REPELLING A RAID

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3048, 9 April 1917, Page 6

REPELLING A RAID

NEW. ZEALANDERS IN ACTION

MILITARY MEDALS WON

(Special from the N.Z. Official War Correspondent.) . • ■ • • . April 2. The New Zealanders have not been engaged in serious fighting for many weeks, but there have been raids and counter-raids, and much valuable work and training have been done. Recently a New Zealand battalion distinguished itself, by repelling a German raid. Early in the morning the enemy started a heavy bombardment, then ninety Germans advanced across No Man's Land towards our trenches. The New Zealanders displayed the greatest gallantry, endurance, and devotion in sticking to their posts under this severe bombardment, with the result that only six Germans were able to reach our trench. Of these one was severely wounded and made a prisoner, enabling us to identify the raiding regiment. He subsequently died. Lewis and machine-gunners fought gallantly. Private Leonard Hoss Dickinson, who heroically stuck to his gun throughout the bombardment, even when all his comrades were out of action and until his magazines ran out,\has been awarded the Military Medal. He showed utter disregard of danger. In connection with the same raid Military Medals have been awarded to William Elliot Gordon, who iirst sigiitcd tho advancing enemy, and turned his Lewis gun on to them with excellent results; to Private Frederick Andrew, who displayed great gallantry in keeping his machine-gun in action throughout; and to John Thomas Clearwater, who on a night post encountered the enemy and showed utter contempt of danger in driving them back. Medals have also been awarded to Sergt. Adrian John Slason, who saved the lives of three wounded men, canying one out under fire; to Corpl. John M'Quillan, who distinguished himself in repelling some raiders; and to Sergt. Walter James Murray for similar work.

The weather is, still wintry, with snow lying on- the ground. . Apart from some cases of mumps, there is little sickness, and the division as a whole is in splendid form. . Our football team has an unbeaten record, and the pierrot tronpe nightly draws large audiences. ; A horse show will be held this month-. . . '