FOR “VALOUR”

Taranaki Daily News, 21 November 1929, Page 16

FOR “VALOUR”

THE VICTORIA CROSS NEW ZEALAND’S HEROES. . DEEDS OF GALLANTRY. It would probably be safe to say that in no other country in the world is there a decoration so coveted, yet so difficult to attain, nor carrying with it tho same distinction as the British reward for valour, the Victoria Cioss. Instituted by Queen Victoria in 1850, it has remained for nearly three-quar-ters of a century tho official recognition of “most conspicuous bravery in the face of the enemy,” and never has the standard demanded of its recipients been allowed to fall below the literal meaning of those words, which are quoted from the Charter under which it was granted. It would not be difficult to discover many examples of conspicuous bravery whiph have gone unrewarded by the cross, but it would be much harder to point to one instance of the medal having bfecn awarded in an undeserving case.

The fact that those entitled to carry the letters “V.C.” after their names do not constitute an exclusive list of the bravest of the Empire’s sons is expressly recognised in the inscription on the cross. The simple words “For Valour” carry with them everything the decoration stands for, but the phrase “For the Brave,” suggested when the medal was being designed, was rejected for the reason given above. The design of the cross with its ribbon, dark red for soldiers and dark blue for sailors, is simple and comparatively familiar. Embossed upon a maltese cross of bronze is the Royal crown, surmounted by . a lion and having underneath the famous motto. It is cast from cannon captured at Sebastopol in the Crimean War, and. it is. interesting to note that the delicate workmanship demanded has never been entrusted to any firm other than Messrs. Hancock, of Sackwith Street, London W., who have made all the Victoria Crosses ever awarded.

" Up till the present time 1157 Victoria Crosses have been awarded, nearly half of them being won during the Great War. There have been two cases of the cross having been won by father and son. An instance of its having been awarded outside the British Empire is that of the “Unknown Soldier” of the United States of America.

For services rendered during the Maori Wars of 1869-70, the New Zealand Cross .was awarded on the same conditions as those required for the Victoria Cross, to which it is similar in design, though made of silver. It was won by 20 men in the New Zealand local forces, but has been superseded by the Victoria Cross. As is usual with such a rare. honour, tho winning of the cross is counted as a distinction not only to the man himself but to his school, township, and country. New Zealand is not behindhand in feeling a pride in those who left her shores to win the Victoria Cross, and it was pleasing to read in recent cables tljat Lieutenant-Colonel Frey berg attended the Prince of Wales' dinner to the V.C.’s at London oh November 9. Fourteen New Zealanders won the Victoria Cross in the Great War, though three of them were not actually serving with the New Zealand Forces. The “honours list” is as follows (the ranks given are those held at the time of the exploit which earned the cross) : —

Corporal C. R. G. Bassett. Sergeant D. F. Brown. .Lance-Corporal S. Frickleton. Corporal L. W. Andrew. Private H. J. Nicholas. Sergeant R. C. Travis. Sergeant S. Forsytih. Private J. Crichton. Sergeant T. J. Laurent. Sergeant J. G. Grant. Sergeant R. S. Judson. Lieutenant-Colonel B. C. Freyberg. Captain A. J. Shout. Lieutenant P. V. Storkey. -•The accounts given below are the official reports from the London Gazette. Where the men mentioned served with New- Zealand forces, and are still alive, their present addresses are given. ON CHUNUK BAIR RIDGE. Corporal (later Lieutenant) C. R. G. Bassett, of the N.Z. Divisional Signal Company, was awarded his Cross “for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on the Chunuk Bair ridge in the Gallipoli Peninsula on August 7, 1915. After the N.Z. Infantry Brigade had attacked and established itself on the ridge Corporal Bassett, in full daylight and under a continuous and heavy fire, succeeded in laying a telephone line from the old position to the new one on Chunuk Bair. He has subsequently been brought to notice for further excellent and most gallant work connected the repair of telephone lines by day and night under heavy fire.” Lieutenant Bassett’s present address is c/o National Bank of New Zealand, Ltd., Paeroa. “UTTER CONTEMPT FOR DANGER.” Sergeant D. F. Brown, of the Otago Infantry Battalion, was given a posthumous presentation of the medal. “For most conspicuous bravery and determination in attack, when the company to which he belonged suffered very heavy casualties in officers and men from machine gun fire. At great personal risk this N.C.O. advanced with a comrade, and succeeded in reaching a point within thirty yards of the enemy guns. Four of the gun crew were killed and the gun captured. Tile advance of the company was continued till it was again held up by machine gun fire. Again Sergeant Brown and his comrade with great gallantry rushed the gun and killed the crew. After this second position had been won, tho company came under very heavy shell fire, and the utter contempt for danger and coolness under fire of this N.C.O. did much to keep up the spirit of his men. On a subsequent occasion in attack Sergeant Brown showed most conspicuous gallantry. He attacked single-handed "a machine gun which was holding up the attack, killed the gun crew, and captured the gun. Later, whilst sniping the retreating enemy, this very gallant soldier was killed.’’ “A GREAT EXAMPLE OF HEROISM.” Lance-Corporal (now Lieutenant) S. Frickleton, of the Canterbury Infantry Battalion had his V.C.-winning exploit gazetted as follows; “For most conspicuous bravery and determination, when, with attacking troops which came

