puttick fought in the battle of flers-courcelette in mid-september 1916 and was mentioned in despatches for his leadership and support of his battalion commander, colonel charles melvill, immediately following the battle. in december he temporarily commanded the 4th battalion while melvill was briefly commander of the 2nd infantry brigade. in june 1917 he had an extended period as temporary commander of the battalion when, during the battle of messines, melvill was promoted to command of the 1st infantry brigade following the death of its previous commander, brigadier general charles henry brown. puttick led the battalion through the battle of passchendaele until november 1917 at which time he was given command of the 3rd battalion, new zealand rifle brigade. late in the year he was again mentioned in despatches and on 1 january 1918, in recognition of his service in the previous six months, he was awarded the distinguished service order (dso).