DECORATED SOLDIERS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 228, 9 July 1941, Page 6

DECORATED SOLDIERS.

GALLANT DEEDS RECITED. (P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The citation in connection with- the award of decorations to New Zealand' soldiers says: Driver Burns Brown was a member or the long-range Desert group. This noncommissioned officer displayed exceptional gallantry and resource during a raid on Afurzuk oir January H, 1941. Ho commanded his vehicle most efficiently and maintained a Lewis gun action with coolness and with telling effect on the enemy. His example did much ’to kgep the patrol steady at a critical time when enemy five was causing casualties. Though wounded in the foot he remained at his .post. In an action at Gebel Sherif, south-west oi Kufra, on January 31, his coolness was instrumental in saving his vehicle and crew when subjected to a determined low-flying bombing and. machine-gun attack by enemy aircraft. Throughout all operations in Libya this N.C.O. held a responsible post of patrol navigator. Ho has shown the utmost devotion to duty. Corporal Browne is a member of tho Supply Column, N.Z.A.S.C. His award is for' consistent good work and devotion to duty. This soldier has been subjected to severe enemy bombing both at headquarters camp' and in forward areas. On no occasion has this impaired his devotion to duty, his efficiency, cheerfulness, or that trafi which puts him above the ordinary driver, namely ability under any circumstances or bad adversity to excel in the work in hand.

Trooper Mclnnes is a member of the Divisional Cavalry. This soldier was senior man in a two-inch mortar crew in action on Afurzuk on January 11. He worked his mortar to within. 400 yards of tho Italian fort and maintained it in action with tolling effect, causing the fort to catch fire. Although under fire from throe directions ho hold his position and continued to bomb the target until ordered to withdraw. His withdrawal from a dangerous position without casualty to the crow or the loss of any equipment while under close machine-gun fire- was a fine example m a soldier’s ability.

Corporal Aladignu, N.Z.F. This N.C.0., over tho period from Septemhei 19-10, to February ,19-11, destroyed or made safe upwards of 500 enemy “thermos” bombs and other bombs. His work was specially trying and of a, dangerous character, and his unremiting care and zeal ensured that Iris party did its work in the Western Desert of Libya without a single casualty,