THE NEW G.O.C.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 11 January 1926, Page 5

THE NEW G.O.C.

“A FIGHTING SOLDIER.”

COMMENT BY THE LATE LIEUT

COL. MALONE

Concerning the services rendered during the war by Col. Robert. Young, C. 8., C.M.G., D. 5.0., who was recently appointed to the position of General Officer 'Commanding the New Zealand Forces, letters written on Gallipoli in May, 1915, by that splendid Taranaki soldier, the late Lieut.-i Col. Malone, contain some interesting comment. The present G.O.C. was then in command of the Hawke’s Baj r Company of the Wellington Battalion, and Colonel Malone’s comment was brief and; to the point. Colonel Malone wrote on May 13, 1915: ‘ ‘ Yesterday the Brigadier sent for me to advise as to Major Young taking command of the Auckland Battalion I naturally don’t want to lose my officers. I recommended Young, who has improved as a fighting soldier out of all knowledge.” Three days later the Colonel again writes: “The Brigadier sent for me for my advice as to appointing a C.O. to the Auckland Battalion, vice Tlugge, wounded. He fancies Major Young of my Hawke’s Bay Company. 1 at once recommended Young. He has come on wonderfully in action. En joys it. ’ ’