FOR VALOUR IN WAR

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3158, 9 August 1917, Page 6

FOR VALOUR IN WAR

FINEST RECORD OF HEROISM SINCE THE OUTBREAK TWENTY-NINE VICTORIA CROSSES A Supplement to the London Gazette issued laji' night (says the "Morning Post" of June !) last) contains the finest record of heroism of the war. To no fewer than twenty-nino officers and men tho Victoria Cross has been awarded; but in nine cases the honour is posthumous. Conspicuous among them all is tho late Captain Ball, who in his brief and brilliant caref as an air fighter—he accounted for forty-three German nojjjplancs— had won tho Military Cross, the D.S.O. with two and now tho highest honour of al;. the Victoria Cross, which comes in recognition of Wβ fine record crowned b;- the supremo sacrifice. Captain Ball was only twenty years of age; he was killed on May 17 and buried the same day at Aiiuoeulin, near Lille. The officjal records are as follow:—

How Lieut.-Colonel Henderson Died. Late Major (acting lieutenant-colonel) Edwavd Biers Delavel Henderson, late N. Staffs, E.—For most conspicuous bravery, leadership, and personal example when in command of his battalion. LieutenantColonel Henderson brought his battalion up to our two front-line trenches, winch were under intense fire, and his battalion had suffered heavy casualties when tho enemv made a heavy counter-attack, and succeeded in penetrating our line in several places, the situation becoming critical. Although shot tlirough the arm, Lieutenant-Colonel Henderson jumped on to the parapet and advanced alone some distanco in front of his battalion, cheering them on ■ under tho most intense fire over 500 yards of open ground. •Win wounded, he nevertheless continued to" lead his men on in the most gallant manner, finally capturing flic position by a bayonet charge. Ho was again twico wounded, and died when he was eventually brought in.

Bringing in the Captured Guns. Major Frederick William Lunisden, DS 0 8.M.A.-1V mast conspicuous bravery, determination, a:od devotion to duty Six enemy field guae having been captured, it was necessary to leave them in dug-in positions, 300 yards in advance of the position held by our troops, llio enemy kept the captured guns under heavy fire. Major Lnmsden undertook the duty of bringing the guns into our lines. In order to effect this, he personally, led four artillery teams and a party of infantry through the hostile barrage. As one of these teams sustained casualties ho left the remaining teams in a covered position, and through very heavy ritia. machine-gun, and shrapnel fire led t'ic infantry to the guns. By force of example and inspiring energy ho sowseeded in sending back two teams with -uns, «oing through the barrage with the to MB of the third gun. He then returned to the guns to await further teams and these he succeeded hi attaching tto two' of the three remaining guns, lespte rifle fire, which had become intense at short range, anil removed the guns to safety. By this time the enemy in considerable strength, had driven throu»h the infantry covering points, and Mown n-p tlTe breech of the remaining f°Z iLjor Lumsden then returned, drove off the enemy, attached the gun to a team, and got it away.

A Bold Action. Alaior George Campbell Wheeler, ife&i »?'•-!€ ■This officer, together with one Gurkha officer and eight men, crossed a river In L immediately rushed the enem£ ter and three men, receiving a. eeveie bfyonef wound in the head but man- ■ 3 in sptte of this, to disperse the onemy This bold action on his part undoubtedly saved the situation. In suite of his yound ho continued to consolidate his position.

Canadian's Second Distinction. Captain Thain Wendell MacDowell, D SO, Can. Inf. Bn.-For most conspicuous bravery and indomitable resolnUon in face of heavy machine-gun and ,eU fire. By his initiative and courage this officer, with the assistance of two runners, was enabled, in the face . of great difficulties, to capture two machine--mis, besides two officers and seventy-hvo men Although 'wounded m the hand, ho Sued tofive days to hold the position gained, in spite of heavy shell fire, until eventually relieved by bis battalion. By his bravery and prompt actfon he undoubtedly succeeded in roundig up a very strong enemy machine post.

