HEROIC CONDUCT

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLIV, Issue XLIV, 3 June 1924, Page 5

HEROIC CONDUCT

THE ESKDALE FLOODS.

HIGH COMMENDATION

GSY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.) WELLINGTON, June 2. The heroic conduct of a number «f non-commissioned officers and men during the Hooding .of the «ixtk .Battery N.Z.A. camp at Eskdaie, Hawke's Bay m March last, has been recognised by special mention in general orders iust issued

The General Officer Commanding wishes to co-amend very highiy the devotion to duty and the gallant conduct or the following non-commissioned officers and men during the flooding of the &ixth Battery N.Z.A. camp at Eskdale on March 11, 1924. About 10.15 on the above date the river broke its banks some distance above the camp and covered the site to a depth of eight feet with a current of swittly flowing water. fe

Staft-Sergeant-Fitter S. Thomson R.N.Z.A.—This N.C.O. displayed great courage and devotion to duty in his efforts to save the horses, and finally did magnificent work in assisting nonswimmers and weak swimmers to cross the rapid flood waters between the railway embankment and the high ground east of the road

JJ.L..J.VI., K.JN.Z.A. —This - non-comniis-sion'jd officer displayed courage and devotion to duty in endeavouring to save yp.iuable technical equipment, and in' assisting non-swimmers to a place of safety after the battery had left Eskdale. Sergeant Thompson also made repeated trips through the flood waters carrying food *id Blankets to the Eskdale school, where a number of small children were isolated

Lance-Sergeant W." J. Fitzgerald, R.N.Z.A. —This non-commissioned officer swam in the fast flowing current guiding the horses to safety,*~and then turned his attention to distressed settlers and swam to safety with a numter of them. He repeatedly entered the flood waters at great personal risk and only ceased his efforts niien utterlyexhausted.

Corporal Artificer J. W. Daltdn r N.Z.O.A.C.—This non-commissioned officer worked with Staff-Sergeant Thomson and, with him. was instrumental in saving four non-swimmers. When this other non-commissioned officer was weak with struggling with a man in the water, Corporal Dalton swam o-it and assisted both ashore. Later at Petane he wa<s tireless in assisting exhausted men through the swift running, waist-deep water.

A gunner displayed conspicuous bravery in co-operating with LanceSergeant Fitzgerald in his efforts to save the distressed settlers. He repeatedly swam into the flood waters if* render assistanre. and later assisted to save horses and otock. desisting only when thoroughly exhausted.