D.C.M. HERO'S STORY.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15313, 29 July 1915, Page 10

D.C.M. HERO'S STORY.

— « TALE OF A NOTABLB EXPLOIT.

"I THINK I WAS -MAD." A letter was received i« Chri*toh«rch yesterday by his sister from Sergeant W. Rodger, of the Canterbury Infantry Battalion, who has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal lor gallantry on the field. In his letter Sergeant Rodger mentions an exploit in which he took a part, and though he modestly does uot say much about it. it was piobabiy this which led to his receiving the distinction. The letter, which is dat<d June lltn. snys, inter alia: — One night, a fortnight ago last Friday, we noticed by tho tiring that things wore more lively than usual, and at 8.30 next morning our regiment was I ordered up to relievo at the trenches. 1 Tho first thing: that u'e saw was a heap of dead Turks, and we learnt that the Turks had tunnelled under our trenches and blown a part up. At this place only a dozen yards separated- the trenches. They rushed the trench and <rot in. but the Australians got to them, and very few got out alive. We took our places in the trench on Saturday night, and were, there until we were relieved la.st Thursday. In front of the trench I counted over 20 dead Turks, and one was wounded but the Turks would not go out for him. although we would have allowed them. The trenches were so closo that we threw 1 tombs at eac:i other. The dead bodies smell, and it is a bit unpleasant. We have to keen very alert, for it takes only a few seconds for each side to reach the other. The intervening ground is fewopt by bullets. VOLUNTEERS CALLED FOR. Volunteers were called for a week ago to storm the enemy's trenches, and I offered, although I cave myself little chance of getting there. We got $° men, and I had churgo of the rightparty of 15 men. We rushed out near midnight and overran their firo I trench and reached their support trench. Things were very lively there' until we settled them, and 1 got off with a slight .bayonet wound in my right side. lam quite satisfied my luck is in, for a Turk fired point-blank at mc, and how lie missed T do not know. We secured a number of prisoners and settled a good number of iothers. The whole thing would take a lot of telling, but I think I was mad. for all we thought of was their blood. Our officer was out on his own as a leader, and I am quite satisfied our company is well officered. My wound was only slight, and only wanted dressing, and now it is about healed up. FRASER'S DEATH AVENGED. "Ernie" Fraser. of the Sydenham Football Club, was with my party, and he went down. Fraser was a good man. W 0 wore alongside each other all the time, and the Turk who shot him never lived to say so, for I got him when he got up to tiro another shot. Ho was behind a -heap a few yards away, and I saw him bob up and fire. I waited fo r him, and when he showed again, f lot go. The Turks yell to "Allah," and our chaps swear, continues Sergeant Rodger. The Turks have no wish to wait for the bayonet, but prefer to fight us behind saudhags. but they will get dug out yet. They have great respect for tho colonialg every time. When we have a go they make off. TURKISH TRICKS. At Erst our chaps were not shrewd enough. The Turks would get out of their trenches and start to rush us. Our chaps would rush to meet them, and the Turks would jump back and open fire with machine-guns_ on our men. Wo are up to all their games now, and play the same tricks—and if they can do a thing we can do it. I suppose you have news of our casualties. New Zealand will have nothing to be ashamed of, for the men have done weir, and think more of their rations than bullets. It ie rather funny to hear the bullets whistling round and the chaps c hasing round after their tucker, far more concerned about getting food than bullets. The news of the honour conferred upon Sergeant Rodger was conveyed to his parents by tho following letter from the Hon.-James Allen, Minister of Defence :— "I have very much pleasure in informing you that I have received a cablegram from General Godley, the General Officer Commanding the Zealand Expeditionary Forces on Gallipolh advising that "his Majesty the King has graciously conferred the Distinguished Conduct Medal upon Sergeant W. Rodger.'' Sergeant Rodger enlisted for service on the first night of the call for men, arid was assigned to A Company, Canterbury Infantry Battalion. He hal been a keen volunteer for twelve years, and was in the Highland Rifles up to the time of the introduction of tho Territorial system. As a "sport," Seigeant Rodger was very prominent and well known. He was captain of the Christchurch Swimming Club foj- a number of years, and was also a prominent member of the Mori vale Football Club. He ~n s active in other branches of sport also.