BRAVERY UNDER FIRE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24709, 8 October 1943, Page 4

BRAVERY UNDER FIRE

DECORATION WINNERS AUCKLANDERS' EXPLOITS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Thursday The circumstances under which Captain S. F. Catclvpole, of Auckland, won the Military Cross, the award of which was announced on August 12, are described in the citation. "Captain Catchpole was field observation officer during the attack on Takrouna on the morning of April 20," says the citation. "When the situation became obscure, lie pushed his vehicle forward ahead of the supporting arms and established communication between a forward company and regimental headquarters, in spite of the fact that he had to traverse an area thickly set with enemy mines and booby traps on which several other vehicles were destroyed. "Although the summit of Takrouna was under heavy mortar, shell and small arms fire, he encouraged the infantry to hold on. with the result that, when rein force ments arrived, the position was secure. For three days, under heavy enemy fire, he occupied an exposed observation post, on which the enemy concentrated his full power, and continued to give vital information." The citation to the award of the Military Medal to Temporary-Corporal R. J. Quinn, of Auckland, announced on August 12. states: "Near EnfidavilJe. on the night of April 19-20, Corporal Quinn displayed outstanding courage and devotion to duty ns one of a party of engineers clearing a route through enemy minefields.

"Several times, crossing a low ridge in bright moonlight in full view of the enemy, lie was subjected to sharp mach-ine-gun fire, but continued to bring back important and accurate information. He also went forward under fire, searching out and removing the fuses from anti-personnel mines, well knowing the risks involved." ELECTRICITY CHARGES (0.C.) WHANGAREI, Thursday A new system of charging for electricity has been drawn up by the Whangarei Borough Council, which adopted the proposals of the electricity committee for submission to the Price Tribunal for approval. Arising out of the requirement to meter water heating services, the committee recommended that for the supply of energy for domestic needs a one-meter tariff -bo fixed, stating that this would release the required number of meters for measuring the supply for water beating services and at the same time reclaim to the council meters to the value of about £2500. The one-meter rate was fixed as follows:—First 28 units per twomonthly readings, 6d per unit, less lAd per unit discount if paid within 14 days, the balance over 28 units at 2d per unit less Id per unit discount if paid within that period.