MAJOR MASSEY'S D.S.O

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16309, 5 September 1918, Page 7

MAJOR MASSEY'S D.S.O

A WELL-EARNED HONOUR.

(FROM OUR OWN COKEBSPONDBNT.)

LONDON, July 12. It is announced jn New Zealand Divisional Orders that A.-Major F. G. Massey, M.C., N.Z. Rifle Brigade, son of the Prime Minister, has been award-* ed the D.S.O. for gallantry in action.

..Major Massey is at present in hospital at Brockenhurst, making a good recovery from a severe wound received in the early days of the German offensive at the end of March. ■He was on loan to the British Army, and was at the time second-in-command of a battalion of.the Lancashire Fusiliers. According to the Army rule, the O.C* and the second-in-command take turn about leading the battalion into action. It -was Major Massey's turn to go in on this occasion, and the Lancashire Fusiliers were making a stubborn fight against overwhelming hordes of Germans, liattalions on both side 3 of them, were pressed back, and at i.n early stage Major Mnssey was shot through both lungs and fell. Word being sent back to Headquarters, the colonel came up to tako command, and was capturcd bv the Germans a very short time afterwards. Meanwhile Major Masisey was carried off the field by two stretcher-bearers, who have since been decorated for their conduct. Two other officers took over the command in turn after the loss of the colonel, arid they were both speedilv put out of action. The Lancashire Fusiliers made a very stubborn fight, but were slowly pressed back, it being quite impossible to hold tin the weight of the enemy. Major Massey won the M.C. fit Messines, and has been twice in despatches. Although he is making a gciotl recovery, it is very unlikely thatlie will be permitted to return to the Western front, as the wound has rendered the lungs very susceptible tr climatic conditions in Europe.