BATTLE HONOURS

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 146, 18 December 1919, Page 7

BATTLE HONOURS

WON BY NEW ZEALANDERS

STORIES OF DARING DEEDS

COLONEL FREYBERG'S FINAL

EXPLOIT.

([ROH OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

LONDON, 10th October

The London Gazette announces the following further awards for gallantry in the field in the closing days of the war :— 2nd BAR TO D.S.O. Captain and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel B. 0. Freyberg, V.C., D.5.0.; for marked gallantry and initiative on 11th November, at Lesaines. He personally led 'the cavalry, and though at the time he had only nine men with him, he rushed the town, capturing 10 of the enemy, and preventing the blowing up of the important road bridges over the Dendre. BAR TO D.S.O. Lieutenant-Colonel L. H. Jardine, D 5.0., M.C., New Zealand Rifle Brigade, for conspicuous gallantry and resource at Le Quesnoy on 4th November. The enemy was holding a railway embankment in front of the city, bringing such heavy machine-gun lire to bear on our troops that the attempt was temporarily held up. Colonel Jardine, whoso 1 battalion was detailed to capture the city, i promptly used his reserve troops with such skill that he overcame the resistance of the enemy, and enabled the advance to be continued. Finally, by his gallant and able leadership, he was instrumental in bringing about'the fall of the city. D.S.O. Major J. H. Herrold, Auckland Mounted Rifles, for the cutting of the AmmanPerrarailwayon 24th September, with a party of 100 men. Marching by night over roadless country, intersected by innumerable wadis, which marie progress very difficult, he reached tl|e line to find an enemy party at work. ; Moving further south he accomplished His object, removing a set of rails from the line, although large numbers of the enemy were moving continually along the road just east of it. .

Captain J. D. Holmes, New ZealanS Tunnelling Company, for gallantry and devotion at the construction of a bridge over the ,gap between Hermies and Havrincourt on 27th September. The work was begun under heavy shell-fire, de; manding great personal discipline. By iiis example Captain' Holmes ensured the preparations- going without a hitch, and throughout the 'successful operation showed absolute disregard for personal safety.

Major A. S. Wilder, M.C., Wellington Mounted Rifles, for gallantry and devotion on 25th September, while in charge of the vanguard during the march on Amman. Under.heavy rifle and machinegun and shell-fire he made, successful dispositions, and forced back the enemy. He made personal reconnaissances, and brilliantly led his squadron in, the attack, capturing prisoners and machine guns. His energy, initiative, and sound judgment set a magnificent example. j BAR TO M.C. ! Major J. K. Anderson, M.C, Royal i Engineers, for conspicuous gallantry and initiative in constructing a heavy bridge, for tanks over the River Sell on 2()th and 21st October. He reconnoitred the- approaches, and measured the 2ap under heavy shell-fire, which killed both his •orderly and his .charger. For 25 hours without a break he supervised operations, encouraging his men successfully to com- ! plete this first heavy bridge in spite of casualties. Lieutenant A. R. Curtis, M.C. N.Z.M.G.C, on sth November, 1918, at the Forest of Normal, when he and his section of Vickers guns was attached to one of the battalions in the advance. Under very heavy enemy baa-rage-he manhauled his limbers off the road through j the scrub until he reached the sound porj tion of the road, several hundred yards ahead. On reaching the objective, he skilfully disposed his guns to cover an open flank, silencing some enemy machine-guns. Throughout he displayed marked courage and ability to command Captain Alexander C.' M. Finlayson, M.C, Auckland Mounted Rifle Regiment, at Amman, on 25th September, when he displayed great leadership and gallantry His squadron was held up by two big redoubts, but by continually going along his line and pushing a few men forward at a time, going forward himself to select positions for them, he worked the line forward and brought heavy fire to bear on the redoubts, causing them to surrender. Leaving the garrison Under an escort, he pushed on with his squadron and occupied Amman railway sta tiori.

