STORY OF GREAT SOLDIER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 193, 15 August 1936, Page 3 (Supplement)

STORY OF GREAT SOLDIER.

Lord Allenby's love of children is often recalled by a family who knew liim in France during the war.

When he and his staff were billeted in a chateau 011 the Soinme he would often play with the grandchildren of hks hostess, some of whom were refugees from ruined towns. His special friend was six-year-old Hubert Gros, descendant of Baron Gros, the famous French painter.

General Allenby used to perch Hubert on his foot and say "Bide a cock horse to Banbury Cross" as lie jigged him up and down-

When Lord Allenby went to Palestine in 1917 he found time during the campaign to write him several delightful letters. His friendship with the little French boy may have been of some comfort to him, for in the year he left Franco his only son was killed in action.

Hubert, grown up now and living at Calais, still treasures the letters. His family moved there because their pretty houso at Montdidier was pounded to dust by shells, not a shred of their furniture being left.

Hubert's grandmother proudly shows to visitors tlie 0.13. E. given to her by the British Government 111 recognition of her hospitality to King George and to many British officers.