FAILURE OF RED CROSS IN EGYPT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2561, 8 September 1915, Page 5

FAILURE OF RED CROSS IN EGYPT

AN-AMAZIN GkSTOR Y E.V Tclefrapli—Press AaeooinUon-OopytieM Melbourne, September 7. Writing from Ghezireli on July 15 to Lady Munro-Ferguson, wife of the Governor-General, Colonel J. W. Springtliorpe states that the Red Cross organisation in Egypt had failed'to an almost incredible degree to date. There -was no depot near the front and 110 arrangements for the forwarding of comforts. A depot ivas only established at Lernnos weeks after it was needed. Thero was the same lack of preparation and of comforts oil the troopships bringing tho wounded to Alexandria. In the Cairo hospitals at first the wounded simply arrived in tho clothes they stood in. Tho contrast between the hospitals under British and Egyptian control and tlio.se under Australian, control could hardly be exaggerated. "They are as commendable and satisfactory as ours are unsatisfactory and open to condemnation." The same tale of neglect applies to tlio transports conveying tins wounded and sick to Australia.

NEW ZEALAND HOSPITALS IN ENGLAND

'A TOTJR BY THE HIGH COMMISSIONER. ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.)' London, September 6. The Hon. T. Mackenzie (High Commissioner for -New Zealand) has been, visiting different hospitals where NeV Zealanders are inmates. Ho investigated complaints at Weymouth but found the conditions satisfactory. It has bean decided to instal an additional 200- beds there.

FOR DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT

BATTLE HONOURS FOR NEW ZEALANDERS London, September 6. • , Distinguished Conduct Medals lava been awarded to tlie following; New Zone landers: — Canterbury Battalion. Private E. Barlow.—At Quinn's Post on June 21 <iu his own- initiative crawled out of a trench to reconnoitre the enemy's bomb-proof shelter, atid dropped into it two bombs.'Throughout he distinguished himself as a most courageous and skilful bomb-thrower. Private A. Find! ay.—On. April 26 at Gaba Tepe lie rescued wounded men. under liea-vy shell and rifle flre on. the open beach. Sergeant'W. Rodger.—During a sortie on June 4 at Quinn's Post he was in charge of a party of men, and although seriously wounded by a bayonot thrust' r'efused to retire. ■ ' Wellington Battalion. Corporal P. Bennett.—On April 26 at Gaba Tepe maintained a supply of ammunition for the machine-guns undoi . the heaviest fire. Auckland Battalion. Corporal W. Reid.—When the officer and sergeant of the machine-gun. section were killed, he took comniand, and by fcho bravery of his example prevented the flauk of the battalion, being turned. Sergeant It. Tilsley.—Oa the night of Juno 4 at Quinn's Post the enemy's- . trenches were carried by assault, but were enfiladed by machine-guns. Sergeant' Tilsley built up a sand-bag traverse, which was constantly blown away by Turkish bombs. He continued his task until seriously wounded. New Zealand Engineers. Sergeant A. Abbey.—On the second day at Gabe Tepe exhibited distinguished zeal and 1 bravery while in command of a party that was entrenching , under the heaviest fife. Sapper Scrimshaw.—-On April 24 at Gabe Tepe on four occasions brought in wounded, after all' attempts at rescue had failed. . ' Now Zealand Ambulance. Private A. A. W. p. Henry.—On April 25 at Gaba Tepe attended to wounded under the heaviest fire, allowing no danger to interfere -with hia duties. 1 'Army Medical Corps. Private Crawford Watsmen. —For gallantry and exceptionally good work in connection with improvisation on a hospital ship. No work was too difficult or hazardous for him. KICH STANDARDS OF VALOUR. THE VICTORIA CROSS AWARDS. ("Times" .and Sydney "Sun" Sen-ices.)' (Rec. September 7, 5.5 p.m.) ~ London, September 6. The authorities apparently are experi* enoinc considerable difficulty in awarding the Crosses. 'The latest lists_ of distinctions disclose deeds of heroism which in previous wars-would probably have brought the highest honours, hut the standard of valour is now so high that these feats only securr comparatively minor decorations.