“Remarkable Son,” Captain Writes

Northern Advocate, 21 February 1940, Page 6

“Remarkable Son,” Captain Writes

[Special to “Northern Advocate ”l AUCKLAND, This Day. Remarkable tribute to the courage and popularity of Able-Seaman Edgar Sherley, a mem be? of the crew of the Achilles, who was injured in the battle with the Graf Spee, has been paid by Captain W. E. Parry, in a letter to the seaman’s parents at Te Awamutu. Captain Parry stated that Sherley was injured by splinters from .a German shell which penetrated the steel platform of the gun direction tower. He suffered a serious wound in the leg, and also shock. "At first we were all seriously worried about him," stated Captain Parry, "but his splendid health and indomitable spirit soon pulled him round, and he has done splendidly since the first day. Beard Spoilt. “He has also got a slight wound on his face, which has, unfortunately, spoiled the very fine beard which he has grown since he left New Zealand!” In a following letter Captain Parry says that there is now no doubt of Sherley’s eventual recovery, but that it will be a long time before he gets back the full use of his leg. He had suffered considerable pain, but had never complained. Captain Parry extended his congratulations to the parents for having “such a remarkable son.” Sherley was an outstanding character, he said, who had very good prospects ahead of him.