FIGHTING DIGGERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12404, 23 August 1918, Page 4

FIGHTING DIGGERS.

ENTRENCHING BATTALIONS REWARDED. (From MALCOLM ROSS. War Corn* spomlent with the Now Zealand Forces in the Field.) 9 June 20. Walking down the dusty road that winds between the two villages, you come to a narrow way leading straight up tho hill between trees and hedgerows. Tills narrow country road takes you out ou to a breezy upland behind a big farm steading. The farm is, like almost all the farms in this district, surrounded by trees. From behind tho trees come the dull reports of bursting bombs and the sound of military music. Tho bombs' are not being thrown in battle. The baud is there purely for ceremonial purposes. In three sides of a square over 2000 men of a New Zealand Entrenching Group are drawn up awaiting tho appearance ot tho Divisional General, who is to pin ribbons on the breasts of some of the heroes of Meteren. A colonel who was ou Gallipoli, and who now limps sadly with the aid of a stick, is in command. Ho waits beside a little baize-covered table, on which is a tiny cardboard box enclosing the bits of rilibou that are the immediate rewards for gallant deeds done in the heat of great battles. At one end of the parade is a small group of men—the gallant fellows who arc to bo the recipients of the bits of ribbon at the hands of their General. In tho background the bayoneting and tho bombing of “ the school" go on without intermission.

Private Roland Sinclair Williams, Canterbury Regiment.—As company runner he displayed great gallantry, repeatedly crossing country exposed toheavy fire, to maintain communication between the companies, which, in great measure, assisted to withstand heavy enemy pressure. He always displayed the highest courage in doing his duty cheerfully —Military Medal. Private Gawn Alfred Moffat, Canterbury Regiment.—By very skilful handling of his Lewis gun team and by conspicuous bravery he inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, and materially contributed to the success of the operation.—Military Medal. Private James Frederick M’Lellaud, Otago Regiment.—Ho acted as company runner. The company commander and two other officers became casualties during the relief. A new officer took command and M’Lelland guided him round the. poets. In one . place where the occupants were unknown, M’Lelland, unasked, went out and ascertained their identity.—Military Medal.

Private Oscar Olendon Empson, Canterbury Regiment.—During enemy attack and intense shelling h 0 took out a party of linesmen and successfully laid a new’ line 1600 yards under direct enemy observation. It was onlv by cool and courageous condhet and devotion to duty that tliis work was accomplished.—Military Medal* Sergeant George Henry Stark, Canterbury Regiment—From April 28 to May 11 without tho assistance of an officer, he successfully established and kept up communication wdth six companies. On May 8, during an intense bombardment, he repeatedly supervised the repairs to lines, in many instances having to salvage the necessary material to do this.—Military Medal. Sergeant Michael Davitt M’Brido, Canterbury Regiment.—While in command of a platoon his courageous and cheerful manner greatly inspired his men and materially assisted in inflicting heavy losses on the enemy.—Military Medal.

Sergeant John Ashley Cook, Otago Regiment.—He successfully and mnictually delivered the battalion rations and ammunition without the slightest loss of transport or personnel. It was only by his untiring energy in reconnaissance previous to moving -that this was accomplished—Military Medal. Sergeant _ William Patrick Morran, Otago Regiment.—While in command of a platoon while tho enemy was advancing in strength along the MetereuBailleul foad, on his own initiative ha at once brought his platoon across the road and organised its defences. His resource and courage were worthy of the highest praise and inspired his men with confidence.—D.C.M.