Tenacious Stand. Captaiu James Ernest Newlands, Inf. Bu Aus. Imp. Force.-For most conspieuous bravery and devotion to duty in tho face of heavy odds on three separate occasions. On tho first occasion he organised the attack by his company on a most important objective, and ltd peisonally, under heavy fire, a bombing attack He then rallied Ins company, which had suffered neavy casualties, and he was one of the first to reach the objective. On the following night his company, holding tho captured position, was heavily counter-attacked. By personal exertion, utter disregard of nre, and judicious use of reserves, he succeeded in dispersing the enenju and. regaining the position. On a subsequent occasion, when the company on his left was overpowered, and his own company attacked from the rear, he. drove off a combined attack which had developed troin these directions. These attacks were renewed three or four times, ami it was Captain iXewlunds's tenacity and disre»ard for his own safety that the men to hold out. The stand made by this officer was of the greatest importance, and produced far-reaohiug results.'

"Dauntless Courage." Captain Oswald Austin Reid, Liverpool R., attd. L. N. Lan. E.—For most conspicuous bravery in the face of desperate circumstances. By his dauntless courage and gallant leadership he was able to consolidate a small post with the advanced troops, on the opposite of a river to the main body, after his line of communications had been cut by Hie -sinking of the pontoons. He maintained this position for thirty hours against constant attacks by bombs, machine-gun and shell lire with the. full knowledge that repeated attempts at relief had failed, and that his ammunition was all but exhausted. It was greatly due to his tenacity that the passage of the river was effected on the following night. During the operations he was wounded.

Captain Ball's Record. Late Lieut, (temp. Capt.) Albert Ball, D.5.0., M.C., late Nolls, and D»rby R. and R.F.C.—For most conspicuous and consistent bravery from April 25 to May (i, 11117, during which period Contain B:iU took part in twenty-six coinbals in the air and destroyed eleven hostile, aeroplanes, drove down two out of control and forced several others to land. Tt these combats Canlnin Ball, flyiiifr alone, on ono occasion fnnjrTir six hostile machines twice ho found five, and once four "When lending two other British aeroplane" ho. :ittacl?ed an wiomy formntion nf p.i?lil. On each of these occasions he b'ronsht down at. least one snemy. Several times his aeroplane was badly (liimagcd, once so seriously that but for the innsr delioale handling his machine would have collapsed, as nearly all tho control wires hod been shot away. On returning with a damaged machine he hail always to be restrained from immediafoly goin? out on another. In all. f'nntain Poll hml de'troyod fnrty-thrnn Gcrninn npropKnp.s and onp balloon, and ha.= always displayed most exceptional courage, determination, and skill. Brilliant Leadership. Lieut. Frederick Ataurico Watson Harvey. Can, Force.—For most conspicuous briivery and devotion to duly. During an nltaclcliy- his regiment on a village a party nf Die enemy ran forward to a wired trench just in front of the villa.RO und opened rapid tire and machine-gun

fire at a very closo range, causing heavy casualties in tho loading troop. At this critical moment, when tho enemy showed 116 intention whatever of retiring and fire was still intense, Lieut. Harvey,'who was in command of the leading troop, tan forward well ahead of his men and dashed at tho trench, still fully manned, jumped the wire, shot tho machine-gun-ner, and captured tho gun. His most courageous net undoubtedly had a decisive effect on the success of the operation.

A Seaforth Hero. Lieut. Donald Mackintosh, late Sea- . 'li Hi.-hlaiulors.—For most conspicuous bravery ..and resolution in the face of intense machine-gun fire. During the initial advance he was shot through the right leg, but though crippled he continued to lead his men and captured the trench. In. tho eantured trench Lieutenant Mackintosh collected men of another company who had lost their leader, and drovo back a counterattack. He was again wounded, and although unable to stand, he continued, nevertheless, to control the situation. With only fifteen men left, he ordered his party to be ready to advance to tho final objective, and with great difficulty got out of file trench and encouraged his men to advance. He was again wounded and fell. The gallantry and devotion to duty of this officer were beyond all praise.

" Pilot's Rescue of a Comrade. Lieut. ' Frank Hubert M'Namara, Australian Forces, B.F.C.—For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during an aerial bomb attack upon a hostile construction train, when one of our pilots was forced to land behind the enemy's lines. Lieutenant WNnuiara, observing this pilot's predicament and the fact, that hostile cavalry were ai> nroaching, descended to liis rescue. He did this' under lieavy rifle fire and in spite of the fact that lie himself had been severely wounded in the thish. Ho landed about 20fl yards from the damaged machine, the pilot of which climbed on to Lieutenant M'Mamnra's machine, and an attempt was made to rise. Owing, however, to his disabled leg. Lieutenant M'Namara was unable to keep his machine straight, and it turned over. The two officers, having extricated thenipolves, inimediatelv set fire to-the machine, and made their way across to the damaged 'machine, which they succeeded in starting. Finally, Lieutenant M'Namara. although weak from loss of blood, ilew this machine back to the aerodrome, a distance of seventy miles, and thus completed his comrade's rescue.

