The AIF Project

Recommendation date: "11 August 1918

Recommendation date: 29 August 1918"

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In an attack on a village his company came under close range machine gun fire, all the officers becoming casualties and the men somewhat disorganized. This N.C.O. took command and rallied them in the face of heavy machine gun fire, pressing on to the objective. On the way he located and rushed a machine gun post single handed, shooting the crew and capturing the post. Throughout his judgment and coolness were conspicuous.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 36
Date: 14 March 1919

'During Operations at BELLICOURT and NAUROY 29th/30th September and 1st October 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty whilst acting as C.S.M. of 'C' Company. During the attack on the Sugar Factory at NAUROY on 1st October his Company was held up by very heavy rifle and Machine Gun fire. Sergeant McKENZIE organised and skilfully led forward a party of men under very heavy rifle, Machine Gun and artillery fire and successfully attacked a number of enemy snipers, who were causing many casualties amongst our men. By disposing of these he was the means of saving many casualties in the further advance of his Company. Throughout the whole of the three days operations his bravery and devotion to duty was an example to all. As Sergeant Major of the Company, which was working with only one Officer, his bravery very materially assisted in the re-organisation and consolidation, which was so successfully carried out. This N.C.O. has at all times performed similar work.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919