COURAGE AND ABILITY

Evening Star, Issue 23882, 12 May 1941, Page 3

COURAGE AND ABILITY

STORIES FROM THE BATTLEFIELDS WELL-EARNED DECORATIONS (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, May 9. An instance of how one man’s individual courage and ability can materially affect large-scale operations is seen iu tlie award of the D. 6.0. to Major, Temporary Lieutenant-colonel, J. M. Renton, of tlie Rille Brigade. This officer, the official announcement runs, held a line of 3] miles long defended, only by three and a-haif companies of infantry and one battery, for 36 hours against great odds. Four separate night attacks and several attacks by day, all supported by artillery fire and Jed by medium taiiks, were beaten off, and eventually 15,000 of the enemy, including generals and their staffs, were made prisoners. In addition 27 medium tanks and large numbers of guns, Bren guns, and armoured cars were destroyed. Major Renton displayed great ability in his selection of the position to be held and in the use ot cover and cross fire, and in the expert tactical handling of the situation as it developed. His personal courage in difficult circumstances set a splendid example to the men under his command. Further awards to United Kingdom and Australian personnel in the same list include three D.S.O.s, one bar to an M.C., two M.C.s, four D.C.M.s, one bar to the M.M., and eight M.M.s. GALLANT N.C.O, Typical ot Australian gallantry is that of J. M. M'William, who received the M.M. M‘\Vi!liam, it is stated, was in charge of a party disarming booby traps and anti-tank mines on the night before an attack. When the party came under fire lie instructed his men to lie down and went forward alone, disarming some 40 mines before returning and bringing his men safely back to tlie assembly position. At zero* hour he led his party forward with the_ advancing infantry, combing and clearing safe lanes for the tanks when wire gaps had been blown. Tlie qualities of courage and leadership shown by this n.c.o. were an inspiration to all who saw him, and contributed largely to successful preparation of the defences. ANOTHER NEW ZEALANDER HONOURED D.F.M. FOR SERGEANT OVERHEU [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, May 10. Air Headquarters advises that another New Zealand airman has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal. He is Sergeant lan Overheu, whose father is Mr F. Q. Overheu, of Perth, Western Australia. The official message states: “In April, Sergeant Overheu. as an observer in an aircraft, took part in an attack on a large enemy convoy. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, the pilot displayed great determination and tactical ability, which enabled Sergeant Overheu to score two direct hits on a large ship. In March, 1941, these airmen successfully attacked an enemy destroyer which was escorting a convoy of 13 ships. Pressing home his attack from an extremely low level, the pilot machine-gunned the deck, while Sergeant Overheu scored two direct hits on the destroyer with his bombs. “ These airmen.” tlie citation adds. “ have completed many _ operational missions, and both have displayed outstanding teamwork, together with great courage and determination.” ITALIAN PRESS PREPARING PEOPLE FOR AMERICAN INTERVENTION i ROME. May 10. Tlie Italian Press is preparing the public for United States intervention in the war. The * Messaggero ’ says that intervention is a matter of weeks or days. The ‘ Popolo di Roma ’ says that while Mr Roosevelt prepares for intervention, Britain plans to cede to the United States military bases in South Africa. PORTUGUESE POSSESSIONS DEFENCE AGAINST AGGRESSION LISBON, May 9. The Prime Minister, Dr Salazar, declared that Portugal intends to defend her Atlantic possessions against aggression, and the United States-has given an assurance that she will respect Portuguese sovereignty. The statement is a sequel to Senator Pepper’s advocacy of American occupation of the Azores and Cape Verde islands before the Germans land there. A Portuguese communique reveals that reinforcements have been sent to the Portuguese garrisons’of these islands. NEW ZEALAND SOCIETY RECEPTION TO WELL-KNOWN PATRONS NEW YORK, May 11. At a reception in New York welcoming Sir Clutha Mackenzie and Admiral Byrd as the new patrons of the New Zealand Society, the Dominion’s Hag. sent by the New Zealand National Patriotic Society, was formally presented to the president, Mr Carlton Munro. ITALIANS IN AMERICA MANY ARRESTED AS ALIENS PHILADELPHIA, May 10. Immigration agents have arrested 100 Italian seamen who either deserted their ships or failed to keep contact witli the Federal authorities while ashore. Federal officials in New York arrested 90 Italian aliens formerly employed at the World's Fair, and charged them with overstaying their leave and in some cases with illegally entering the United States.