WENT TO WAR AT SEVENTEEN

Taranaki Daily News, 5 August 1930, Page 11

WENT TO WAR AT SEVENTEEN

BREWERY WINS MILITARY AIEDAL.

WIDE EXPERIENCE ON MOUNTAIN, Mr. Lance Gibson was the second son of very oid and respected settlers of the Kaimiro district, Mr, and Mrs. John Gibson, now living in retirement at New Plymouth. Born and brought up to farm life, he developed sturdy physical characteristics. Ho knew the mountain well, having spent many houi's in climbing and glissading and exploring its slopes, and was always most particular in donning suitable clothing before attempting an ascent. lie was in the act of changing when the call for assistance was given and he rushed off in shorts and shirt expecting to 'be back long before nightfall. The fact that ho was able to withstand the biting cold SO long is the wonder of the rescue. Mr. Gibson gained experience in but-ter-making at the Mangorci dairy factory where he was employed for a time, but at the parly age of 17 left to play a man's part at the Great War. He was on active service for over three years and as sergeant of a machine-gun section won the military medal for conspicuous bravery m recapturing a British machine-gun from the Germans. This particular gun had been fitted with a German breech and with German ammunition was responsible for many casu-