SERGEANT WHITTLE, V.C, D.C.M.

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 32, 1 November 1917, Page 4

SERGEANT WHITTLE, V.C, D.C.M.

A BRAVE ANZAC. New Zealand has some interest in the award of a V.C. to Sergeant .Whittle. Apparently he was not with the Kew Zcalnuders, because his name has never come to us by cablegram, but for jnany years he lived here. He was an €m> "ployce of Mr. H. W. Smith, M.P., whose . employ he left about five years ago. Mr. Smith describes him as "a fine, manly fellow, nu excellent man in every way.' Sergeant Whittle has also won the D.C.M. in this war. The following congratulatory letter was sent to Sergeant Whittle by General Birdwood:— "First Anzac Camp, "June, 1917. "Dear Sergeant Whittle,— "I write to congratulate you most heartily upon the award to you of the Viotoria Cross, which you have so fully deserved for your conspicuous gallantry aud good service in the operations near Boureies on April 9, and again at Lagnicourt on April 15. On the former occasion, when .the enemy succeeded in entering a recently-captured trench held by a platoon under your command, you personally collected all available men, and with 'great gallantry and determination charged tho enemy and regained the position, the retention of which was most important for the defence of Boursies. At Lagnicourt you again distinguished yourself in handling your men with great skill and determination in a critical situation; owing to tho enemy breaking through a. section of our front in a, very strong attack, you were compelled to withdraw your platoon to the Sunken. Road. When the enemy endeavoured to enfilade you with a machine-gun, then, single-handed, you rushed across the bullet-swept area and attacked the.gun crew with bombs, accounting for all or them, and capturing the machine-gun. "Your fine, soldierly conduct throughout these operations was a. splendid example to your men, and I am so glad that you 'have received this high dis- ( Unction in recognition of it. I thank you ■ sincerely for your good work, and wish you good fortune for the future. "Yours sincerely, /'(Signed) W. R. BIRDWOOD."