D.C.M. DETAILS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17941, 21 May 1920, Page 8

D.C.M. DETAILS

Tnn; NJBJBmT. (Faow Oob Own Goxbsbsotxdxst.) LONDON, March 15. Last Jnro the names were published of many soldiers to whom the D.OJM. had been awarded, but only now are the details available. The lost is a long one, and contains a number of New Zealand names. The period during which the medals were earned is generally during September, October, and November, 1918. . Following are the names and a brief outline of the deeds:— During the attack on the Maanieres lino, when he had charge of a platoon, 1/457 X-aergeant L. A. Berg, M.M., Ist Battalion, Otago Regiment, though early wounded, continued to lead his men on. When his company was held up by heavy machine gun tire, ho, by a daring reconnaissance, located the machine gun neat and the enwny guns were silenced. •12/1555 Q.MJ3. ti. Birnie, Ist Battalion, Auckland Regiment, showed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty from September 17 1918, until cessation of hostilities. On one occasion, on September 29, when the battalion had made a rapid advance during the day, he succeeded, under heavy shelling, in delivering to the troops in the line rations, water, and ammunition. 23/94 Sergeant W. K. Oherrie, Ist Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, took part in every action fought by the battalion until ho was wounded at Gouzeaucourt, on September 12, 1918. Ho acted as platoon commander during the whole of this period, arid at all times proved himself to be one of those iionicommissioncd 'offioers whoso personal gallantry, excellent command, and resourcefulness enabled the battalion to retain its fighting efficiency. At Welsh Ridge, after the objectives had been reached, it was discovered that a party of nino of our men had pushed forward, and were practically surrounded by the enemy. 31230 Corporal T. R. Crooker, 2nd Battalion, Wellington Regiment, on his own initiative, worked his way forward, and reached the party, of which he took command, on his way mopping up an enemy party, capturing lour, killing three, and inflicting heavy casualties on the remainder. On October 23, when the battalion advanced beyond Romeries, 26253 Sergeant A. K De 800, 2nd Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, was in command of his platoon. On two ocoasions to outflanked machipe gun posts which hold up the company's adtvanco. On the second occasion he went forward with a small party and stormed a post, which he took, although he had already been wounded. , _ . 26571 Corporal J. 0. Dibble, 2nd Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, was m charge of battalion scouts of Crevecceur, on October 8. When the final objective was reached, he, with three men, was sent out to get information from flank troops, and pushed forward into Seranvilliers, and lu/der machine gun fire located enemy posts in several houses. 53765 Private W. R. Douglas, 4tih Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, has a record for great gallantry and consistent devotion to duty during the operations in September and October. On October 5, when all the stretcher-bearers of his com- , pahy with the exception of himself becaino casualties, he carried on his duties with gr#at zeal apd disregard of danger under heavy fire. At Gouzeaucourt Wood, on September 12, 36742 Sergeant (now Second-lieutenant) E. S. Ellingham, Ist Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, with only a few men, finally established a post in a Very commanding position, thereby enabling his company to continue their work of consolidating the objective just captured. 24/1933 Private W. Ferguson, 2nd Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, attached 3rd L.T.M.8., showed conspicuous gallantry in front of Le Quesnoy. On November 1, under heavy fire, he kept his gun in action, thus frustrating an attempted enemy raidon an advanced post. On November 4 an enemy machine gun having held up th» advance, he got his gun into action and destroyed i, the machine gun, thereby enabling, the advance to continue, and causing the capture of 30 prisoners. _ . During the operations in front of Le Quesnoy, from October 25 to November 4, 40200 Private A. Fleming, 4th Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, displayed the greatest gallantry. Running was particularly dangerous, as there were no trenches, and it was carried out under a hail of . machine gun fire. On November 4, while on a special run. ho was sevorely wounded in the shoulder, but succeeded in delivering the; message. ..,,,,. 