SERGT. ELLIOTT, V.C.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 254, 25 September 1942, Page 5

SERGT. ELLIOTT, V.C.

BORN IN FEILDING A MODEST HERO Tho award of the V.C., the Empire’s highest decoration for bravery, to Sergeant Keith Elliott, of Pahiatua. has given much gratification to residents of the Pahiatua and Feilding districts, and at the Feilding Agricultural High School, of which ho is a former pupil, there was much oxcitoment yesterday when the news became known.

In respect of ths school an interesting coincidence arose. 'Hie headmaster (Mr L. J. "Wild) had received on "Wednesday from Sergeant Elliott a letter dated Augist 4, and in it Sergeant Elliott made a passing reference to tho fact that ho had been in battle. Quito unaware of tho fact that Sergeant Elliott had been awarded tho Victoria Cross, Mr Wild concluded his reading of the letter to the pupils yesterday with the remark that it was such deeds as those mentioned by Sergeant Elliott that won the V.C. A pupil then stood up and mentioned that lie had heard over the radio that morning that a Sergeant K. Elliott of New Zealand had been awarded the V.C. This announcement was a signal for the utmost enthusiasm, and Mr "Wild was able to obtain confirmation of the fact that this high honour had been awarded to an ex-pupil of the school. In honour of the event the pupils were accorded a half-holiday. One of the youngest of a family of eight—he has two brothers and six sisters—Sergeant Elliott was born on Anzao Day, 1916. He was educated at the Lytton Street School, Feilding, and the Feilding Agricultural High School. He played halfback for High School in 1933 with the well-known Manawatu forward, Jack Finlay. When he moved over to Pahiatua he won his place in the Bush district representative team in 1938 and 1939, touring the South Island xvitli the All Black Athol Mahoney’s side. He enlisted in Palmerston North on the first day that the recruiting office opened, September 12, 1939. He is shown on the records as No. 35. Sergeant Elliott’s parents, Mr and Mrs Frank Elliott, are well-known to many Feilding and district residents and have received numerous messages of congratulation on the bravery of their son. Mrs Elliott resides at Pahiatua while Mr Elliott is engaged in farming pursuits at Cheltenham.

The Feilding Fire Board, on learning of the news, at its quarterly meeting, resolved to send a letter of congratulation to' Sergeant Elliott’s parents on the distinction gained by their son, the motion being carried with applause. A similar letter is also to he sent to Sergeant Elliott. COURAGE THROUGH FAITH. The extract from Sergbant Elliott’s letter to Mr Wild which makes but brief reference to his part in the battle is as follows: ‘‘l came here (2nd New' Zealand General Hospital Headquarters) to the convalescent depot and then to base and rejoined my men on July 13; went into atcion on July 15; w as wounded slightly; came through several hospitals and finally ended up hero again where 1 am enjoying a rest and the wounds are healing fast. Being only in the flesh, the sea does the wounds the world of good. Every day wo spend hours swimming, so you can imagine how fit w o are looking, and it won’t he long before we are back again. I have a lot to be thankful to God for. The rest of our battalion were taken prisoner barring a few’ of us managing to get out before tanks swept us before them. A very exciting few' hours followed, but I managed to remain intact and w'as later taken to an Indian M.D.S. and the American Volunteer Ambulance Corps took us to Alexandria. They are doing a great job of work and go anywhere to pick up tho wounded. They think it’s very exciting and come out with some strange expressions. Hearing them speak for the first time was very amusing. They could not do enough for us. If the rest of the services are as good they will do me. Several of my friends and members of the same platoon are here recovering from w'ounds. Every day we meet and go down to the beach together. Having friends with you in a place like this makes a great difference and having been in the same platoon since we joined the Army ve have a great deal in common which builds lasting friendships. "Without this, the game would not be worth the candle, and during the past two and a half years, I have met some grand fellows, wdio will stick together under tho toughest of circumstances. It is the men who make or break you. "Without their wholehearted support a lender is sunk. I was a very proud man when I was told the afternoon before the attack which we were to carry out that night that I was to be platoon commander. By an act of God, 1 was able to bring 17 of my men out by their efforts and courage. Later we were able to continue the fight with the enemy and do a good piece of work, all coming out and only two being wounded. It is during these times friendships are made for life and my faith in the men carried me through many tough spots, thus my proud feelings before the action were not unfounded. I hope it won’t be long before we are together again. Come what may, the job is far from complete yet, and we won’t got homo until after it’s over, so the sooner the hotter . , .”