A FINE SOLDIER

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 11, 13 July 1943, Page 4

A FINE SOLDIER

BRIGADIER KIPPENBERGER

A keen student of military matters all his life, Brigadier H. K. Kippenberger, D.S.O. and bar, who was in charge of the New Zealand troops who returned yesterday on furlough, is one of the Dominion's foremost military strategists. Of a rather retiring disposition, he is regarded by his men as a fine soldier and a fine leader, in whom they have the utmost confidence. In private life he is a solicitor in Rangiora, North Canterbury, and is a keen cricketer and golfer.

Brigadier Kippenberger was born at Ladbrooks, in Canterbury, in 1897. ana was educated at the Christchurch Boys' High School and Canterbury University College. He was a member of the school cadets, and in the last war was a private in the Canterbury Regiment, and went overseas with the 12th Reinforcements. He was wounded in France and invalided home. After the war he was granted a commission in the Territorials, and in 1936 was promoted to toe rank of lieutenant-colonel in command of the Ist Battalion, Canterbury Regiment. During the present war he has added distinction to his military record. He sailed with the Ist Echelon, and was promoted to the rank of brigadier in 1941. At the close of the campaign in Greece he was in charge of the rearguard responsible for the demolitions behind the retreating Allied forces, and with his small force he rejoined the units that were being evacuated after some narrow escapes. In Crete he commanded the brigade that held the area between Qalatos and Malemi. He was awarded the D.S.O. for his gallantry in Crete, for his complete disregard of danger and considerable tactical skill in organising counterattacks, while suffering from a sprained ankle and loss of sleep. He was awarded a bar to the D.S.O. early this year. He was also mentioned in dis-1 joatcb.es, J