Harry Laurent, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

Harry Laurent

Recipient of the Victoria Cross

Date of Birth: 15-Apr-1895

Place of Birth: Taranaki Region, New Zealand

Date of Death: 09-Dec-1987

Profession: military personnel

Nationality: New Zealand

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Harry John Laurent, VC (15 April 1895 – 9 December 1987) was a New Zealand recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Born in Tarata, Laurent was a grocer's assistant when he volunteered in May 1915 to serve in the First World War with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF).
He was posted to the 2nd Battalion of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade and from 1916 served on the Western Front.
It was on 12 September 1918, during an engagement that followed the Second Battle of Bapaume, that he performed the actions that led to him being honoured with the VC.
He ended the war as a second lieutenant.
Discharged from the NZEF, he returned to civilian life but was recalled to active duty during the Second World War and was involved in the Home Guard.
He was the last surviving New Zealand VC winner of the First World War at the time of his death in 1987.