DARING IN DESERT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20863, 15 August 1942, Page 3

DARING IN DESERT

N.Z. OFFICERS RU WEIS AT EXPLOITS CITATION OF AWARDS (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (N.Z.E.F. Official War Correspondent.) (9 a.m.) CAIRO, Aug. 14. Stories of gallantry and daring are told in the citations accompanying the immediate awards to Major H. M. McElroy, Lieutenant G. S. Cooper and Captain E. A. McPhail. The citation of Major McElroy, who received the D. 5.0., states that while a night attack on Ruweisat Ridge was at its height on July 14-15, Major McElroy became separated from his battalion during a clash with enemy tanks. He collected some 60 men with him and continued the advance independently, destroying numerous enemy posts, killing many of the enemy, and taking 40 prisoners. At daybreak, he found himself still isolated and on the edge of a depression filled with Italians. His men had only an average of five rounds each remaining and eight of them were wounded. Major McElroy extended his party and charged. After a furious inter-change of fire and the bayoneting of many of the enemy, the remainder of the Italians —40 officers and 460 other ranks —surrendered. Major McElroy then took the prisoners under escort and handed them to a neighbouring formation before returning to his unit. His personal dash, leadership and determination alone made this brilliant exploit possible. Dangerous Experiment The citation covering the award of a bar to the M.C. to Captain McPhail states that after the capture of Ruweisat Ridge on the night of July 14-15, the assaulting battalions were for some hours separated from their transport and heavy weapons by large enemy parties which had been overlooked in th* darkness. Captain McPhail, though near exhaustion after arduous work as brigade intelligence officer, searched with great daring for a practicable route. After a series of extremely dangerous experiments, always carried out under sharp fire, he discovered a route and led the transport to the battalions, where it arrived in the nick of time. The citation in respect of the award of the M.C. to Lieutenant Cooper states that Lieutenant Cooper became separated from his unit during the night oi tiie Ruweisat Ridge attack. With his platoon he joined another party under Major McElroy and took a brilliant part in a series of charges and bayonet attacks. His remarkable dash and leadership were an inspiration to the whole party. Armed with a rifle and bayonet, Lieutenant Cooper fought and led superbly. He was outstandingly cool and resolute, rallying his men after each clash and leading every charge.