Arthur Plugge

Plugge's battalion arrived in Egypt on 3 December 1914 and from there were the first New Zealand troops to land at ANZAC Cove on 25 April 1915. Upon landing, Plugge positioned his battalion headquarters at the top of a hill just inshore from the Cove. The hill was consequently given the name Plugge's Plateau by the invading troops, and after the war, Plugge's Plateau Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery was established on the hilltop. During the day's action, Plugge was lightly wounded in the wrist by a shell fragment. He was wounded again a few weeks later on 8 May, during the Second Battle of Krithia.[5]

Plugge was evacuated to Malta for medical treatment, and here he contracted malaria which necessitated his transfer to England for treatment.[1] After recovering his health, he was returned to his command in Gallipoli, leading his battalion during the evacuation from the peninsula. He was mentioned in despatches and appointed to the Order of St Michael and St George in October 1915, for his services during the Gallipoli campaign.[6]

When the New Zealand Division was being formed in Egypt following the conclusion of the Gallipoli Campaign, Plugge was made commander of the 1st Auckland Infantry Battalion, which was part of the 1st New Zealand Infantry Brigade.[7] He went on to lead his battalion during the Battle of the Somme. In December 1916, following a reorganisation of the division, he was removed from his command by the divisional commander, Major General Andrew Russell. This was partly due to dissatisfaction with Plugge's performance,[8] and was also an attempt to address a high desertion rate amongst his battalion.[9] In light of his Gallipoli service, Plugge was not returned to New Zealand. Instead, he was allowed to remain with the division as its sports coordinator. It transpired that this was a role in which he excelled,[8] and he remained in the position until he was discharged from the NZEF on 18 June 1918.[10]