Captain Frank B. Greenish, M.0., 3rd Battalion, N.Z.R.8., for conspicuous gal..intry and coolness in action. On 4th November, in the attack near Le Quesnoy, the first objective had been gained and his company was pressing forward to a second objective when they came under very heavy fire, but owing to his fine example at the head of his company the advance was continued and the second objective gained.

Lieutenant Hugh Johnston, M.C., Ist Battalion Canterbury Regiment, led his company forward with fine courage and skill and gallantry, dealing quickly with enemy opposition, during the operations jin the vicinity of the Forest of Normal lon sth November, 1918.. When his con> | pany wag held up on the right he personally led the rush .forward, capturing a machine-gun. At one time, when all, his company was surrounded, he fought his way out and drove the enemy oS, reorganised his company, led , them forward, and captured his objective. Lieutenant Walter B. M'Minn, M.C. 2nd Battalion, N.Z.R.8., for marked gallantry near Le Que'snoy on 31st October, when he took a, patrol.of one n.c.o. and four other ranks out at mid-day to locate the enemy. Moving his Lewis guns forward to enfilade the railway, he finally rushed along the railway about 200 yards, and, single-handed, fell upon an enemy position, killing several' and totally demoralising the remainder. By this fine action he effected, with the assistance of four men, the surrender of one officer and 37 other ranks. MILITARY CROSS. Captain C. B. *E. Douglas,'lß4th Tunnelling Company, R.E., for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty through-, out the recent operations. He accompanied infantry patrols on several occasions when important posts were being established, in order to try and prevent further damage to bridges both on La; Lys, north ofCourtrai, and on L'Escaut, near Avelghem, south-east of Courtrai. Throughout, and often under heavy fire, he displayed great coolness and skill.

Captain Charios BY Harrison, 6th Battalion, Dorset Regiment, showed great gallantry and skill in leadership on the morning of 20th October, during' the taking of Neuville. On one occasion his company became disorganised owing to casualties from machine-gun fire, and although he had lost all his officers he succeeded in getting his company in hand again, rushed the machine-gun post, and killed the team, an-d successfully took his final objective. Through all the recent fighting he has done excellently. Captain John Macky, Motor Machinegun Corps (Mesopotamia), for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Baku on 14th September. During the

defence o£ a town he manoeuvred his car with great dash and skill against the enemy's right flank at a critical moment, holding up their advance sufficiently to allow the local troops to re-form and reserves to come up. His prompt action and initiative saved a difficult situation.

B. H. Tosswill, Wilts. Yeomanry and 104 th Battalion Machinegun Corps, showed marked gallantry and devotion to duty whilst moving amongst his guns, firing a. barrage under very heavy hostile machfne-guir and artillery fire during the operations of the 9th Division bu 14th October, just north of Ledeghem. Though twice wounded, he refused to leave his guns for twentyfour hours, until he finally collapsed, and had.to be evacuated on a stretcher.

Lieutenant J. L. Brown, Ist Battalion, 'N.Z.R.8., for marked gallantry and good work during the attack on Le Quesnoy on 4th November. On reaching the objective he fqund that the "'tenemy was holding the farms on the road in great strength, and developing a, heavy machine-gun fire. With several men he worked round behind the houses and rushed three macJrine-guns< in succession, shooting down the gunners and taking