8/2913 Sergeant R. E. Fortune, Ist Battalion, Otago Regiment, put up a record -for marked gallantry and devotion to duty during active operations in September and October, and in particular on October 23, ■ near'Vertigncul Farm, when ho was acting as a platoon commander. During the advance his platoon met with heavy machine gun fire. He personally led sections of hi 3 men* forward, gradually outflanked the enemy machine guns, and enabled the line of advance to be restored. On November 4, at Lo Canoy, when his platoon commander became a casualty, 26085 <XS.-M. J. H. Foster, 2nd Battalion, Wellington Regiment, commanded the platoon most successfully. On reaching the final objective they wore heavily fired on by two machine gum from a house. He immedi ately organised a party, and led them forward, capturing the guns, afterwards returning and directing tho consolidation of the position. During the period from September 17 to November 11, 10/1240 Sergeant S. Gaston, Ist Battalion, Wellington Regiment, took charge of ration and _ supply wagons on many occasions when it was necessary to deliver stores under heavy shell and machine gun fire. He always set a splendid example to his men, and did excellent service. 12/3356 Sergeant T. N. Hewlett, 2nd Battalion, Auckland Regiment, took part in almost all the fighting during the offensive of 1918, and ha? a record for consistent good work. At Crovecoeur, on September aO and October 1 and 2, he rendered very valuable service in laying and maintaining .telephone lines under particularly dangerous conditions, until he finally was wounded. From September 17 to November .11, 10/1861 C.S.M. W. H. James, Ist Battalion, Wellington Regiment, acted as C.S.M. during this period, when the battalion was engaged on several occasions in heavy fighting. Particularly at Briastre, on October 11 and 12, when his company suffered severe casualties, and at Lo (Quesnoy, on November 4, he did fine reconnaissance work. 7/761 B.S.M.' P. D. M'Rae, 4/3 rd Battalion, New Zealand Field Artillery,, did ' conspicuous good work from September 17 to November 11. Owing to tho shortage of officers ho had often to take charge of ammunition w#gons going up to the gun position, and on more than one occasion his quick action arid resource undoubtedly prevented casualties. On October 25, when the battalion was holding the Beaudignics-le-Quesnoy section", 35123 Private C. H. Nailer, 3rd Battalion. New Zealand Rifle Brigade, was engaged in taking rations forward to the front lino companies. He delivered the rations, and then returned and hitched his team to a water cart, and took it forward to the fighttroops, who were at that time short of 8J2790 Private G. J. Nesbit, Ist Battalion, Otago Regiment, showed marked gallantry during active operations, from Ootober 1 onwards, particularly on October 23, near Vertignoul* as company runner. He first accompanied a reconnoitring party, and under machine gun fire he carried back information to his company commander which enabled the company to assemble successfully. Throughout tho day ho continually carried messages under heavy firo from his company headquarters to tho leading platoon commander. 10250 Sergeant J. L. OBnen t 2nd Battalion Aucklandßegimont, has fought in every action but one, in which the battalion has been engaged! Ho distinguished himself at Grevillcrs and Bancourt in August, 1918, by .tho : ;cool handling of his section and his gallantry under heavy fire. On October 10, in tho advance to -.he River Sello. he was % again sliced for his excellent work. Dimng tho attack on October .9, 1918, . from- Crovecoeur Village, 38866 O.S.M. E. ' Olson, Ist Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, although wounded, refused to leave. At Le Quesnoy, on November 4, 191 ft, when his company was held (in by machine gun firo, he worked his section round'behind-tho machine gun garrison, rushed- in and bombed three machine gun crews in succession, thus enabling his company to got forward to its objective. On September 27, during tho operations on Boauchamp Ridge, 2/2503 Corporal G. • W. Oshournc. New Zealand Field Artillery, attached M.T.M. By., kept his men well in hand, : and succeeded in firing off all his ammunition with good effect. Later, his men'- again fulfilled their task under heavy fire' That they did was due undoubtedly to his coolness and good leadership. fn', (he operations near Creveooeur, on October 8, 1918, when his platoon commander becamo a casualty, 24/659 L. Sergeant 'Jj. Perry.' 2nd Battalion, New Zealand: Rifle Brigade, took charge, and led his platoon forward under heavy fire to their final objective, whore they captured two enomy field guns. At Houtmont, on November 9, 191 R. •P./ 2233; Battalion Sergeant-major W. L. F. Porter, '92nd Britrnde, New Zealand Field Artillory, was ordered to bring tho battery into action. This he did very ably under

