CAPTAIN STORKEY, V.C

Hokitika Guardian, 21 June 1921, Page 4

CAPTAIN STORKEY, V.C

ADMITTED TO THE BAR.. SYDNEY June 7. At Sydney Captain Percy V Storkey V.C., associate to Mr Justice Wade, was last week admitted, on the application of Mr Danger Owen, K.C., by the Full Court to practise as a barrister. He is the second V.C. man at the Bar in Australia. Captain Blackburn, of South Australia, was at the war prior to his going to the Bar. When the Great Great Wai broke out in 1914, Percy Storkey (who is a native of Napier, New Zealand) was a student at the University of Sydney, and in 1918 he achieved the distinction of winning the V.C. at the age of 27. ! Commanding an attacking platoon against the Germans in France Captain (then lieutenant) Storkey observed on emerging from a wood, 80 or 100 of the enemy, supported by several machine-guns, holding up the advance of Allied troops on the right. Young Storkey had with him at the time only six men. He however, was mined by Lieutenant Lipscomb with four men. Storkey then decided to attack the enemy in the flank and rear. Bayonets were fixed, and with Storkov at the head of the little but valiant band tho enemy was expelled. Some idea of the desperate manner in which Stovkey nud his miniature army attacked was evidenced by 'the fact that 30 Germans were killed or wounded, and three officers and f>o men captured as well ns the ma-chine-guns of the enemy. Storkey’s courage and promptitude removed a dangerous obstacle \o the advance, and were an inspiration to the remainder of the party. On returning from the war in 1919 Captain Storkey was appointed judge’s associate. Sir William Cullen said: The Court is very pleased to receive the admission of Captain Storkey, and congratulate him upon his military service, and wishes him every success.