N.Z. RAILWAYMAN

Grey River Argus, 13 October 1941, Page 1

N.Z. RAILWAYMAN

WINS MILITARY MEDAL (N.Z.E.F. Official News Service) (Rec 7.30) CAIRO, October liGeneral Auchinleck, Commander-in-Chief in the Middle East, has approved of the immediate award of th? Military Medal to Lance Corporal Herbert Padlie. of a railway operating company, New Zealand Engineers, for gallantry on J'uly 8, 1941. Corporal Padlie, it is stated, was a military escort accompanying the engine driver on the engine of a train which was attacked on the Western Desert Imo on the morning of July 8. His action in applying the brake so as to bring the train to a standstill, and in sunsequently instructing the officer how to complete the operation and shut off the steam, which his own personal strength did not permit h.m to do while suffering from at least lour body wounds, showed courage of a high order, and devotion to . duly worthy of recognition. Had this action not been taken, the tram would have gathered speed and proceeded out of control until brought to a standstill through lack of steam, it is probable this would have led to further loss of life and damage.