heavy fire, enabling telling firo to be Drought to bear on the enemy infantry with successful results. 11/2216 B.S.M. L. H. Runciman, 7/lst Bngaae, N.Z.F.A., showed great courage, and set a splendid example throughout recent operations. He invariably accompanied the ammunition to the guns, and never once, although under heavy shell firo, did he fail to get through with all that was required. 26/474 C.S.M. S. Smith, 4th New Zealand Rifle Brigade, has a record for marked courage and able leadership. During the operations in September he, on one occasion, attacked single-handed 23 enemy. Ho opened rapid fire, killed several, and took the remainder prisoners. On November 4, during the attack on Lo Quesnoy, when his platoon officer was killed. 33128 Sergeant J.- H. Steele, 4th Battalion, "New Zealand Rifle Brigade, immediately assumed command of the platoon, and by good leadership reached his objective and consolidated. His work throughout the day was excellent. At Le Quesnoy, on November 4, the section of 13824 Corporal C. Taylor, Ist Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, was caught on the flank, but by great gallantry and skilful handling' of the section ho was able to turn a very dangerous situation into a brilliant success, resulting ih the capture of 100 prisoners and two machine guns. 2/692 B.S.M. G. Varrall, 1/lst Brigade, N.Z.F.A., has done continuous good work for four years and four months. On several occasions, when the column was subjected to heavy shell fire, he showed an utter disregard for danger, and attended the'wounded men and horses, and got the ammunition through on all occasions. 6/2005 Private J. Ward, 2nd Battalion, Canterbury Regiment, has a record for marked gallantry and dash. During the advance through Lesclain to Esncs on October 8, he went under very heavy firo to the assistance of hiscomnany commander, who was fatally wounded. Later on in the attack his rifle was shot from out of his hands, and he still advanced, attacking with a shovel, and killing three of the enomy with it. C.S.M. W. P. M'G'llon, 2nd Battalion, New Zealn.nd Rifle Brigade, in October took his Lewis gun and five men to a forward position, from which he broke up several attempts by the enemv to counterattack. He stuck to his advanced nosition and, though isolated, held on till he was 1-plicvcd 36 hours later. On Noveimbe- 4 he personally rustled a ho'.i?o. and killed five enemy with a bomb and captured 14 more.

DRAUGHTS •m Conducted by Jos. Abebnktht. fßolnUons of problems, games, and analyses Invited tor this oolnmn. Games should be written In Biz columns m bebw, and all correspondence addressed to the Draughts Editor.] PROBLEM 5535. By F. KeTTLESON. , . Black. m m m m m mm k^V^s White. Black to play and draw.

GAMES. The following game between G. M. Tanner and F. R. Wendemuth was played in the finals of the 1920 Illinoia Championship tourney.. Game and notes from Chicago Daily News, Game 4582—"Wagram." Black—Tanner. White—WemdamirEh. 918 10 19 19 23 18 23 14 18 04 20 23 16 26 19 21 17 914 11 15 12 19 15 81 23 26 18 23 22 17 25 23 22 6 17 14 14 18 13 22 6 10-A 110 19 15 23 26 25 11 27 23 25 21 913 18 23 815 812 31 26 26 81 26 30 21 17 23 16 9 6 14 9 32 28 4 8 12 19 26 23 15 10 31 26 29 25 20 16 6 1 9 5 C-23 27 5 9 10 15 23'19 10 6 80 25 17 13 SI 27-B 16 12 6 1 28 24 914 14 18 10 14 2 7 25 22 28 24 30 25 15 1 10 D-24 19 15 19 710 14 18 714 22 18 24 15 13 9 5 9 13 9 Black wins. (a). Seems strong. - A. Jordan, in a game with P. Ketohum, played 8 12 and Mr Ketohum replied 22 18 and drew. (u). This may be the weak move. Tho Whites are pressed hard from here to the finish. (c). 23 18 will draw. (dJ. 24 20 looks better.

