BRAVERY IN PACIFIC

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 125, 22 February 1944, Page 4

BRAVERY IN PACIFIC

New Zealanders Decorated WORK OF FIJI COMMANDOS

Advice has 'been received that. His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of a number of awards to officers and other ranks, of the First Commando Fiji Guerrillas in recognition of gallant and distinguished services m the South Pacific. The list contains the names of 14 New Zealanders (who have been serving with the commandos), 12 Fijians and six Tongans. The New Zealand awards, five of them being posthumous, are given below : — Distinguished Service Order.

Major C. W. H. Tripp. Next-of-kin; Mrs. M. E. Tripp (wife), Oran Gorge, Geraldine. , _. . „ While commanding the First Commando of Fiji Guerrillas which was orgaiuzed and officered by personnel of Eighth New Zealand Brigade Group, Major Tripp displayed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the attack on New Georgia he led his men with great courage and skill. On one occasion during night operations he was attacked at close quarters by two Japanese, one of whom discharged his rifle at short range, the flash burning Major Tripp’s arm and chest. He killed both of the Japanese. Though wounded, he continued in command of his unit till it was withdrawn to reorganize. Military Cross. Captain D. E. Williams. Next-of-kin: Mr. E. G. Williams (father), Drumpeel, Otane, Hawke’s Bay. Captain Williams was in command of the first party of Fijian guerrillas to go to Guadalcanal and took an active spart in the campaign from December, 1942, till the island was cleared of the enemy. During the operations on New Georgia he commanded a party of the First Commando detailed to cover the landing of a United States unit. On their first night ashore they were attacked by a party of 150 Japanese as soon as it was dark. Captain Williams’s party drove the enemy off, killing or wounding 30 of them. Throughout this and subsequent actions Captain Williams commanded his party with great courage and skill. Mentioned in Dispatches.

Lieutenant P. M. Harper (killed in action). Next-of-kin: Mrs. M. S. Harper (wife), 42 Innes Road, St. Albans, Christchurch. Lieutenant B. Masefield (killed in.action). Next-of-kin: Mr. W. N. Masefield (father), Silerton P. 8., Blenheim.

Second Lieutenant K. W. Dane. Next-of-kin: Mrs. P. M. Dane (wife), c/o Mrs. F. Wharton, Frimley Avenue, Hastings.

Second Lieutenant S. I. Heckler. Next-of-kin: Mrs. E. M. Heckler (wife), Mt. Pleasant, Waikouaiti, Otago. ■Sergeant B. Ensor (killed in action). Next-of-kin: Mr. E. Ensor (father), Rydal Downs, Ohuku, Rangiora, Canterbury.

. -Sergeant N. B. MacKenzie. Next-of-kin: Mrs. I. Voyce (sister), Mangakowbia, Pio Pio, Te Kuiti. Sergeant W. A. Collins (killed in action). Next-of-kin: M.r. Wl C. Collins (father), 115 College 'Street, Palmerston North.

Sergeant W. G. Conn (missing, believed killed). Next-of-kin: Mrs. J. K. Conn (wife), Lake Rotoma P. 0., Rotorua. Sergeant J. C. Bright. Next-of-kin: Mr. E. G. Bright (father), Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland. Corporal V. D. Skilling. Next-of-kin: Mrs. J. A. Skilling (mother), c/o Mr. R J. Mulligan, Lisemire, Mayfield R.D., Ashburton.

Corporal W. F. Ashby. Next-of-kin; Mrs. I. M. Ashby (mother), c/o 0. Henton. Alexander Street, Te Awamutu. Corporal J. H. E. Duffield.' ’ Next-of-km: Mr. D. W. Duffield (brother), 4 Brook Street, New Brighton, Christchurch.