PROMOTION FOR LT.-COL. FREYBERG.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 66, 19 March 1931, Page 1

PROMOTION FOR LT.-COL. FREYBERG.

EX-NEW ZEALANDER IS APPOINTED TO STAFF.

(United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, March 18. Lieutenant-Colonel B. C. Freyberg, V.C., C.M.G., D. 5.0., LL.D, has been promoted to the rank of colonel, with seniority from January 1, 1922. He has been appointed Assistant Quarter-master-General to the Southern Command (Salisbury).

Colonel Freyberg, who will always be remembered on account of his spectacular swim ashore on the night before the landing at Gallipoli to light flares to guide the attacking troops, was educated in Wellingt<|n, where his prowess in athletic circles soon brought him fame, as swimmer, oarsman, boxer and footballer. Before the war he had lived for several years in the United States, but later went to Mexico, where he fought on the side of Panch© Villa. However, the Great War started and he deserted Villa, walking from Mexico to San Francisco. Making his way to England, he was appointed a sub-lieu-tenant in the Royal Naval Division. His unique courage and great general ability soon brought him promotion, and by 1916 he was in command of a battalion- The list of decorations following his name does not disclose the fact that he was awarded two bars to the D. 5.0., and also received the French Croix de Guerre.