Sustained Courage. Temp. Input, and Adj. Bobert Edwin Phillips R. War R—For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. After his commanding officer had been mortally wounded in leading a counter-attack, Lieutenant Phillips went out under tho most intense fire to his assistance, and eventually, with the help of a comrade, succeeded in bringing him back to our lines. Lieutenant Phillips had in the first instance tried to get a telephone wire across the open, following the battalion in their aounter-attack. This was impossible when the signallers were lulled. His commanding officer lay wounded in tho open, and as the coun-tet'-atlack had succeeded, he turned all his onergitvs on getting him in. Ho showed' sustained courage in its very highest form, and throughout he had little chance of ever getting back alive.

Held to the Last. Late Lieutenant Charles Pope, late Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. —For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in command of a very important picquet ipost in the sector held by his battalion, his orders being to hold this post at all costs. After the. picquet post had been heavily attacked, the enemy in greatly superior numbers surrounded the post. Lieutenant Pope, finding that he was running short of ammunition, sent back for further (supplies. But the- situation culminated before it could arrive, and jn the hope of saving the position this very gallant officer was seen to charge with his picquet into a superior .force, by which lie was overpowered. By his sacrifice Lieutenant Pope not only inflicted heavy loss on tho enemy, but obeyed his order to hold tho position to'the last. His body, together with those of most of his men, was found in close'proximity to eighty enemy dead— a sure proof of tho gallant resistance which had been made. Thirty Hours' Trial. Second Lieutenant Reginald Leonard Haine, H.A.C. —For most conspicuous bravery and determination, when our troops, occupying a. pronounced salient, were repeatedly counter-attacked. There ■ was an ever-present, danger that if the enemy attack succeeded the garrison of the salient would bo surrounded. Second Lieutenant Haine organised and led with tho utmost gallantry six bombing attacks against a strong point which dangerously threatened our communication, capturing the position, together with fifty prisoners and two machine-guns. The enemy then counter-attacked with a battalion of the fluard, succeeded in regaining his position, and the situation appeared critical. Second Lieutenant Haine ■at once formed .1 block in his trench, and for the whole of the following night maintained his position against repeated determined attacks. Reorganising his men on tho following morning ho again attacked and captured the strong point, pressing the enemy back several hundred yards, and thus relieving the situation. Throughout these operations this officer's superb courage, quick decision, and sound judgment were beyond praise, and it was 'his splendid personal exnnrple which inspired his men to continue their efforts during nioro than thirty hours of continuous fighting. Thrice Honoured.

Second Lieutenant Alfred Oliver Pollard, M.C., H.A.C.—For most conspicuous bravery and determination. The troops of various units on-the left of this officer's battalion hnd become disorganised owing to the heavy casualties from shell firo; and a subsequent determined enemy attack with very strong forces caused further confusion and retirement, closely .pressed by hostile forces. Second Lieutenant Pollard at once realised tho seriousness of the situation, and dashed up to etop the retirement. With only four men he started a counter-attack with bombs, and pressed it. home till 'he had broken tho enemy attack, and regained all that had been lost and much ground in addition. The enemy retired in disorder, sustainins manv disunities. By his force of will, dash, and splendid example, coupled with an utter co.ntempt of danger, this oßicer, who has already won the D.C.M. and M.C., infused courage into every man who saw him.

