V.C. HEROES.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 16078, 7 December 1917, Page 5

V.C. HEROES.

BRAVERY OF A SCOTTISH OFFICER. ■ LONDON.; November 2G. The "London Gazette", announces the award of 20 new Victoria Crosses. The recipients include five Australians, one South African, and one Canadian.' Tho stories of heroism are nearly all-so remarkable that differentiation is a difficulty. The following may be taken as amongst the finest examples:— Acting - Lieu'fcenant-Colonol 'Lewis Pugh Evans, D.5.0., of the Royal Highlanders. He was in command of the Lincolns, and was awarded the cross for the most conspicuous bravery and leadership. Lieutenant-Colonel Evans took his battalion in perfect order through a terrific enemy barrage. He personally formed up all the units and Jed them to the assault. While a strong machine-gun emplacement was causing casualties and the troops were working round the flank Evans rushed it himself, and by firing a revolver through a loophole forced the garrison to capitulate. After capturing the first objective he was severely wounded in the shoulder, but he refused to have his injuries bandaged, and re-formed his troops. He pointed out all the future objectives, and again led his troops forward. He was again badly wounded, but nevertheless continued to command until the second objectivo had been won. After consolidating the position he collapsed from loss of blood. As there were numerous casualties he refused assistance, and by his own efforts ultimately roached the dressing station. His example of cool bravery stimulated in all ranlss the highest valour and determination to win. THE COOL SERGEANT. Sergeant "William Francis Durman, of a Rifle Brigade, when, the advance of his company was held up by an enemy machine-gun firing at point-blank range, shouted to the men next to him to wait for a few minutes. 13e forward alone to seemingly certain death, killed an enemy gunner, and carried the gun to the company's objective, where he subsequently used it with great effect. This exceptionally gallant deed assured the progress of -tie attack. A quarter of an hour later a battalion on tjie right being, impeded by an enemy party of about *40 men who were enfilading them. Sergeant Durman ran forward., got behind the enemy, killed six, and captured two officers and 29 men. DEEDS OF THE AUSTRALIANS. Sergeant John James Dwyer, in charge of a machine-gun. advanced with the first wave, reached the final objective, and placed his gun in an advanced captured position. Noticing an enemy machine-gun firing on the flank, he rushed his gun to within 30 yards and fired point-blank. H e put the enemy's gun out of action, killing ■ the crew. Dwyer then seized the gun, carried it back across 'the shell-swept ground, and established it and his own gun. repulsing a counter-attack.. Next day the position was heavily shelled. Dwyer's gun .was blown up bv shell fire. He led his gun team back through the barrage, secured a reserve gun, and returned immediately. During the whole attack his contempt for danger, courage, and cheerfulness raised all spirits. Sergeant Lewis McGee led his platoon with great dash and braveiy in the faco of shell-fire and machine-gun fire, from a pillbox, which was holding ■up.the advanfQ^j^cGee^wgledbMded,.

and armed only with, a revolver, rushed the post, shot some of the crew, and captured the remainder. 'Ho reorganised his platoon, and continued in the foremost position during the advance. McOee subsequently was killed in action. Corporal Walter Peeler, with a Lewis £un accompanying the first assault, rushed a shell-hole from which snipers were firing. He accounted for nine Germans. Peeler twice repeated bis performance. He also located - and killed a machine-gunner, and pursued the remainder of 'the gun crew* Ho bombed them from a dugout, and aci counted for ten. .Peeler actually aci counted for over 30 enemies. His "fearlessness and fine example ensured thesuccess of the attacks. Private Bugden. on two-occasions, in the face of devastating machinorgu n fire, led small parties to attack strong-ly-defended pillboxes. They bombed and silenced the machine-guns, andcaptured the garrison at bayonet point. Again, when a 'corporal, was being led back a captive, Bugden shot one captor, bayonetted the remaining' ■ two, and released the corporal. Bugden five times rescued wounded men;under intense, fire, showing an utter cajitempt .for danger. _ He was-always fßiemost in volunteering for dangerous missions. During the execution of one" of these this gallant soldier was killed. Private Reginald Roy Inwood, during the advance to the second. objective, passed through our barrage, and alone captured a strong-post,- killing several and capturing nine. He volunteered for a special night-long patrol. He went out 600 yards, and sent-back th© most valuable information. .Early on tho morning of September-21st Inwood went out alone and "located and bombed a machine-gun. -He killed the crew, and brought in one survivorvwith. the gun.