AT VELLA LAVELLA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 276, 22 November 1943, Page 3

AT VELLA LAVELLA

AWARD TO NEW ZEALANDERS (P.A.) Wellington, Nov. 19. Following are the citations, decorations and awards to members of the 3rd. New Zealand Division at Vella Lavella:— Distinguished Service Order to Cnlonel C. F. Seaward.—This officer commanded the 35th. Battalion in the initial stages of the operation. He showed great resourcefulness in getting his battalion within striking distance of the enemy. At the first contact with the enemy at Timbala he went through to the forward platoons and, regardless of his own safety, directed the action at the most critical period. It was due mainly to his splendid example and good leadership that the enemy was pinned.down in his final position. Military Cross to Lieutenant S. J. Bartos.—This officer was mainly responsible for the capture of a large enemy barge and the annihilation of its crew at Timbala Bay. While one portion of the party boarded the barge he, with the remainder, stayed ashore and surrounded the enemy, part of whom attempted to return to the barge in a small boat but were met by the fire of those on board and killed. Lieut. Bartos called on the remainder to surrender but was met with heavy fire. With complete disregard for his safety he led the party straight against the enemy and annihilated them.

Distinguished Conduct Medal to Sergeant T. J. Walsh. —This n.c.o performed outstanding work as a patrol leader throughout the operations in the northern portion of Vella Lavella. Repeatedly and at great risk he pushed forward and gained information of great value. His uncanny bush sense, combined with disregard for danger, enabled him to pinpoint enemy machine-gun positions on at least three occasions, with the result that the artillery was able to concentrate on the positions and enable the infantry to get forward without heavy casualties. He set a standard of leadership of the highest order. D.C.M. to Corporal L. N. Dunlea. — In operations in the vicinity of Warambari Bay Corporal Dunlea w'as a member of several patrols operating against concealed enemy positions. Throughout he displayed courage and resource of an exceptional character. He volunteered with others to go forward and bring in a wounded officer who was seen to fall close to an enemy position. The attempt was successful, in spite of heavy fire, and the officer, who was dead, was brought back. Corporal Dunlea displayed the utmost gallantry and set a splendid example to the men under his command.

Military Medal to Private R. Armour. —This man acted as company runner during the operations at Timbala Bay. By his determination and courage under fire he was successful in bringing back information of the greatest importance. On one occasion, when unable to break through the enemy lines, he swam out to sea and round the enemy flank under fire from enemy shore positions, and although practically exhausted, succeeded in delivering his report. Military medal to Private A. McCullough.—During the landing operations at Warambari Bay Pte. McCullough was wounded in both hands and a leg but continued to fight at close quarters, picking up and returning a Japanese grenade which landed near him, thus killing one of the enemy. His courage and determination were an inspiration to the remander of the platoon and contributed to the destruction of the enemy in that position.