gazette 24.6.1943.
Captain Albert Ronald George Lock, D.C.M., M.M., was born at Masterton, New Zealand in January 1916 and a builder by profession prior to enlistment. Embarked with the 3rd Echelon, 2nd N.Z.E.F. in August 1940, Lock was 'wounded in the face when a captured enemy Gunner threw a grenade at him' in his M.M. winning exploits at El Alamein. Commissioned in August 1944, he saw brief service with the Army of Occupation in Japan before being posted to the Reserve in October 1946. Lock was placed on the Retired List as a Captain in August 1954.
D.C.M. London Gazette 22.7.1943. Recommendation states 'In the vicinity of Enfidaville on the night of 24-25 April 1943, Warrant Officer Lock was Company Sergeant-Major of a Company which attacked and captured Terhouna Ridge. During the consolidation the Company Commander was mortally wounded and Warrant Officer Lock took command of the Company temporarily. As the main route to the Company was under fire, Warrant Officer Lock reconnoitred an alternative route back to the Battalion, advised them the Company was consolidating on their objective and then guided the supporting arms to the Company area where he handed over to the Senior Platoon Commander who had reported to Company H.Q. at the request of Warrant Officer Lock. The following morning, as one of the forward Platoons had not reported their consolidation, Warrant Officer Lock, on his own initiative, set out to try and locate them. He had proceeded some distance forward over open ground when he was fired on by an enemy machine-gun post. He successfully withdrew and later, in a Bren-Carrier, again went forward and contacted the missing Platoon which had been isolated in their area by enemy fire. Throughout the whole operation this Non-Commissioned Officer's personal courage and coolness were an example to everyone and his initiative and determination were largely responsible for the successful consolidation and defence of Terhouna Ridge. During all operations in which this Battalion has taken part, Warrant Officer Lock has performed with outstanding ability and courage, carrying out his duties without regard for personal safety and often assisting others where the firing was heaviest'.
M.M. London Gazette 14.10.1943. Recommendation states 'Sergeant Lock was with the 26th Battalion from its inception, taking part in all Campaigns in which the Battalion was involved. In every action he showed outstanding coolness under fire and devotion to duty. At Miryiria on the night of 23 October 1942, Sergeant Lock was Provost Sergeant and members of this section were responsible for marking with lights the starting line for the Battalion and lighting the minefield gap. All his section became casualties and although wounded, Sergeant Lock finished the job alone, thus enabling the much needed supporting arms to reach the Battalion. When the Regimental Aid Post arrived, he assisted with the wounded and was evacuated only under protest. He rejoined the Battalion at Norfillia and from that time showed unequalled coolness and initiative which contributed largely to the success of the operations in which his Company was involved'.
Mention in Despatches London Gazette 24.6.1943.
Captain Albert Ronald George Lock, D.C.M., M.M., was born at Masterton, New Zealand in January 1916 and a builder by profession prior to enlistment. Embarked with the 3rd Echelon, 2nd N.Z.E.F. in August 1940, Lock was 'wounded in the face when a captured enemy Gunner threw a grenade at him' in his M.M. winning exploits at El Alamein. Commissioned in August 1944, he saw brief service with the Army of Occupation in Japan before being posted to the Reserve in October 1946. Lock was placed on the Retired List as a Captain in August 1954.