THE SHOOTING.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18237, 22 November 1924, Page 13

THE SHOOTING.

CHAUFFEUR'S ACCOUNT. TEN BULLETS HIT CAR. UVSTSAUIX i.Vft X-Z. CARLS ASSOCIATION.) (Received November 2lst. 10.20 p.m.) LONDON", November 21. The story of the bravery of tho Sirdar's Australian chauffeur, Fred March, is told by Lady Drummond-Hay, tho special correspondent of tho "Daily Express" in Cairo. Visiting tho Anglo-American Hospital, where the Hirdnr was lying, iho correspondent followed a pleasant Eugisls nurse into a largo, bright room, furnished in English style, where she was introduced to Macrh, who was lying in bod. In t-pito of his wounds, he was cheerful. March was horn in Australia and has travelled in America and Japan. Ho sneaks French and Arabic. He arrived in Egypt in IDlo, went through the Gallipoli lighting, and. also served in Palestino and Syria until the Artnietice. Since then lie has been ill Egypt. He owned a garage, but failed. Thea he undertook private work. "Tho coir used by the Sirdar is mine, lie said. ''l just bought it. It Ji4s had a good christening, don't you think? I hopo tho Government will repair it —fill up tho bullot-holes with putty." Lady Drummond-Hay adds that March apparently was ignorant of the Sirdar's critical condition in tho next room wllon he spoke. March's story of the shooting is: fl Aftcr leaving tho "War Ofiieo I was obliged to drive slowly crossing the tramway lines. Suddenly I heard a report, audi locked lo the right, and Was just alongside three revolvers pointed at me. Tliero wero fire men— ISfFendis —you know tho sort —standing light on the edge of tho footpath. 1 immediately changed gear, realising that to get away quickly was the only liopo of saving tho party. I imagine that 60veri shots wero fired at me, because seven empty cartridge cases Were foijnd in my place. Thev continued firing at tho Sirdar and his aid© in the back of tho ear while I drove on to tho Residency as fast as I could. Ten shots hit the ear. One hit one of my arms, and another tho bonea of my right leg, causing the greatest paih. "I lowered my head, determined to avoid the shots because I realised that I was responsible for the lives of those behind. How I avoided the traffic 1 don't know, but instinctively I followed the road to tho Residency. When we arrived there I waa unable to move owing to the pain. Subsequently I was carried inside, where I congratulated by Lord Allenby, the King s Chamberlain, the American Minister, and others. Then I was brought to the hospital."