A CRACK RIFLE SHOT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3832, 23 August 1927, Page 17

A CRACK RIFLE SHOT.

MAJOR WALLINGFORD’S RETIREMENT. AUCKLAND, August 17. “Any man in my regiment who particularly distinguished himself in rifle shooting was always nicknamed ‘Wallingford,’ the sincerest form of flattery that can be offered by a British soldier.” So wrote Lieutenant-colonel Sleeman about Major J. A. Wallingford, M.C., who to-day retiree on superannuation after 42 years’ service as a soldier, 16 of which have been spent with the New Zealand Forces. The Lieutenant-colonel called him “a prince of riflemen,” and the title was apt. ‘Wally,” as he is known among his intimates—and, it must be confessed, the rank an dfile also—has a reputation that is known throughout the British Army, and even to-day, many years after the exploits that gained him his fame, the name is one to conjure with when rifle shooting is tinder discussion. Early in his career he made a specialty of the rifle, and the Wallingford tradition is still extant at the famous musketry school at Hythe. Soon his renown spread throughout the army, and Colonel Sleeman used to say he “well remembered the interest with which we young officers looked forward to the demonstration of rifle fire given by Major Wallingford to each party of officers attending a Hythe course. Tall, wiry, and cool, Wallingford was the beau ideal of a soldier, while he possessed those clear steel blue e.yes so curiously typical of good rifle shots.” Since he arrived in New Zealand in September, 1911, Major Wallingford has chiefly been engaged in his specialty of musketry instruction. He was also okcer commanding Group 1, Auckland, and subsequently held the appointments of inspector S.A.A., Narrow' Neck, inspector of drill halls, rifle, ranges, etc., and at the time of his retirement was attached to the general staff, northern command. His fame as a sniper on Gallipoli is worldwide.