many prisoners. ' 2nd Lieutenant William S. Brown, M,M., 2nd Battalion, Wellington Regiment, for conspicuous gallantry and skill on 4th November, near Le Quesnoy, when an enemy machine gun threatened to check his platoon, he attacked the gun, capturing it and killing the crew. Again, near Villereau, he similarly overcame machine-gun resistance. His work during the operation was most brilliant, and led in a great measure to the capture of several field guns. Lieutenant Robert 6. . Charters, 2nd Battalion, Otago Regiment, for marked gallantly and devotion .to duty.- On 23rd October, near Salesches, he led his platoon to the attack under heavy machinegun fire, and when close to the enemy wire he charged, routing the enemy, killing many and. capturing the remainder. He then led his platoon on to the final objective, and, though severely wounded on. the way, he remained at duty till it ■was captured. Lieutenant Walter Cobb, Ist M.G. Squadron, N.Z.M.G.C., attached N.Z. Mounted Rifle Brigade (Egypt), for conspicuous gallantry and good -work near Amman, 25th September. He made a personal reconnaissance under rifle and machine-gun fire to help an attack by troops on the right, and at the critical moment rushed his guns forward arid brought enfilade fire to bear on the enemy position, thus greatly assisting in the capture of six machine-guns and 100 prisoners. 7

Lieutenant Herbert A. Collins, Auckland Mounted Rifle Reftfrnent (Egypt), for devotion to duty and fine leadership at Damieh on 22nd September- He led his -troop forward to a most exposed position, and when the enemy counterattacked, and part of the line was forced, back, he held on to his position, although under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire, remaining there until our line attacked, when he' was able to inflict very heavy casualties on the retiring enemy.

Lieutenant James Courtney, 2nd Battalion Wellington Regiment, for marked gallantry and able leadership on 4th November, during our operations near Vilkrau. When he was held up by machine-gun fire, he personally reconnoitred forward, and, leading a party of his men to the flank, rushed the ma-chine-gun, killing a number of the crew and taking the remainder prisoners, also capturing the gun. Tho capture of the gun thereby saved many casualties. Lieutenant Leslie H.. Denniston, 2nd Battalion N.Z.R.8., for gallant leadership in command of a reserve conir paiiy at Lo Quesnoy on 4tb November. The centre company suffered severely at the start, but he moved his compa-ny forward at once, went on until' the capture of the objective, on which he established his company, and succeeded in gaining touch with the flank companies. He had previously organised and directed several successful raids

Lieutenant Harold R. Domigan, Ist Battalion Otago Regiment, for conspicuous gallantry and able leadership on the 23rd October. On the 23rd-24th his company was detailed to advance a distance of 1000 yards, cross the l'Ecaillon River east of Beaudignies, establish bridgeheads, and then make good the high ground 1000 yards beyond the bridgehead. This he successfully ■ accomplished,' securing as prisoners three officers and seventy-five other ranks, and seven machine-guns. Second Lieutenant Ernest 0. ■ Drummond, 3rd Batt., N.Z.R.8., for conspicuous gallantryeand daring near Le Quesnoy on 4th November, when he immediately charged an enemy party suddenly encountered in the, mist, and, as the latter were getting a machine-gun into action, fired several revolver .shots1 into their midst. The party, though fully armed, surrendered. The prompt action of this officer saved the attacking troops and their supports from being intercepted. Second Lieutenant James Duncan, 2nd Squadron, N.Z.M.G.C. (Egypt), for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near Dumar on 30tb September, when, with great skill) ho worked his guns forward on to the edge of a pass, which was packed with retreating enemy troops and transport. From a range of 100 yards ho inflicted heavy casualties, which resulted in blocking the road foxfurther passage of the enemy, and the capture of many wagons, machine-guns, and a train which was on the line which ran through the pass. Second Lieutenant James Greenwood, M.M.,11st Batt., Auckland Rgt., for gallant' leadership of a platoon during the attack north of Le Quesnoy on 4th November Severe machine-gun fire was encuuntered on the left flank 100 yards away, and be, with two men, immedi-at-aely attacked this machine-gun, nest, qdvancing 100 yards over open- ground nwept. by fire from the guns. His fine courage and. dash caused the surrender of two machine-guns and. eight of the enemy. Oaptain Henry 8. Hills, 2nd Batt., Otago Rgt., oh. 23rd October, in the operations near Salesches, commanded a company. When, during tha advance, the right company was held up, he manoeuvred his company so that the enemy was outflanked, and this had the effect of breaking down the defence. Going on, he rushed a line of enemy posts, pushing straight on to his objective. His excellent leadership and cool daring enabled the whole battalion, to go

