A FIGHTING FAMILY

Otago Witness, Issue 3247, 7 June 1916, Page 50

A FIGHTING FAMILY

ONE WINS THE Y.C. AUCKLAND, June 5. The Victoria Cross has been awarded to Corporal iiuarry Richardson, of the Gordon Highlanders, eldest son of Mrs Richardson (of Onahungo) and the late Mr Richardson, for many years town clerk of Onehunga. Corporal Richardson was born at Onehunga and is 40 years of age. He was educated at the Epsom Public School some years ago, went to Australia, and thence to South Africa, where he served in the war against the Boers. He remained in South Africa until the outbreak of the present war, when he enlisted in the Union X'orccs and served in the campaign in German South-west Africa He was wounded in the left hand, and later in the knee. While still under medical treatment, Richardson went to England, and on his recovery joined the Gordon Highlanders. If is believed that the decoration was awarded for gallantry in holding a redoubt with 35 men for f our days. When relieved ho was suffering severely from frost-bitten, foci, and was admitted to the trench hospital. In a letter recently received by his mother, Corporal Richardson says that when he returns to New Zealand ho will bring five medals, all of which have boon well earned. Three brothers have joined the forces. One (Robert) served in the South African campaign. and is again on active service; while another (Charles) recently returned home, suffering from injuries caused by shrapnel. A younger brother (Alfred' is training with the Seventeenth Reinforcements.