MAJOR DEXTER.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16152, 5 March 1918, Page 8

MAJOR DEXTER.

* "THE PINCHING PARSON." Major Desfer, D.5.0., D.C.M., popularly known among the Australian troops in France as the "Pinching Parson," is as brave as he is devoted to the welfare of the Anzacs (says the "Sydney Sun"). Chaplain Hall, who is a personal friend of Major Dexter, has written of him as follows: — "The major went to sea as a boy, and later had his own ship, which ran from India to Mecca. At, the beginning of the tSouth African war he laid up his ship in Bombay and joined Lumsdown's Indian Horse. As a des-patch-rider to Lord Roberts he won the D.O.M. After the Boer war he went to Durham University, and took holy orders when about 40 years old. He then travelled to Gippsland about 1910, and later lived in South Melbourne. •'lmmediately war was dcclarod he volunteered, and went to Gallipoli, winning the D.5.0., and was promoted to major. He was wounded six times at Gallipoli, but refused to go further back than his dug-out. The wound that caused him the greatest mental depression was received from a high explosive shell, which injured his jaw, and prevented him preaching for a while. "Prom Gallipoli he was transferred to Prance, and worked in conjunction with the Australian Comforts fund instituting the coffee-stalls, which are now known everywhero for the comfort they provide for soldiers. "The major has a 'talcing wav 5 of bis own. When the soldiers are m need of comforts this brave padre does not spend his time in discussing the matter. but simply, as the soldiers sav, •pinches what is required, and the military authorities wink at such commandeering.''