on Captain James A. I). Hopkirk, M.CJ. Batfc., N.Z.M.G.C., displayed great courage and devotion to duty on tho night of 3rd and 4th November, near Le Quesnoy. He conducted S.A.A. and ration limbers thTough an intense gas and high explosive barrage, and established a forward battery position for the operations of 4th November. In the succeeding days of the advance the resourcefulness displayed'by him in the supply of S.A.A. aud rations to forward guns was a striking lesson -to junior officers. Second Lieutenant Charles B. Lepper, M.M., Ist Batt., Wellington Bgt., for conspicuous gallantry in command of a. company east of Le Quesnoy on 4th. November. He was mainly responsible for the forming up of his company under machine-gun fire on the correct position, when preparing to pass through the leading battalion, and then ■ for keeping proper direction. He then directed tlia advance over a difficult country, directing mopping-up operations and clearing of posts with extraordinary skill andj. ability. Lieutenant Maurice G. Luxford, Ist Battalion, N.Z.R.8., for conspicuous gal-

lantry and energy on the night of 28th29th October, near Le Que&noy,. When the situation .was very obscure he made a complete reconnaissance of the' front, greatly assisting in getting the battalion properly disposed. On 30th October he led a daylight patrol, and succeeded in gaining some very valuable information about positions of enemy machine-gun posts. Again, on 4th November, though slightly wounded, lie made another daring reconnaissance.

Lieutenant William G. Mackay, Ist Battalion, Auckland Regiment, for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the operations on 4th November, north of Le Quesnoy, when he was acting as adjutant. Prior to the attack he made a thorough reconnaissance of the position and supplied information which was'of great importance to the battalion. After our troops had reached the Blue line he reconnoitred" the dispositions of the battalion under shell-fire and rendered a complete and accurate report on the situation.

Lieutenant William Murphy, 2nd Battalion, Otago Regiment^ for great gallantry and fine leadership. ■ During the operations of 23rd October, near Salesches, when his company came under very heavy machine-gun fire, lie rushed his "support platoon into the front line of attacking troops. Later, when machinegun fire again cheeked the advance, he swung his troops to the right and attacked a strong position in enfilade. By this movement he secured a large number of machine-guns and prisoners, killed rnanv of the enemy, and drove the remainder from their positions.

Lieutenant Frederick L. Murray, Canterbury Mounted Rifle Regiment (Egypt), for conspicuous- gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of the advance troop at Es Salt, on 3rd September. He went forward with determination and dash, ignoring sniping fire, and man-, oeuvred his troop with such, skill that many prisoners fell into his hands.

Lieutenant Alton J. Nimmo, Ist Battalion, Wellington Regiment, for conspicuous gallantry in command of a company east of Le Quesnoy, on 4th November. He controlled his men with noticeable ability, both when supervising them in assembling, and forming up for the advance, and, later, when leading them in the attack; After, the capture-of the first objective he rushed forward one of his platoons to fill a gap, thus causing touch to be maintained and the captured ground to be cleared. . ■

Rev George T. Robson, New Zealand Chaplains Department, attached Ist Battalion, Canterbury' Regiment, for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He worked unceasingly among the wounded, helping and cheering them under heavy shell-fire during the operations in the vicinity of the Foret de Normal, on Sth November. Re remained behind after the battalion had been relieved to bury the dead, and worked the whole day under very heavy shell-fire, completing his task at dark. His cheerfulness and disregard of danger were admirable,

Lieutenant William James Rodger, D.C.M., Ist Battalion Canterbury Regiment, for conspicuous gallantry and good leadership during the operations in the vicinity of the Foret de Normal, on Sth November, when he was in command of the support company. When tha left •leading company was surrounded by the enemy, he promptly led his company forward and relieved a very difficult situation. He then reorganised the two companies, and, under heavy fire, captured the edge of the wood on his sector.

