AWARDED V.C.

Timaru Herald, Volume CLI, Issue 22204, 23 February 1942, Page 5

AWARDED V.C.

Gallantry Of Indian Army Officer LONDON, February 20. Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Edward Cuming, M.C., of the 12th Frontier Regiment, Indian Army, has been awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry in Malaya. After a British position had been penetrated by a strong Japanese force, Lieutenant-Colonel Cuming’s courage assisted in the safe withdrawal of a brigade headquarters and a battalion. With a small party he led a counterattack and prevented further penetration by the enemy until the whole of his partv had become casualties. He himself received two bayonet wounds in the stomach. His stand enabled a big quantity of material and many vehicles to be withdrawn.

In spite of his stomach wounds, Lieutenant-Colonel Cuming drove about in a carrier for an hour while collecting isolated men. He received two more wounds, however, and lost consciousness. The driver of the carrier tried to get him to safety, but when he came to Lieutenant-Colonel Cuming insisted on staying where he was until he was sure that he and the driver were the only survivors in the area. Only then did he retire;