under heavy fire and were checked. Although slightly wounded, Corporal Frickleton dashed forward at the head of his section, pushed into our barrage, and personally destroyed with bombs an enemy machine and crew which were causing heavy casualties. He’ then attacked a second gun, killing the whole of the crew of twelve. By the destruction of these two guns, he undoubtedly saved his own and other units from very severe casualties; and his magnificent courage and gallantry ensured the capture of the objective. During the consolidation of the position he received, a second severe wound. He set, throughout, a great example of heroism.’’ Lieutenant Frickleton now lives at 16, Wellington Road, Kilbirnie. Corporal (now Captain) L. W. Andrew distinguished himself “for most conspicuous bravery, when in charge of a small party in an attack on the enemy’s position at La Basse Ville, France, on July 31, 1917. His objective was a machine gun post which had been located in an isolated building. On leading his men forward he encountered unexpectedly a machine gun post which was holding up the advance of another company. He immediately attacked, capturing the machine gun, and killing several of the crew. He then continued the attack on the machine gun post which' had been his original objective. Ho displayed great skill and determination in his disposition, finally capturing the post, killing several of the enemy, and putting the remainder to flight. Corporal Andrew’s conduct throughout was unexampled for cool, daring initiative and fine leadership and his magnificent example was a great stimulant to his comrades. Captain Andrew was formerly in New Plymouth, and is now stationed with the New. Zealand Staff Corps at Wellington. He recently returned home from a period on exchange with the British Army in India. “GREAT VALOUR AND COOLNESS.” Awarded the Victoria Cross “for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack, Private H. Nicholas, of the Canterbury Infantry Battalion, who was one of a Lewis gun section, had orders to form a defensive flank to the right of the advance, which was subsequently checked by heavy machine gun and rifle fire from an enemy strong point. Whereupon followed by the . remainder of his section at an interval of about twenty-five yards, Private Nicholas rushed forward alone, shot the officer in command of the strong point, and overcame the remainder of the garrison of sixteen by means of bombs and bayonet, capturing four wounded prisoners and a machine gun. He captured this strong point practically singlehanded, and thereby saved many casualties. Subsequently, when the advance had reached its limit, Private Nicholas collected ammunition under heavy machine gun and rifle fire. His exceptional valour and coolness throughout the operations afforded an inspiring example to all.” Sergeant R. C. Travis, of the Otago Infantry Battalion, was awarded the medal, "for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. During ’surprise’ operations it was necessary to destroy an impassable wire block. Sergeant Travis, regardless of all personal danger, volunteered for this duty. Before zero hour, in broad daylight, and in close proximity to eneniy posts, he crawled out and successfully destroyed the block with bombs, thus enabling the attacking parties to pass through. A few minutes later a bombing party on the right of the attack was held up by two enemy machine guns, and the success of the whole operation was in danger. Perceiving this, Sergeant Travis, with great gallantry and disregard of danger rushed the position, killed the crew/ and captured the guns. An enemy officer and three men immediately rushed at him from a bend in the trench, and attempted to retake the guns. These four lie killed single-handed, thus allowing the bombing party, on which so much depended, to advance. ,The success of the operation was almost entirely due to the heroic work of this gallant N.C'.O. hud to the vigour with which he made and used opportunities for inflicting casualties on the enemy. He was killed 24 hours later, when, under a most intense bombardment prior to an enemy counter-attack, he was going from post to post, encouraging the mon.”

