AMAZING EXPLOIT.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 145999, 4 December 1917, Page 7

AMAZING EXPLOIT.

STORY OF AN AUSTRALIAN. A LONE-HAND CHARGE. A certain Australian was granted the Victoria Cross nob only because he performed a very gallant feat, but also because the lintisli General Staff desired to call attention to the fact that in so doing ho had made a classic use of his rifle and bayonet (writes Eric Fisher Wood, in the Saturday Evening Rost). A small enemy strong point, which lay in front of tho trenches occupied by his platoon, had proved very troublesome. Artillery bombardment and other ordinary methods of attack had failed to silence it. When these had proved ineffective the Australian suggested that he be allowed to attempt a surprise attack single-handed. The strong point was held by eight Germans, but their exact number was unknown to tho Australian when he volunteered to attack them.

Though ho belonged to tho bombing squad of his platoon, and was, therefore, a specialist in tho use of that weapon, ho, nevertheless, took with him no bombs, hut relied solely on his rifle and bayonet, which is the correct procedure in offensive fighting at close quarters. He climbed out of his trench and aided and supported by the snipers, rifle grenadiers, bombers, and Lewis gnus of his own platoon, was able to creep unobserved within fifty or sixty yards of the enemy position. Ho was then so close to his objective tliat his own platoon was forced to cease fire for fear he might be hit. Loft entirely to his own resources he rose to his feet and charged towards the enemy, one of whom, being no longer kept under cover by the opposing fire, looked out towards the British lines to see what was going on. Tho Gorman was startled by the sight of a single British soldier charging towards him and already within fifty yards. In his surprise he fired a single ineffective shot, which, however, served to give tho alarm to his comrades in the trenches behind him. Though the Australian’s one desire was to come to close quarters quickly, he, nevertheless, realised that if he allowed the Germans to fire at him without retaliation they would be able to aim calmly and would certainly bring him down.

At the instant of the enemy’s first shot ho. therefore, stopped abruptly: and, before the one German in sight could aim again, ho made a quick snapshot, and hit the Boeho between the eyes. Spattered with his brains, tho other Germans, who, at the sound of his shot, had started to join him on the parapet, on sowing his fate hesitated just long enough to afford the Australian a moment in which to resume his rush. Taking full advantage of this pause ho covered half tho remaining distance before another German ventured to raise his head above tho parapet. The instant this second enemy appeared above ground the Australian tumbled him over with a bullet through the brain, and resumed his headlong charge before the remaining Gormans could collect their wits. Ho reached their parapet, fired a third deadly shot as he leaped into their trench, and there killed the five now demoralised survivors with the eold steel.

Again aided by the protecting fire of his platoon, which covered his retreat, he returned unhurt to his own lino.

The platoon organisation, cemented together by discipline, gave him the opportunity for victory; hut the victory itself w/is achieved by tho will to use the bavonct.

Tho support of his platoon organisation had enabled him to advance unmolested within fifty yards of his objective ; but from that moment he was thrown on his own resources, and his agility, courage, and skill in the use of tho rifle ond' baronet had enabled him to dispatch eight enemies and to win the coveted Victoria Cross.

The bayonet is still the decisive weapon in battle, just as it has been since man first fashioned an edged weapon. The will to use tho bayonet shares equally with discipline tho distinction of being the deciding factors in war.