Edward William Santi

In memoriam

New Zealand Artillery, Military Service Number 20311

On attestation, Edward was a Tinsmith. He received the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) . "Bombardier Santi was a gunlayer throughout the action on No. 3 gun. In this action at Thermoplane this gun was the most forward 25 pounder and was acting in the a/tk role. During the attack by German guns on the afternoon of 24 April 1941, by his skill at laying and extreme coolness in action Bdr Santi destroyed nine tanks. The gun was shelled by tanks and continually bombed and machine-gunned by 'planes'. When all the ammunition had been expended, orders to withdraw were received. The gun crew prepared to destroy the gun by firing it with a long lanyard. They retired to the end of the lanyard and pulled it out but the gun failed to fire. Bdr Santi went back to the gun under fire and refixed the lanyard, then came back and fired it. He then went back to the gun again and made sure it was destroyed before thinking of his own safety. These actions were witnessed by 2nd Lieutenant Parkes who was Section Comd and in charge of No. 3 gun during the action." Medals: - 1939-1945 Star - Africa Star - Defence Medal - War Medal 1939-1945 - New Zealand War Service Medal

Locația mormântului