THE VICTORIA CROSS

Timaru Herald, Volume CIII, Issue 15747, 3 September 1915, Page 11

THE VICTORIA CROSS

DEEDS THAT WILL LIVE. ; | Press Association —By Tel. —Copyright. LONDON, Sept. 1. The Victoria Cross has been awarded to the following:— To Major Wheeler 7th Hariana Lancers. Twice he led his squadron in a lance charge on the Turkish positions at Shaiba, and was tilled on April 13, when far ahead of his men riding single handed straight for the Turkish standards. To Captain O'Sullivan, Ist Inniskilling Fusiliers. South-west of Krithia on the night of July 1, when an essential portion of a lost trench was to be regained. Captain O'Sullivan, although not belonging to the troops at that point, volunteered to lead bombthrowers, and in order to throw bombs with greater effect got up on the parapet, where he was completely exposed to Turkish fire. Finally ho was wounded, but his inspiring example enabled the party to recapture the trench. To Sergeant Somers, Ist Inuiskilling Fusiliers. On the night of July 1 he was in the southern zone at Gallipoli when some British troops retired from the sap. Sergeant Somers remained alone until the party brought up bombs; then he climbed into the Turkish trenches and bombed the Turks with great effect. Later he advanced in the open and held back the enemy, throwing bombs on their flank until a barricade was established. Throughout he ran to and fro in the trenches obtaining fresh supplies of bombs, and his great gallantry and coolness were largely instrumental in recapturing a portion of a lost trench. To Lieutenant Rochfort, Scots Guards, for bravery on Aiigust 3 between Cambrin and La Bassee. A German trench mortar bomb landed near a working party. Lieutenant Rochfort might easily have stepped round the corner to perfect safety, but instead he shouted to his men "look out," ran to the bomb, and hurled it over the parapet. It exploded immediately. This was a splendid combination of presence of mind and courage, and saved many lives. To Second-Lieutenant James, of the 4th Worcestershire Regiment. On July 25, in the southern zone at Gallipoli, when a portion of a regiment was checked owing to all the officers being either killed or wounded, Lieutenant James, who belonged to a neighbouring unit, gathered a body of men together and led them forward under heavy shell and rifle fire. Then he returned and organised a second party, putting fresh life into the attack. On July 3 he headed the bomb-throwers attack on a Turkish communication trench, where nearly all the wounded remained alone. He kept the enemy at bay single-handed until a barrier was built behind him. The trench which was secured was throughout exposed to a murderous fire.