Played_ at St. Lewis, Mb., in a 10-gaxne subscription match -which Banks won by 1 to 0 and 9 draws. Game and notes from Los Angeles Times. Game 45S3—"Bristol Gross." Black—L. M. Lewis. "White—N. W. Banks. 11 16 18 IS 25 30 11 16 28 32 23 18 11 18 2 6 32 28 20 24 16 20 23 7 30 26 16 20 32 28 24 19 810 616 28 32 24 27 10 14 25 Sfc-A 26 17 19 15 28 32 26 23 16 23 15 19 21 17 19 23 811 27 18 17 21 23 18 32 28 22 17 2 7-B 18 15 82 27 27 32 7 10 32 27 13 17 15 10 28 24 30 26 15 15 10 27 31 23 18 11 16 31 26 17 22 10 6 '24 19 26 22 5 9 10 6 17 21 32 28 913 21 17 22 26 18 22 12 16 18 9 711 6 2 31 27 28 32 514 26 23 26 31 6 2 16 20 22 18 11 15 19 23 27 32 22 26 13 22 18 11 31 24 2 7 21 17 18 9 914 28 19 32 28 32 27 613 11 7 20 24 710 17 13 25 18 14 21 2 7 28 82 1814 4 8 23 18 24 28 10 15 19 15 29 25 21 25 711 32 28 26 31 811 7 2 28 32 15 19 C-15 11 (a). 27 23 is often played, hoping for 1,5 in reply, when White can win by 28 24, ©to. (b). 1 5 is considered best, the text allows 81 26, threatening the cut by 18 14, giving White the stronger ending. •(c). The ending is a published draw, bu* a bard one for Black if not known.

DRAUGHTS ITEMS. The fourth American Association tourney is fixed for August 8 to 15, 1920, at Cedar Point, Ohio. _ The promoters intend to give over lOOOdol in prize money, and they expect about 100 entries I And they; will play through this in » i weekl—"the biggest and moat representative aggregation of checker players ever assembled on this or any other continent."

, The Boston Patriots' Day gathering, which was to take plaoe on April 19 last, was billed in a way to make the reader wonder. Proceedings .were to start at 10 a.m. with a masters' knock-outtourney; then came team mutches, six men in a team; then the free-for-all match Boston v. Mass, (like our Town v. Country). There is also a Boston Championship match, a challenge to win a certain line of the "Old Fourteenth" against all and sundry, something similar on the 3 8 "Cross," a blindfold exhibition, a handicap tourney open to all, a pacing match, etc. Don't forget this was a'one-day programme! Clearly we have a lot to learn in New Zealand on how to run a tourney. Club tournaments' sometimes run on for five or six months, and then have to be wound up I

