A RETURNED HERO

Southland Times, Issue 17663, 22 February 1916, Page 6

A RETURNED HERO

PRIVATE F. O'CONNOR DECORATED. A pleasing function took place On Wednesday afternoon at the Solway show (Masterton), when Private F. O'Connor, of tin; Wellington Battalion, was decorated with the D.C.M. for conspicuous service at the front (says the Times). The J ion. James Allen (Ministcr of Defence) made the presentation, and assembled on the ground wore 600 mounted men from the camp at Keathorston, while outside the enclosure some thousands of persons were interested spectators of Ihe ceremony. The people cheered (lie hero lustily as the modal was pinned on his breast. Colonel Allen said it gave him the greatest pleasure to present the Distinguished Service -Modal to Private O'Connor, Reading an extract from general orders. Colonel Allen said that Private O'Connor earned the distinction on May S. RII6, at Krithia, for distinguished serv if i- in the firing line, whore he remained until severely wounded, and lost his light eye. Private O'Connor was twice prov : ous!y wounded, and his gallant example was of great value. (Cheers.). Tim -Minister further slated (hat O'Connor was a member of the Masterlon Pipe Rand, which was composed of 16 members. lof whom had either gone to the front, were in ramp, or had offered their servk es. (Applause). Five of those who had i-oielu-d the firing line had been wounded, and ono had d eal of disease. Private O'Connor was a sample of I lie splendid men that the district was sending to the I rent, and laid been honoured by his King, a distinction that was upon lo every man. He felt sure no effort would lie spared to keep the quota up. not only in numbers, hut also as to clas.'. I .'•. p;da use 1. Hearty cheers wore given Private O'Connor a. a lie salute,l Colonel .'■lam.