HONOUR FOR A NEW ZEALANDER.

Otago Witness, Issue 3201, 21 July 1915, Page 36

HONOUR FOR A NEW ZEALANDER.

(From Ohs Own Correspondent.) LONDON, March 16. There is a Now Zealand name hi the list of warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and men who have just been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry in the field. It is that of Lance-corporal (acting sergeant) Cecil F. G. Humphries, of Christchurch, who is attached to tho Ist Manchester Regiment, Indian Expeditionary F orce. .. At the outbreak of the war Air Humphries offered his services to the War Office, and was drafted to the Army Service Corps, with which he went to Orleans about tho middle of August. After a while,_ being anxious to get to the scene of action, ho was able to obtain a transfer to the let Manchester's (Indian Expeditionary Force), though to make the change meant sacrificing the stripes he had earned in the A.S.C. However, promotion soon came, and he was made lance-corporal on Christmas Eve; now he is acting-sergeant. In Christchurch ho is well known in football and golfing circles. So far he seems to bo the first New Zealander who has gained this coveted distinction. MANY CONOR ATUL ATT ON S. It may be explained that Air Humphries and his mother (Mrs A. R. Rowsc) came Homo a year ago for a holiday. Directly war was declared Mr Humphries enlisted in the Army Service Corps. Mrs Rowse, who is remaining in London for tho time being, has received many congratulations on her son’s success at tho front. When the High Commissioner heard tho news ho wrote to Airs Rowse: —“You must be a proud mother that your son should, within so short a time, have come to the front. He is a credit to his family and an honour to his country.” Tho medal was awarded! for gallantry at the battle of Givenehv, on December 20 and 21, when the Indian Force was hard pressed; but Sergeant Humphries only heard of his good fortune on February 28, when Brigadier-genera! Strickland pinned tho ribbon on his breast. The War Office record of the incident is “for conspicuous gallantry and coolness at Givenchy in tho attack on December 20 and 21. and for endeavouring to bring into cover tho body of his company commander, who had boon killed.”