File:Sergeant R.C. Travis VC, DCM, MM (50057013711).jpg

TITLE: Sergeant R.C. Travis VC, DCM, MM ARTIST: Richard A. Wallwork MEDIUM/SUPPORT: Oils on canvas DIMENSIONS: 1218 x 858mm

Richard Travis 9/523 received a posthumous Victoria Cross (VC) for his actions at Rossignol Wood on 24 July 1918. He was killed by shellfire the next day.

The citation published in the 27 September 1918 London Gazette reads as follows:

"For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. During “surprise” operations it was necessary to destroy an impassable wire block. Sergeant Travis, regardless of all personal danger, volunteered for this duty. Before zero hour, in broad daylight, and in close proximity to enemy posts, he crawled out and successfully destroyed the block with bombs, thus enabling the attacking parties to pass through. A few minutes later a bombing party of the right of the attack was held up by two enemy machine-guns, and the success of the whole operation was in danger. Perceiving this, Sergeant Travis, with great gallantry and utter disregard of danger, rushed the position, killed the crew and captured the guns. An enemy officer and three men immediately rushed at him from a bend in the trench and attempted to retake the guns. These four he killed single-handed, thus allowing the bombing party, on which much depended, to advance. The success of the operation was almost entirely due to the heroic work of this gallant non-commissioned officer, and to the vigour with which he made and used opportunities for inflicting casualties on the enemy. He was killed twenty-four hours later when, under a most intense bombardment prior to an enemy counter-attack, he was going from post to post encouraging the men."

The portrait above forms part of the National Collection of War Art. Artist Richard Wallwork was born in England in 1882. He taught art at Canterbury College School of Art from 1911 to 1927, and was the Director of that institution from 1927 to 1946. Wallwork was commissioned to paint portraits of Victoria Cross recipients after the First World War.

More information about the National Collection of War Art can be found on our website: <a href="https://archives.govt.nz/discover-our-stories/war-art" rel="noreferrer nofollow">archives.govt.nz/discover-our-stories/war-art</a>

Archives New Zealand reference: AAAC 898 Box 85 NCWA 455 <a href="https://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=22498072" rel="noreferrer nofollow">www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=22498072</a>