EXPLOITS ON NISSAN

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 63, 15 March 1944, Page 3

EXPLOITS ON NISSAN

COURAGE UNDER FIRE MEMBERS OF THIRD DIVISION N.Z.E.F. Official War Correspondent SOUTH PACIFIC BASE, Mar. 13. Many stories of fortitude and courage emerged from the final action on Nissan Island by units of the Third New Zealand Division when they cleared out a nest of over 60 Japanese and ended organised resistance there by the enemy. Particularly good work was performed by Sergeant G. H. Reesby, of Christchurch, who took command of a platoon during the final stages of the assault. "He did as fine a job in commanding that platoon as I have ever seen," said Major A. B. Bullen, who commanded the final, assault.

Many of the men told stories of Private R. T. Richards, of Christchurch, a machine-gunner, who threw caution to the wind as he hurled hand grenades into the enemy area. He had approached within close range in the final stages and thrown at least a dozen grenades when one of his thumbs was taken off by a sniper's bullet. In the security of their bivouacs the men laughed over the exploits of a Rarotongan, Private Pete Utanga, who has the admiration of his platoon. Dancing from tree to tree, he hurled' grenades as he advanced, following each grenade with a storm of abuse. His companions at times had to use force to hold him back. "His fighting blood was up," they said. "It was grand to see him in action." Although wounded .through the left side, Corporal G. B. Ironside, of Wellington, refused to give in. When his ammunition ran short he went back for further supplies "to clean them up." Corporal Ironside had to be forcefully removed from the scene so that his wound could be dressed. These are but a few of the examples of the splendid spirit which prevails among the fighting troops of the Third Division.