HALS. ACHILLES

Hokitika Guardian, 30 April 1940, Page 3

HALS. ACHILLES

HONOURS PRESENTED

(Per Press Association —Copyright)

WELLINGTON, April 27

Dense crowds thronged the sir efts of Wellington lor the march of the Second Echelon to-day. The ceremony in the grounds of Parliament Buildings was given added interest in the decorating of four officers of H.M.S. Achilles by the Governor-General (Lord Galway) for their part in the Battle of the River Plate. Officers and men of H.M.S. Ach lies headed the procession with the band of the Second Echelon leading the way. Returned soldiers acted as guard of honour by lining both sides of the-route from Pari ament Grounds to the Citizens’ War Memorial, which the soldiers saluted as they marched .past.

Good wishes from former members of the Australian Imperial Forces were conveyed by Mr A. E. Jacks n, a'visiting Australian returned soldi r. Lord Galway announced that he had been commanded by His Maje-ty the King to present medals to four members of the crew of H.M.S. Achilles for conspicuous service in the battle with the picket battle'hip Admiral Graf Spec, off the River Plate. The recipients were SurgeonLieutenant Hunter, awarded the D.S.C.; Chief Petty-Officer Boniface, D.S.M.; Petty-Officer May rock, D.S.M. and Petty-Officer Had r n, D.S.M. As his name was called, each stepped forward to the dais, and bis Excellency pinned a medal on the lapel of his jacket and congratulated him.