Gallant N.C.O.'S. Sergt. Frederick Charles Booth, S. Afr. i'orees, a.ttd. Rhodesiau Native Regt. — I'or most conspicuous bravery during an attack, in thick bush, on the enoniy. position. Under very heavy riile lire Sergt. Booth went forward alone and brought in a man who was dangerously wounded. , Later, he rallied native troops who were badly disorganised, and brought them to the firing line. This n.c.o. has on many previous occasions displayed the greatest bravery, coolness, and resource in action, aiid has set a .spfeudid example of pluck, endurance, and determination. Sergt. Harry Ca.tor, E. Suit. R.-For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. Whilst consolidating the first line captured system his platoon suffered severe casualties from hostile machinegun and rifle fire. In full view of the enemy and under heavy fire Sergt. Cntur with one man advanced across (lie open lo attack the hostile machine-gun. The man accompanying him vras killed after going a short distance, but Sergt. Calor continued on, and picking up a Lewis gun and some drums on his way, succeeded in reaching the northern end of the- hostile trench. Moanwhilo, one of our bombing parties was seen to be held up by a mnchine-gun. Sergt. Calor took up a position from which he sighted this gun, and killed the entire team an<l Hip officer whose papers ho brought in. He continued tn hold that end of the trench with the Lewis gun with such effect that the bombing squad was enabled to work along, the result being that 100 prisoners and five machine-guns were captured. Sorgt. John William Ormsby, K.O. York. L. Inf.—For 'most conspicuous liravery and devotion to duty during operations which culminated in the. capture of an important position. Acting a.s company sergeant-major lie showed throughout the attack absolute indifference to the heavy machine-gun and riflo

fire, and set a lino example. After clearing the village ho pushed on and drove out many snipers from localities further forward. When tho only surviving officer was wounded he took command of the company and led them forward iindc lieavy tiro for JOO yards to a new position. He organised his new position witn great skill and held his line with determination until relieved of his command. His conduct throughout was admirable,

and inspired confidence in every mil' under his command. S"t. John Woods Whittle, Inf. Bn., Ails'. Imp. Force.—For conspicuous bravfrv and devotion to duty on two occasions. When in command of a platoon the enemy, under cover of an intense artillery barrage, attacked the small trench he was holding. Owing to weight of numbers the enemy succeeded in enterin" the trench, and it was owing to Sergt. Whittle personally collecting all available men and charging tho enemy that the position was regained. On a second occasion when the enemy broke through the left of our line Sergt. Whittle's o"wn splendid example was the means of keeping the men well in hand. His platoon -were suffering heavy casualties and the enemy endeavoured to bring up a machine-gun to enfilade the position. Grasping the situation he rushed alono aero?-! the fire-swipt wound ond attacked the hostile gun crew with bombs before the gun could be got into action. He succeeded in killing the whole crew and in bringing back the machine-gun to'our position. L-Sgt. Thomas Steele, Sea, Highrs — For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. At a critical moment when a strong enemy counter-attack had; temporarily regained some of the captured trenches, Sergt. Steele rushed forward and assisted a comrade to carry a machine-gun into position. He kept the gun in action till relieved, being mantly instrumental in keeping the remainder of the line intact Some hours later another strong attack enab ed the enemy to reoccupy a portion of the caphired trenches. Again Sergt. Steele showed the greatest bravery, and by personal valour and example was able to Tally troops who were wavering. He encouraged them to remain in their trenches and led a number of them forward, thus greatly helping to re-establish our line. On- this occasion he was severely wounded These acts of valour wore performed'undor heavy artillery and rifle fire L -Cpl Thomas Bryan, Northd. 1 us.For'most conspicuous bravery during an attack. Although wounded, this noncommissioned officer went forward alone, with a view to silencing a machincgmi which was inflicting much damage. He worked up most sklfully along a communication trench, approached the gun from bUind, disabled it and tailed two> of Hie team as they were abandoning the gun. ■\s this machine-gun had been a serious nbVicle in the advance to the second objective Sβ results obtained by LanceCorporal Bryan's gallant action were Ellis Welwood Sjfton, late Canterbury Infantry Battalion^--which inflicted many casualties. Having located the gun lie charged it singlehanded, killing all the crew. A. smal enemy pnrtv advanced down thev-tiench. but he succeeded in keeping these oft ffll our 'men had gained the position. I cam-in" out thin (tnllant act. he was killed, but his conspicuous valour unoubtedly saved many lives amiconfrbiitcd largely to the success of the operaCorpl. John Cunningham, Loin. J? -For most'conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in command of a Lewis-Eim section on the most exposed flanl of the attack. His sec ion came under heavy enfilade fire, and .raftered severely. Although. wounded, lie succeeded almost alone in reaching Tub obiectivo with his gun, which he pot into artion in spile of much opposition. When counter-attacked by a party ot twpntv if tho enemy, he exhausted ii'e ammunition against'them, then stand-; iu<r in full view, he commenced throwing bomb? He was wounded again, and fell, but. picked himself up and continued to fight single-handed with the enemy until"his bombs wore exhausted. He then made bis way back to our lines with a fractured arm and other wounds. There is littlo doubt that the superb courage of this n.c.o. cleared up a most critical situation on tho left flank of the attack. Corporal Cunningham died in hospital from the effects of Ins wounds. Late Corpl. George Jarratt, late ft, f —For most conspicuous bravery and devotion in deliberately «ncrificing his life to save others. He had, together with some wounded men, been taken prisoner n"d placed under guard in a dugout. Tho same evening the enemy were driven back by our troops, the leading infantrymen of which commenced to bomb the dug-outs. A grenade fell in the dug-out, and without hesitation Corporal Jarratt placed both feet on the grenade, the subseciuent explosion blowing off both liis legs. The wounded were later safely removed to our lines, but Corporal .Tarratt died before he could "bo moved. By this supreme act of selfsacrifice the lives of these wounded were saved.

