THE FALLEN AND WOUNDED.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16273, 25 July 1918, Page 8

THE FALLEN AND WOUNDED.

PERSONAL NOTES

Corporal 6. D. Gregory, reported suffering from nephritis on July 13th, and since sent to hospital in England, is a son of Mrs M. A. Gregory, of the Metropolitan Private Hotel, Manchester street. Corporal Gregory was born in Christchuroh, and was educated partly at the Belfast school and partly, at St. Mary's, Manchester street. Prior to leaving with tho 27th Reinforcements he was employed as a clerk with Messrs Wright, Stephenson and Co. Asa footballer he played for Marists Old Boys. The latest letter received from Corporal 1 Gregory stated that he was attending a sniping school.

Corporal A. H. Stobo, who is reported to have died of sickness on Brockenhurst Hospital, England, was the second son of Mrs J. R. Stobo and the late Rev. A. H. Stobo./ of First Church, Invercargill. Previous to enlisting in one of the early reinforcements he was on the staff of the National Bank, Invercargill. Whilo in Trentham he was stricken with illness, , and he was eventually discharged as unfit for service. He then took employment with Messrs H. MacKenzie and Sons at Walter Peak station, and the mountain air soon restored his health-, and he re-enlisted and left with the 26th Reinforcements. He gained his stripes when" in camp, and, although of quiet disposition, was a popular non-com. After a good deal of fighting in France he was admitted to hospital suffering from pneumonia and pleurisy, and after battling hard for over a month he succumbed* on the 16th inst. Corporal Stobo was an enthusiastic oarsman, and was a member of the Invercargill Rowing Club.

Mr and Mrs Montagu, of Chesterfield, "West, Coast, have received the following letter from W. A. Bundle, of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, paying a tribute to the late .Sergeant Ellwctod Montagu,' whowas killed in action on April sth: "Lone ore this letter reaches you the sad news of your son's death will have been cabled to you, but I cannot resist the wish to write to you telling you of the deep esteem, indeed, affection, he was held in by his officers and the men under him. _ I had a 'conversation to-day with his platoon ■ officer—Mr Ray—and also saw some! members of the Lewis Gun Section that I be had charge of. He was exceedingly and worthily popular with all ranks, and Mr Ray tolls me ho would navo been recommended for a decoration had ho lived for the brilliant work he tlid, especially on the day when the Germans attacked us. At a critical time he worked his men to great advantage, and was absolutely fearless and regardless of himself. He freely exposed himself in the interest's of his men. and unfortunately lus absolute fearlessness and hi 3 bravery made hm a target for an enemy sharp-shooter or sniper, who fired and the bullet struck his chest. He lingered only a few seconds, and he was only able to say,

'I am going to write home, boys/ and with these last few words his" young ife passed away. His last words were of 'home,' and his men and the other officers have asked me to convey to you their heartfelt sympathy in your sad loss. He has left behind biiu among his comrades a shining example of uprightness and honour, a deep sen.se I of duty, and a fearless bravery in the I face of the eneiry. His company did noble work that day and in the following fearful days; but tljo- u;d work that when properly known and appreciated will make New Zealanders prouder of their sons than ever they were before. They filled a gap at a moment's notice undsr trying and critical conditions, .and beat back an enemy probably tenfold in numbers. That your son did his part •so faithfully in that eventful week's work must always be a source of joy to you, and to some extent assuage the grief of losing such a noble lad. Please acrept my own personal sympathy.—Yours sinceroiv, W. A. .Runale.'''