“DICK” TRAVIS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26543, 19 August 1947, Page 6

“DICK” TRAVIS

A LAW UNTO HIMSELF BALACLAVA AND' REVOLVER Further comment on the activities of Sergeant “Dick” Travis, VC., DCM. M.M., is contained in a letter from J. W. K., of Milton, who suggests that the writer of the article in Friday’s Daily Times was “drawing upon a vivid imagination ” or ill-informed in some details. J. W. K. writes: “The article stated: ‘His own particular group—the snipers whom the battalion affectionately called Dick Travis’s cut-throats—almost worshipped him.’ Ido not think that the very few remaining of Travis’s scouts will appredate the rather doubtful honour of being called ex-cut throats; but I have a fairly accurate idea as to their vocal response, unless their vocabulary has suffered over the past 25 years, suffice to say that I had not heard the expression until your issue of August 15 “ The writer continued: ‘ When Travis decided that a balaclava was less likely to attract attention than a tin hat, they all wore balaclavas.’' Travis wore a balaclava because it was less of a nuisance and more comfortable than a tin hat, but he was the only sniper or scout who did, or would have been permitted to do so. Travis was a law unto himself in such matters, just as in the fact that he never carried a box respirator, but when necessary would borrow one. “Again to quote: ‘lf he went equipped with two German revolvers strapped in front, there was a sense of incompleteness in the minds of other snipers until they secured similar weapons.’ That is just undiluted imagination. Travis carried a revolver in lieu of a rifle for a similar reason to his preference for a balaclava; he did not have to take his turn at an 0.P., as did his men, and did not carry a rifle. A revolver was much handier and lighter and altogether more suited and effective for his particular role. As the snipers were not mental defectives, they did not load themselves (even if procurable) with a rifle and two revolvers, or even one revolver. “ Dick Travis was peculiarly fitted mentally for the particular part which he personally chose to play as a cool, daring, fearless lone-hand scout and observer and leader, who inspired courage and transmitted some of his qualities to the men who comprised bis team from to time, almost all of whom if they survived serious injury, were awarded the D.C.M. The surviving scouts will be pleased to hear that ‘old Dick’s’ last resting place is not neglected.

It may be added that the article was based on information supplied by one who was closely associated with Sergeant Travis on active service.