SPORTSMEN'S WAR HONORS

Evening Star, Issue 16995, 18 March 1919, Page 6

SPORTSMEN'S WAR HONORS

[By Ex-Champion, for Dunedin ‘ Star.’] LONDON, January 29. It is always pleasing to see that wellknown sportsmen have secured official recognition for services rendered in connection with the war. The Distinguished Service Order is one of the most coveted honors ,after the V.C.). and this has lately been won bv men well known in various fields of sport. There is Major P. A. MHands, M.C., of the South African Horse Artillery, for instance, who has gained the Inchest reputation as a- cricketer and Rugby footballer, both in his native country and whilst at Oxford University. When 'the writer was filling the -position of sporting editor of the ‘ Cape Times ’ he often heard of a young bowler named Hands, who was sure to do great things in the this instance the predictions proved right, and South Africa has reason to feel proud of such a fine al,-round spott--man end excellent soldier. It should bo remembered that not only has the officer named won the D.5.0., but also the Military Medal, a verv fine record indeed. Another part of the Empire is represented by Major J. F. Foulkes, of the Canadian forces, who has also won the D.S.O. No doubt many sportsmen and lawn tennis players, in particular, will recall that J. F.’ Foulkes won the Canadian championship in 1907-09 and 1910, and also did duty for Canada in the international matches for the Davis Cup. Most people admire an all-round performer, and some think it is better to do several sports well than to excoll as a champion at one branch only. That, oi course,' is quite a matter for individual opinion. Certainly Major R. W. Ling, M.C., of the Royal Artillery, comes within ■ the description of a real all-rounder, as ha did well at athletics, cricket, and association football when at Eradfield College, and later on represented Woolwich against Sandhurst at football, cricket, and athletics, winning the shot putting at the Woolwich sports. Major Ling is now able to write D.S.O. after his name as well as his honor represented by the Military Cross. THREE SPORTSMEN HONORED. Lieutenant Adran Stoop has been given the Military Cross for his services in Mesopotamia, which will bo pleasing news to his many admirers in the football world. Few people need any reminding of his brilliancy on the Rugby football field, and that he has done much to keep the Harlequin Club in the front during recent years. He has also gained international football honors as a half-back for England, and figured in the winning team of the international matches. Lieutenant Stoop showed great pluck and judgment under heavy fire when commanding the Lewis guns of his battalion until severely wounded. This is just what we have grown to expect from life beat type of sportsmen, and they deserve well of their fellow-countrymen. Another branch of sport, in rowing, is represented in the latest honors list through Major C. W. H, Taylor, awarded the D-S.O. His record us an oarsman at Cambridge stands- very high, as he twice represented his ’varsity against Oxford and stroked the Head of the River Eight id 1902. The University Sculls are also among his honors, and also the Lowe Double Sculls. Besides all this, ho twice figured in the Silver Goblets with success at Henley, and another win at the great regatta was in the Leandcr Eight, which won the Grand in 1904. This is a fine rowing record, indeed, and as Major Taylor also played the Wall game of football when at Eton, it will be recognised that he is “some” sportsman, as the Americans ■would say. Still another man well known in the sporting world has been granted the Military Cross. He is Lieutenant J. C. Dirties, of the Army Ordnance Corps, and a popular member of the Salford Harriers. He gained the distinction for exceptional service with his unit in France, and the recognition gives much pleasure among amateur runners and those in the Manchestei district in particular, where Lieutenant Birtles has hosts of friends. AN AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. Mention of sportsmen who havo won military decorations is a reminder that the first well-known American sportsman to win the French War Cross was R. N. Williams, of international lawn tennis fame. Curiously enough, ho had an experience similar to the writer’s when try- , ing to pass the doctor for Army purposes. I The medical man who looked Williams j over was not pleased with his legs, and j turned him down. The opportune arrival of another doctor, who happened to know that Williams was a champion lawn tennis player, saved the situation, and he was [ ao opted for the Army. _ Later on he 1 proved his worth by gaining the French decoration mentioned. I Something of the sort happened to the writer when he offered himself for active ! service in 1900. The M.O. promptly said: “ I cannot pass you on account of youi having to wear glasses.” When informed that the wearer of the glasses was a marksman in the Seventh Rerimcnt ol Now York, the holder of a world’s record for a race in heavy marching order, and j the winner of a dozen amateur champion , ships, be withdrew opposition. There arc many other instances of men being refused I for the Army who havo gained more oi ; less fame in the sporting world, and li would appear that there is room for some j modification in regard to medical examinai ip* few the services,