IN AID OF THE FRENCH

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 139, 12 June 1918, Page 7

IN AID OF THE FRENCH

Lieutenant-Colonel L. G. Sleeman, 1.G.5., Director of Military Training, will leave Wellington to-morrow for Napier and Gisbome, where he will conduct a course of instruction for Territorial and Sonior Cadet officers. The course is entirely voluntary, the officers paying their own expenses, so that the, instruction, though, veiy valuable, is given without coat to the Defence Department,

It is expected that practical public sympathy with the French will be expressed in no uncertain manner, despite any opposition to the raising- of money in aid of the people oh that nation. Already the Mayor acknowledges the sum of £103 3s from the following :—Wellington Coltege Patriotic Fund', £50; Mr. and Mis. J. P. Firth, £50; Mr. and Mrs. yon Hftast, £3 2b.

the line, and made good the position, displaying splendid courage and leadership all through. Lieutenant D. F. Duigan, Infantry, went forward with the attacking troops and succeeded in establishing communication with the captured position under very heavy fire. Later, he made a valuable reconnaissance of the captured position under heavy shell fire, and sent back a most useful report, showing utter disregard of danger and setting a splendid example to his men.

Captain E. J. Fawcett, Infantry, led his men in a determined rush on an enemy strong point, displaying total disregard for vjersonal danger and setting a splendid example to his .men. 2nd Lieutenant J. Flanagan, M.G.C.* led four machine-guns through a heavy barrage, and frequently brought them into action in support of the advancing infantry. On one of his guna being put out of action he promptly substituted a captured enemy gun, and with it he engaged and silenced an enemy machinegun which was holding up the advance. He displayed a splendid example of courage and confidence Lieutenant W. S. Gillies, Inf., was brigade transport officer, superintended the forwarding of supplies and water to the front line. Twice he went through enemy barrages to ensure the delivery of supplies, and by his coolness and personal example controlled his men in. the most difficult situations.

Second-Lieutonant R. S. Halliweli, Inf., went forward under very heavy shelilfire during an attack to obtain information. Ho sent in a most valuable report, organised a party to continue the attack, and went along the whole brigade sector, regardless of danger, encouraging his men. In reorganising his company his work was also valuable.

■ Second-Lieu tenant C. H. Holmes, Inf., led his platoon with great gallantry and dash against strongly-wired and defended positions. He crawled through the wire ahead of his platoon, and when held up by machine-gun fire he consolidated the position lie had won, his courage and cheerfulness being a splendid example to all ranks.