Second' Lieutenant Edward E. Scholes, Wellington Mounted Rifle Regiment (Egypt), during the attack on Amman, on 25th September, skilfully led his troop down a wadi, and coming upon a body of the enemy with three 7.5 mm. guns and four machine-guns, rushed the head of the column, shooting those who tried to escape, and capturing the remainder. By his coolness under fire, -and' the bold and skilful way in which he led his troop, he set a splendid example to his men. Second Lieutenant Charles G. Stewart, Ist Battalion, Wellington Regiment, near Le Quesnoy, on 4th November, led his platoon with determination and skill, and controlled the-necessary clearing up of posts and buildirlgs in a most able mariner. Later, during the evening, he led two platoons through the forest to tho allotted line of exploitation, and pushed out1 patrols and held a line of outposts to protect securely the troops passing through at dawn. He showed great coolness and initiative. •

Lieutenant I^iuiry, ( J. Thompson, Ist Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, for conspicuous gallantry in command of a company on 4tb November, during the attack on Le Quesnoy. He made a daring reconnaissance under heavy-fire, co disposing of his platoons that he succeeded in capturing four machine-guns and a 77mm. gun and forty prisoners, thereby enabling another battalion to pass through and attack the enemy on tho flank. Later, on reaching his objective, he made another reconnaissance, and established posts safeguarding his flanks. . i .

Captain Edward White, Ist Battalion, Wellington Regiment, in command of a. company east of Le Quesnoy on 4th November, pushed forward with his company well under control, and successfully gained his objective, which included the mopping up of a village, where his prompt action and quick thought enabled his company to capture many prisoners ;and much material with small loss. Throughout, he behaved with fearless dash and determination.

Second Lieutenant John H. Wilson, M.M., Ist Battalion, Otago_ Regim^it, for fine courage and determination during the attack near Neuvilie, on 23rd October, when he was in command of the leading platoon, and helped the companyon his right to clear a machine-gun post." He then discovered three enemy machine-guns in a strong point. By bringing up hist Lewis gun, and getting his No. 1 to place it on his shoulder, enabled fire to be opened with good effect. Dropping the Lewis gun.' he rushed forward, and, single-handed, captured the guns and the survivors of their crews 2nd Lieut. Robert A. Young, Canterbury Mounted Rifle Regiment (Egypt), when in charge of the advance troop at Amman, on 25th September, went forward towards the station with such dash that ho demoralised superior numbers of the enemy and opened up our pursuit, which resulted in numbers of i prisoners falling into our hands. At one period, under very heavy fire, he manoeuvred his troop with such skill that he checked the enemy's advance, and, although dangerously wounded, continued to encourage his men until reinforcements arrived. FOREIGN DECORATIONS. The Croix de Guerre has been conferred by the President of the French Republic upon the late Colonel C M Begg, C.8., C.M.G., M.D., N.Z.M.C. ■ -Lieut.-Colonel Gilbert H. Dive, DSO E-.A.M.C. (Gisborne) ; Lieut. Gordon t! Lucas, • .N.Z.M.G.C. ? Lieut.-Colonel Richard H. Waddy1, D.5.0., Somerset Light Infantry, attd. West Yorkshire Regiment; Capt. F. x, Wigglesworth, M.C., R.A.M.C. .: 6/4170 Sergt. Robert Watchman, Canterbury Regiment and 24/324 Pte. William K. Wilson, N.Z.R.B. Lieut.-Colonel Dive aJso receives the Medaille dcs Pipidemies (en Argent) of the Ordre de l'Etoile Noire.

'Capt. Gordon L. M'Clure, Otago Regiment, has been awarded the . Chevalier of the Order dv Merits Agricole. Flight-Lieut. Frank Nuttall, MiC, D.F.C., has been awarded the Air Force Cross.