New Zealand V.C. Hero Entertained at Luncheon in London by the Hon. Sir Thomas Mackenzie.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1358, 4 May 1916, Page 30

New Zealand V.C. Hero Entertained at Luncheon in London by the Hon. Sir Thomas Mackenzie.

HOTEL WINDSOR, VICTORIA STREET, LONDON. Among those present were Captain L. M. Shera, Lieutenant W. G. Bishop, and Lieutenant F K Turnbull, of the New Zealand Expeditionary Contmgent, who had been decorated with the Military Cross. As Corporal Bassett entered the dining-hall the company rose and sang For Hes a Jolly Good fellow.” He is the first member of the Contingent from New Zealand to win the Victoria Cross. In proposing fie health of the young hero Sn Ihomas Mackenzie said Corporal Bassett’s deed sustained not only the reputation of the British Army, but what was more to them, tire reputation of New Zealand (Cheers.) “The surprise of many of us is that more Victoria Crosses and more honours have not been given to the New Zealandeis ana Aus tralians who took part in that wonderful campaign in the Gallipoli Peninsu la,” added Sir Thomas. “It is an amazing thing to me. h heard it often expressed by old soldiers, and men who have witnessed the strenuous and sanguinary fighting that nothing has evei equalled J- ne _ work carried out by the men who have come from under the shadow of the Southern Cross to fight for King and country. That bemg so, ■ ' ing when you come to look over the list, to find only one Victoria Cross for New Zealand. I speak on this point because I am suie 1 am express ing the opinion of those who were there and saw what was done by our men.