HEROIC TERRITORIALS

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11845, 3 June 1924, Page 3

HEROIC TERRITORIALS

bravery during fdoods. OFFICIAL RECOGNITION. The heroic conduct of a number of non-eommissioned officers and men during the flooding of the 6th Battery, , N.Z.A., cajnp at Eskdale, Hawke’s l Bay, in March last, has been recognised by special mention in General Orders just issued. The reference is as fol- j lows:—• “The General Officer Commanding ] wishes to commend very highly the demotion to duty and gallant conduct of the following n.c.o.’s and men during the' flooding of the 6th Battery, N.Z.A., camp at Eskdale on March 11th, 1924. At about 10.15 on the above date the river broke its banks and covered the site to a depth of Bft with a current of swiftly flowing water. “No. 1260. Staff-Sergeant Fitter S. Thomson, R.N.Z.A. The n.c.o. displayed great courage and devotion to duty in his efforts to save the horses, and finally did magnificent work in assisting non-swimmers and weak swimmers to cross the rapid flood-waters between the railway embankment and tire high groimd east of the road. “No. 1378. Lance-Sergeant J. P. Thomson, D.C.M., R.N.Z.A. This u.c o displayed great courage and devotion fo duty in endeavouring to save valuable technical equipment, and m assisting non-swimmers to a place of safety After the Battery had left Eskdale. Sergeant Thomson also made repeated trips through the flood-waters, carrying food and blankets to Eskdale School, where a number of small ohdl dren were isolated.

“No. 1297. Lance-Sergeant W. J. Fitzgerald, R.N.Z.A. —This n.c.o. swam in the fast flowing current guiding horses to safety, an dtben turned hie attention to distressed settlers and swam to safety with a number of them. He repeatedly entered the flood-waters at great personal risk, and only ceased his efforts when utterly exhausted .

“No. 964. Corporal Artificer .T W. Dalton, N.Z.O.A.C.—This n.c.o. worked with Staff-Sergeant Thomson and, with him, was instrumental in saving four non-swimmers. When this other n.c.o. was weak with struggling with a man in the water, Corporal Dalton swam out and assisted both ashore. • Later, at Petane, he was tireless in assisting exhausted men through swift-running waist-deep water. “Gunner R. Tankard, 6th Battery, N.Z.A. This gunner displayed conspicuous bravery in co-operating with Lance-Sergeant Fitzgerald in his efforts to save distressed settlers. He repeatedly swam out in to the floodwaters bo render assistance. Later he assisted Mr Bellamy to save horses an cl stock, desisting only when thoroughly exhausted.’' 1