TOWN v. COTJITTRY. The match will take place in St. Paul's Schoolroom, corner of Stuart and Smith streets, June 3, from 6.30 p.m. Every player invited. Town players are requested to obtain their tickets early from the secretary. Country plovers will note change of hall this year. The schoolroom is two or' three minutes' walk above the Octag-on, or five or six minutes from the Railway Station straight up Stuart etreet. SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS. Problem 5532 (by W. O'Malley).—Black on 3, 5, 11, 21, King 15. "White on 13, 14, 20, 24, 31, King 29. White to play and win. . •13 9-A 24 19 *2 6-H 26 22 2 18 3 7-b *31 26-b 27 31-1 * 6 2 White *24 19-d 19 24-p *26 22-j 22 15 wine 15 24 * 6 25-1 31 26-k *20 16 *9 6 24 27-<J *22 18-L 11 20 (a). 31 ,26, 8 7, 26 22, 21 25, 13 9, 25 30, drawn. (b). 16 18, 81 26, 18 15, 9 6, 15 18, 14 9, I 14, 26 22, 18 25, 29 22. White wins all vars. (d). A necessary sacrifice. ' I (b). 6 2, 19 23, 2 6, 23 18, draws (31 28 threatens the shot). (*). 19 15 looks good, but loses by 29 25, CI 30, 6 2, 30 23, 20 16, 11 20, 2 27, or Black may try (instead of 19 15) 19 16, 26 22, 21 25, 22 18, 25 30, 18 16, White wins. (a). 24 19, 2 6, 19 24, 26 22, 21 25, 22 17, 25 30, 17 13, Whit© wins. (h). 26 22, 21 25, 22 17, 25 30, 2 6, 27 23, 17 13, 30 26, same as var. 1 at (e), drawn. (i). 11 15, 20 16, . White wins (shot threatened two ways); 15 IS best cut, and win nicely. (J). 26 23, 11 15 dTawo! (K). 21 25, 22 17, 25 30, 17 13, 81 26, 6 10, White wins. - (L). 22 17, 26 22, 17 13, 22 17, 6 10, 11 15, drawn. (Var. 1.) 26 22 25 30 17 13 *30 26-b 25 21-T 711 21 25 6 2 19 23 29 25-s *23 19 u-10 6 22 17 24 19 2 6 11 15 610 I>rawn. (r). 23 18, 6 2, 18 9, 13 6, White should win (a nice position). (s). 6 10, 6 9, 13 6, 23 18, drawn neatly. (t). 6 10, 7 11 draws, or 6 2, 7 11, 2 7, 26 30, draws. (u). 10 7, 26 23, 7 16, 23 16, draws. The foregoing ia Mr O'Malley's solution to his problem, which took second prize in (the Weekly Times' competition. It has received considerable attention from readers,and the opinion of a problem expert like Mr J. A. Boreham is worth quoting:—"l have examined this solution, and find that the highest commendation is due to Mr O Malley for his accurate andl exhaustive analysis. The problem is difficult of solution, and pure in all its variations; but it lacks usefulness, whdoh, in my mind, is its only blemish." Problem 5534 (by J. Ferrie).—Black on 3, 6, King 7. White on 13, 15, 26. Black to play and ma, This problem appeared last week, but Mr Boreham points out that the terms will not stand. Mr Feme's solution was as follows: — 7 2 26 23-A 10 16 2 6 17 21 23 18 15 10 914 16 10 14 13 17 30 25 H 10 i 37 69 21 25 Black 13 -6 14 16 6 2 14 17 17 22 wine. 29 61 710 913 2530 (a). Mr Boreham telephoned the information that 26 22 here would draw as by a problem by Wyllie (he thought) in Gould's Book. Our Gould's Book is out on loan somewhere, so ire oannpt rofeT to it, but 26 22 will no doubt draw ae follows:— 26 22 6 2 711 15 19" 22 18 18 15 914 711 15 19 24 27 14 10 10 7 10 6 2 7 11 15 19 23 23 19 19 16 3 7 11 15 19 24 27 31 31 27 27 23 And now 16 20 draws, though anything else loses. Mr Boreham's eagle eye is right ogam.

Every family in Buenoa Aires is to have the privilege of hearing at least one opera pot>h season free of charge at the new municipal opera house, to bo erected under r°Hu SU^ ervls,on of the-'Government. rno first bedstead of which history hae any account is that described in the book of Deuteronomy in., 11, belonging to Og, Kins of Bwhan, It was -nine cnbita in length and four cubit* in breadth," or •bout 16 feet long and 7 feet broad. This was kept as a ounosity to porove how groat 4 man Og had been.