Late Pte. AVilliam Johnstone Milne, lalo Gin. Inf. Bn.—For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. On approaching the first objective Pte. Milne observed an- enemy machine-gun firing on our advancing troops. Crawling on hands and finees, he succeeded in reaching the gun, killing the crew with bombs, and ctpturing the gun. On the lino re-forniin'g he agnin located a ma-chine-gun in the support line, aud stalking the second gun as ho had done the first, he succeeded- til putting the crew out of action and capturing the gun. His wonderful bravery and resource on these two occasions undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades. Pte. Milne was killed shortly after capturing the second gun. Late Pte. Horace Waller, late K.O. York. L.I. —For most conspicuous bravery when with a bombing section forming it block in the enemy line. A very violent counter-attack was made by the enemy on this post, and although five of the garrison were killed, Pte. Waller continued for more than an hour to throw bombs, and finally repulsed the attack. In the evening the enemy again counter-attacked the post, and all the garrison became casualties except Pte. Waller, who, although wounded later, continued to throw bombs for another half-hour lintil he was killed. Throughout these attacks he showed the utmost valour, and it was due to his determination that the attacks on this important post were repulsed.

Succouring the Wounded,

Pte. Michael Hcaviside, Dur'h. L.T.— For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. When the battalion was holding a bloc,k in the line a. wounded man was observed about 2 p.m. in a shell hole «ome sixty yards in advanco of our block and about forty yards from the enemy line. He was making signals of distress arid holding up an empty water bottle. Owing to snipers and ma-chine-gun fire it was impossible, during dayli"ht, to send out a stretcher party. But l'te. Heavisido at once volunteered to carry water and food to the wounded man despite the enemy fire. This he succeeded in doing, and found the man to be badly wounded and nearly demented with thirst. He had lain ou.t for four daw and three nights, and the arrival of" the water undoubtedly saved bin life i'le. Hcaviside. who is a stretcher bearer, succeeded the same evening, with tii' assistance of two comrades, in rescuing the wounded man. Saving the Enemy. Private Jorgan Christian Jensen, Infantry Battaion, Australian Imperial Force—For most conspicuous bravery mid initiative when, with five comrades, ho attacked a barricade behind which were about 45 of the enemy and a ma, uhiuc "iin One of his party shot the euniieiC and Private Jensen, single-ha.nd-ed, rushed the post and. threw in a bomb, lie hid still a bomb in one hand, but takin* another from his pocket with the other" hand he drew , the pin with his teeth and bv threatening the enemy with wo bombs and by telling them that they were surrounded, he induced them to surrender. I'rivnto Jensen then sent one of hie prisoners to ordor a neighbom?n° enemy party to surrender, which they di 3 This latter party were then fired ni in ignorance of their surrender by another party of. our troops; whereupon Private Jensen, utterly regardless of per- -™ il diin-er, stood on the barricade, waved his helmet, caused firing to cease, ■ind sent his prisoners back to our lines. Private Jensen's conduct throughout woe

[ marked by extraordinary bravery and determination. A Lone Hand. Private Thomas James Bede Kenny, Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Jj orce.—For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when his platoon was held up by an enemy strong point, and severo casualties prevented (progress, i rivato Kenny, under very 'heavy fire at close range, dashed alone towards tho enemy's position, killing one man in advance of the strong point who endeavoured to bar his way. He then bombed the position, captured tho gun, crew, all of whom he hud wounded, killed an officer who showed fight, 'and seized the gun. Irivate Kenny's gallant action enabled his iplatoon to occupy the position, which was of great local importance. Contempt of Danger. Private Ernest Sykes, Northumberland Fusiliers.—For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when hie battalion in attack was held up about 350 yards in advance of our lines by intense fire from front and flank, and. suffered heavy casualties. Private Sykes, despite this heavy fire, went forward and brought back four wounded—he made a fifth journey and remained out under conditions which appeared to be certain death, until he had bandaged all those who were too badly wounded to be moved. These gallant actions, performed under incessant machine-gun and rifle fire, showed an utter contempt for danger.

