ROLL OF HEROISM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16013, 3 September 1915, Page 6

ROLL OF HEROISM.

VALOUR ON GALLIFOLI. j FIVE VICTORIA CROSSES, j Loxdos, September 1. j Five Victoria Crosses have been; awarded for deeds of valour. j Major Wheeler, of the Seventh Hariana Lancers, twice led his squadron in a lance charge upon the Turkish positions at Shaiba, in Mesopotamia. He was killed on April 13 when tar ahead of his men riding single-handed straight for the Turkish standards. Captain O'Sullivan, of the First " Inniskilling Fusiliers. South-west of Krithia on the night of July 1, when it was essential that portion of a lost trench should be regained,, Captain O'Suliivan. although not belonging to the troops at that point, volunteered to lead the bombthrowers. In order to throw the bombs with greater effect, he got up on the parapet, where he was completely exposed to Turkish fire. He was finally wounded, but his inspiring example enabled the party to recapture the trench. j Second Lieutenant Kochfort, of the First Scots Guards. On August 3, between Cambrin and La Bassee a German trench mortar bomb landed near a working party. Lieutenant Rochfort might easily have stepped around the corner in perfect safety, but instead, he shouted to the men " look out," ran to the bomb, and hurled it over the parapet. It- exploded immediately, but a splendid combination of pre-, sence of mind and courage saved many lives. j Second Lieutenant. James, of the Fourth Worcestershires. On July 25, in the southern zone at Gallipoli, when a portion of a regiment was, checked, owing to all the officers being killed or wounded, Lieut. James, who belonged to a neighbouring unit, gathered a body of men and led them forward under heavy shell and rifle fire, then returned and organised a second party, putting fresh life into the attack. Lieutenant James on July 3 headed a bomb-throwers' attack on

a Turkish communication trench. When nearly all were wounded he remained alone, and kept back the enemy single-handed until a barrier was built behind him, and the trench secured, being throughout exposed to a murderous fire. Sergeant Somen*, of the First Inniskilling Fusiliers. On the night of July 1, in the southern zone of Gallipoli, when some British troops retired from a sap owing to bombing, Sergeant Somers remained alone until a party brought up bombs. Sergeant Somers then climbed a Turkish trench and bombed the Turks with great effect. Later he advanced in the-open, and held back the enemy, throwing bombs on their flank until a barricade was established. Throughout he ran to and from the trenches obtaining fresh supplies of bombs. His great gallantry and coolness was largely instrumental in recapturing a portion of our lost trench. i