‘•SAVED MANY' CASUALTIES.” Sergeant S. Forsyth, of the New Zealand Engineers’ Corps, won distinction “for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in attack. On nearing the objective, his company came under heavy machine-gun fire. Though Sergeant Forsyth’s dashing leadership and total disregard of danger, three machine-gun positions were rushed and the crews taken prisoners before they could inflict many casualties on our troops. During subsequent advance his company came under heavy fire from several machine guns, two of which he located by a reconnaissance. In his endeavour to gain support from a tank, he was wounded, but, after having the wounded bandaged, he again got into ’touch with the tank, which, in face of very heavy fire from machine guns and anti-tank guns, he endeavoured to lead with magnificent coolness, to a favourable position. The tank, however, was put out of action. Sergeant Forsyth then organised the tank crew and several of his men into a section, and led them to a position where the machine guns could be outflanked. Always under heavy fire, he directed them into positions which brought about a retirement of the enemy machine guns and enabled the advance to continue. This gallant N.C.O. was at that moment killed by a sniper. From the commencement of tho attack until tho time of his death, Sergeant Forsyth’s courage and coolness, combined with great power of initiative, proved an invaluable incentive to all who were with him, and he undoubtedly saved many casualties among his comrades.”

Private J. Crichton, of the Auckland Infantry Battalion, won the medal “for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, when, although wounded in the foot, he continued with the advancing troops, despite difficult canal and river obstacles. When his platoon was subsequently forced back by a counter-attack he succeeded in carrying a message which involved swimming a river and crossing an area swept by machine-gun fire, subsequently rejoining his platoon. Later, he undertook on his own initiative to save a bridge which had been mined, and though under close fire of machine guns and snipers, he succeeded in removing the charges, returning with fuses and detonators. Though suffering from a painful wound, he displayed the highest degree of valour and devotion to duty.” He now lives at North Boro Road, Takapuna, Auckland. “DISORGANISED THE ENEMY.” Sergeant H. J. Laurent, of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, was credited with “conspicuous bravery, skill, and enterprise when, during an attack, he was