AN ADDITIONAL LIST OF FIVE The following additional awards were announced'the following week:— Magnificent Bravery. Lieut. Rupert Vance Moon, Inf. Bn., Aus. Imp. Forces.—For most conspicuous bravery during an attack on an enemy strong point. His own immediate objective was a position in advance of tho hostile trench itself, and thence against the hostile trench, after the capture of which it was intended that his men should co-operate in a further assault on a shx>ng point further in rear. Although wounded in the initial advance, lie reached his first objective. Leading his men against the trench itself, he was again badly wounded and incapacitated for the moment. Hβ nevertheless inspired and encouraged his men and captured the trench. Lieut. Moon continued to lead his much diminished command in the general attack with the utmost valour, being again wounded, and the attack was suqjtessfully pressed home. During the consolidation of the position, this officer was again badly wounded, and it was only after this fourth and severe wound through the face that he consented to retire from the fight. His bravery was magnificent, and was largely instrumental in tho successful issue against superior numbers, the safeguarding of tho flank of the attack and the capture of many prisoners and machine-guns.

Example of Greatest Devotion. 2nd Lieut. (A.-Capt.) David Philip Hirsch, late York. E—For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in atcack. Having arrived at the n'ret objective, Captain Hirsch, although already twice wounded, returned over firesnopt slopes to satisfy himself that the defensive flank was being established. Machine-gun fire was so intense that it was necessary for him to be continuously up and down tho line encouraging his' men to dig and hold tho position. He continued to encourage his men by standing on the parapet and steadying them in the face of machine-gun fire' and coun-ter-attack until ho was killed. His conduct throughout was a magnificent example of the greatest devotion to duty.

Gallant Deeds in No Man's Land. 2nd Lieut. John Harrison, M.C., E. Yorks. B.—For most conspicuous bravery iind self-sacrifice in an attack. Owing to darkness and to smoke from the enemy barrage, and from our own, and to the fact that our objective was in a dark wood, it was impossible to see when our barrage had lifted off the enemy front line. Nevertheless, Second Lieutenant Harrison led his company against the enemy trench under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, but was repulsed, llc-oi-gaiusiug his command as best ho could in No Man's Land, ho again attacked in darkness under terrific fire, but with no success. Then, turning round, this gallant officer single-handed made a dash at tho machine-gun, hoping to knock out the gun and 60 save the lives of many of his conipany. His self-sacrifice and absolute disregard of danger was an inspiring example to all. (He is reported missing, believed killed.) '

New Zealander's Single-handed Attack

Sergt. Donald. Forrester Brown, late Inf. Bu., N.iJ. Forces. —For most conspicuous bravery and determination in attack whenthe company to which he belonged suffered very heavy casualties in officers and men from machine-gun firo. At groat personal riskthisN.C.O. advanced with a comrade and succeeded in reaching a point within thirty yards of the enemy guns. Four of the gun crew were killed, and the gun captured. The advance of the company was continued till it was again held up by machine-gun fire. Again Sergeant Brown and his comrade with great gallantry rushed the gun and killed the crew. After this second position had been won, the company came under very heavy shell fire, and the utter contempt for danger and coolness under fire of this N.C.O. did much to keep up the spirit of his men. On a subsequent occasion in attack Sergeant Brown showed most conspicuous gallantry. He attneked single-handed a machine-gun which was holding up the attack, killed the gun crew, and captured the gun. Later, while sniping the retreating enemy, this very gallant soldier was killed.

Gunner's Conspicuous Valour. Sergt. William Gosling!. R.F.A.—For most conspicuous bravery when in charge of a heavy trench mortar. Owing to a faulty cartridge the bomb, after discharge, fell ton yards from the mortar. Sergeant Gosling sprang out, lifted the •nose of the bomb, which had sunk into the ground, unscrewed the fuse and threw it on the ground, where it immediately exploded. This very gallant and prompt action undoubtedly saved tho lives of the whole detachment.