THE WAR IN AFRICA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17529, 12 July 1917, Page 9

THE WAR IN AFRICA.

EXPERIENCES OF CANTERBURY MEN. News lias been received that Mr Robert Legg, formerly of West Melton and Christchurch, is at present a unit of tho South African Brigade in Mandors. At the outbreak of the war r.o enlisted in General Botha’s force raised lor the conquest of German South-West Africa, and took part in that very aiduous campaign. Although tho force engaged in no serious lighting, it was under' the necessity ot traversing almost endless wastes ot do sort sand botovo tlic object) vo was reached. Hie Germans, realising that General Botha's force was too formidable* to permit of then having any prospect of success, suirendered on masse, and the vast possession pas-tod under the dominion of 'tho Union Jack. The whole expedition occupied about twelve months, and the South African Prime Ministers direction of 'it was masterly from start to finish. On returning <to tho Transvaal, Mr Legg enlisted with tho South African Brigade formed for service overseas. Egypt was its first destination, and here it took part in several desert engagements, in one of which Mr Legg was severely wounded in tho leg. Two months’ hospital treatment, however, saw him restored to health, and he rejoined his companions

in the fighting line. Soon afterwards the South African Brigade was ordered to Flanders, where Mr Legg has now been some sixteen months. He took part in tho famous Delville Wood fight. Mr Legg was among tho victims or that historic occasion, hut his injuries w<jre not serious, and after a temporary retirement he once more joined his brigade and faced the Huns. Sinco then ho has taken part in many hard-fought contests without furtliei mishap and the latest information from him stated that he was “ Somewhere m Flanders ”• doing his bit for King and country. . . , ~ Mr Richard Legg. his brother, was in Rhodesia when the Central lowers put a match to tho European powder magazine. He joined tho Mechanical Corps (Transport) for service in Central and German East Africa, and so far lias escaped tho missiles of f,ho enemy, his only illnesses since donning khaki having been several attacks of malarial fever, an ailment winch is very prevalent in that tropical and marshy part of Darkest Africa. Both soldiers, print 1 to emigrating to South Africa, were in the employment of Messrs W. A. M’Laren and Co., of Christchurch.