detailed to exploit an initial success and keep in touch with the enemy. With- a party of twelve he located the enemy support line very strongly held, at once charged tho position, followed by his men, and completely disorganised, the enemy by his sudden onslaught. In the subsequent hand-to-hand fighting which ensued he showed great resourcefulness in controlling and encouraging his men, arid 30 of the enemy, having been killed, tho remainder surrendered, a total of one officer and 111 other ranks in all. The success of this venture, which caused his party four casualties only, was due to his gallantry and enterprise.” At present he lives at 22, G orge Street, Haw era. “GREAT DASH AND BRAVERY.” Sergt. J. G. Grant, of the Wellington Infantry Battailion, distinguished himself “for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty near Bancourt on September 1. 1918, when sergeant in charge of a platoon forming part of the leading waves of the battalion attacking tho high ground to the east of Bancourt. On reaching the crest, it was found that a line of five enemy machine gun posts offered a serious obstacle to further advance. Under point blank fire, however, the company advanced against these posts. When about twenty yards from the posts Sergeant Grant, closely followed by a comrade, rushed forward ahead of his platoon, and with great dash and bravery entered thecentre post, demoralising the garrison and enabling the'men of his platoon to mop up the position. In the same manner he then rushed the post on the left, and the remaining posts were quickly occupied and cleared by his company. Throughout the whole operation on this and the two previous days Sergt. Grant displayed coolness, determination, and valour of the highest order, and set a splendid example to all.” He is now living at 8, Milmoe Street, Hawera. Sergt. (now Lieut.) R. S. Judson, of the . Auckland Infantry Battalion, showed “’most conspicuous .bravery and devotion to duty when, in an attack on enemy positions, he led a small bombing party under heavy fire, and captured an enemy -machine gun. He then proceeded up a sap alone, bombing three machine gun crews before him. Jumping out of the trench he ran ahead of the enemy. Then, standing on the parapet, he ordered the party, consisting of two officers and about ten men, to surrender. They instantly fired on him, but he threw a bomb and jumped down amongst them, killed two, put the rest to flight, and so captured two machine guns. This prompt and gallant action not only saved many lives, but also enabled the advance to be continued unopposed.” Lieut. Judson is at present connected with the ; Defence Office at New Plymouth. “BRILLIANT LEADERSHIP.” Although he served with the Imperial Forces, Lieut. Col. B. C. Freyberg grew up in Wellington. The episode which won him the Victoria Cross is described as follows:—“For most conspicuous bravery and brilliant leading as a battalion commander. By 'his splendid personal gallantry he carried the initial attack straight through the enemy’s front system of trenches. Owing to mist and heavy fire of all descriptions Lieut.-Col. Freyberg’s command was much disorganised after the capture of the first objective. He personally rallied and reformed his men, including men from other units, who had become intermixed. He inspired all with his own contempt of danger. At the appointed time he led his men to the successful assault of the second objective, many prisoners being captured. During this advance he was twice wounded. He again rallied and reformed those who -were with him, and, although unsupported in a very advanced position, he held his ground for the remainder of the day and throughout the night under heavy artillery and machine gun fire. When reinforced on the following, morning he organised the attack on a strongly fortified village, and showed a fine example of dash in personally assault, capturing the village and 500 prisoners. In this operation he was again wounded. Later in the afternoon he was again wounded, but refused to leave the line until he had issued final instructions. The personality, valour, and utter contempt of danger of this single officer enabled the lodgment of the corps in the most advanced objective to be permanently held, and at this point d’ appui, tho line was eventually formed.” Freyberg was with the Queen Royal

Regiment (West Sussex) at the time, and is now with the army, in England. Two other New Zealanders won the Victoria Cross while serving with the Australian Forces. They were Captain A. J. Shout and Lieut. P. V. Storkey. Captain Shout did not live to receive the cross he won “for most conspicuous bravery at the Lone Pine trenches on the Gallipoli Peninsula, when on the morning of August 9, 1915, with a very small party, he charged down trenches strongly occupied by the enemy, and personally threw four bombs among them, killing eight and routing the remainder. In the afternoon of the same day, from the position gained in the morning he captured a further length of trench under similar conditions, and continued personally to bomb the enemy at close range under very heavy fire until he was severely wounded, losing his right hand and left eye. This most gallant officer h-1 since succumbed to' his injuries.” Lieut. Storkey was decorated “for most conspicuous bravery, leadership, and devotion to duty, when in charge of a platoon on attack. When einerg-

ing from the wood the enemy 'trench lino was encountered, and Lieut. Storkey . found himself with six men. While continuing his move forward, a large enemy party—Bo to 100 strong — armed with several machine guns, was noticed to bo holding up the advance of the troops on the right. Lieut. Storkey immediately decided to attack this party from the flank and rear, and while moving forward in the attack was joined by Lieut. Lipscomb and four men. Under the leadership of Lieut. Storkey, this small force of two officers and ten of other ranks, charged the enemy position with fixed bayonets, driving the enemy out, killing and wounding about 30, and capturing three officers and 50 men, also one machine gun. Tho splendid courage shown by this officer in quickly deciding his course of action, and his skilful method of attacking against such great odds, removed a dangerous obstacle to the advance* of the troops on the right, and inspired the remainder of our party with the ut-. most confidence, when advancing to the objective lino" —Wellington Post. .