HONOURING THE BRAVE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 43, 14 November 1917, Page 7

HONOURING THE BRAVE

BQYAL HUMANE SOCIETY'S MEDAL AND CERTIFICATE

FOR SERGTVMAJOR F. HOLMES

An interesting little function took $>luce in the Muyor's Koom at o o'clock iast evening when tho Mayor (Mr, J. P. Jjuke) presented Sergt.-ilujor Francis Holmes (of tho Military Railway Transport Stall') with tho ltoyal Humano Society's bronzo medallion and certifi-cate-us a reward for tho bravory ho displayed iu jumping from a fast-moving train on tho ltult line on Juno 2S last to rescue Private Lako(a Christchuroh recruit) who had fallen from tho platform in a faint, and in so doing had •one of his legs completely severed by the carriage wheels of the train. By eo jumping from the train at tho risk of his .own life, and' rendering prompt first aid, Sergt.-Major Holmes saved the life of a comrade-in-arms, and well deserves the honour done him yesterday. Mr. Thomas Shields (local representative of tho Eoyal Humane Society) asked the Mayor to mako the presentation. In doing so, Mr. Luke referred to the spirit of bravery which had been manifested bo promptly on tho occasion referred to. Bravery consisted "ill many cases of the quick decision to act or not, and the absolute confidence that in so acting a man was doing the right thing. In thu present instance' there was not a moment of reflection. All that Sergt.-Major Holmes knew was that a man had fallen off tho train and might bo in dire need of assistance, and in acting as promptly as ho did he was rendering a life's service. Ho had jumped clear of the' train, had run back and rendered first-aid service, and that fact, had undoubtedly saved the man's life. (Applause.) He congratulated Sergt.-MajorHolmes, whom he knew very well, and' his kith and kin, whom he saw present. He wns n credit to Wellington, was a good citizen, and true representative of tho fine old 6tock from which he had sprung. The Mayor then called on the sergeant-major's sister, Miss Holmes, to pin tho medal on her brother's breast, saying that "the love of a sister eurpasselh that of a wife very often. Lieut-Colonel F. E. Cre.well, who was present, said ho was very; proud and pleased to have:been partially instrumen. tal in securing the honour for Sergt.Major Holmes. He was on the train himself when ono of the, men; 'feeling faint, fell 'off the train, and Serg.t-Major Holmes had jumped to the toscuo so promptly that ho had only to run back 18" to 20 yards to Teach tho injured man, and so prompt-and efficient was his work' in stopping the Weeding, that he had finished ten- minutes before the train arrived' back with the first-aid appliances, and it was that prompt act which enabled tho. man to come to him six weeks later to ask him to thank Sergt-Major'Holmes" for what he had done. ' Wellington .in its niqdeaty had taken iio action, but -a3 the injured mar, was a ChristchuTch citizen .the case had been properly represented there, and tho certificate had come from. Christchurch to one whom .the citizens of Ohristchuroh delighted to hpnour.. Lieut.-Colonel Creswell stated that Sergt.-Major Holmes.hnd been with him now for about nine months bringing troops to "Wellington. ..The iicc) dent had been-the first, and he hoped it would be the last.. ,With ; such.ineii as Sergt.-Major Holmes to help them there should be few accidents. (Appla-use.) Major Knutsford, of the Transport Staff; ■ congratulating Sergt.-Major Holmes and referred to his sterling worth and . natur,e in the work.be was engaged in..-.: ■■ '.' Captains Bishop and Chapman, Transport officers, also-boro testimony to Sergt.Major Holmes's character and worth, and admitted'that they hardly knew what they would do without him. ■' Sergt.-Major Holmes thanked tho Major and' the officers present for .the many kind words they had spoken. ■ He did not know that what he had done was a brave action. ■ It was whut any other 'man would have'done: in'the circumstances. It was a case of acting on the spur'of the moment. Things did happen like'that,"and r one'd.id : n'ot think about them; He had" nothing further to,add, save to thank them all for : the honour they had dons him, (Applause.) , ;