FUTURE OF A V.C. WINNER

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 247, 18 October 1941, Page 6

FUTURE OF A V.C. WINNER

AUCKLAND this week had the honour of a visit by a man whose name is on every New Zealander's lips, a man whose gallantry has been extolled, with exceptional enthusiasm, in London, where they have reason to have become connoisseurs of gallantry. l For his "most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty," in the words of the citation, but also for "the most outstanding and inspiring qualities of leadership, initiative, skill and endurance," he was awarded the Victoria Cross. New Zealanders, young and old, are proud of him. But what follows? What is to be the future of Sergei A.JO. Hulme, V.C.? Less than three months ago New Zealanders were elated by the news that another gallant son, Sergeant-Pilot Ward, had won. the "Victoria Cross. To-day it is officially acknowledged that he is "believed killed." There are many people who deeply regretthatafterthe service which culminated in his remarkable feat of cool gallantry he was not transferred (though probably it would have been against his wish) to other duties, preferably back to New Zealand. But what of Sergeant Hulme? Here is a man whose officers, Junior and sehio*;'have testified in most impressive terms, not only to His courage, but to the inspiring effects of his actions. The effect on all the men of his unit, said his brigadier, was "incalculable, and he at once became almost legendary." On another occasion, said a lieutenant in his battalion, his initiative inspired his semi-exhausted comrades to a spirited resistance -which repelled an attack that , threatened the line of retreat Of the brigade. Now he finds himself In New Zealand, where there are many thousands of other soldiers, nearly all of whom have had no experience Whatever of modern warfare. Such a man, with his proven qualities of inspiring leadership and a record which speaks so eloquently, could play a valuable part in the military effort in the Dominion. The public will Walt to hearTthat he lis to be enabled to do so.