A NEW ZEALAND NAVAL HERO

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 196, 8 May 1918, Page 4

A NEW ZEALAND NAVAL HERO

SWORD OF HONOUR ARIiIVES. Appreciation of the deeds that rank tho lato Lieutenant-Commander W. E. Sundew, V.C., D.5.0., R.N.R., nmoiigst tho greatest of naval heroes continue to bo received by his relatives, statos tho Auckland "Star." The latest is the sword of honour, which now rests in tho home of a married sister, Mrs. C. Keith, Edendale. It is of t'he orthodox naval pattern, straight with a brass hilt, a lion's head at tho top and an anchor on tho outside wliero the knuckles would touch. Tho sword is oiiclosed in a loose-ly-fitting- leather enso, with the initials ''W.E.S." in black at tho top. Tho inscription on the sword roads: "Presented to Lieutenant-Commander W. E. tJnnflers, V.C., R.N.R., by his brother officers, Milford-Haveu Base, April 30, 1917."

Particulars of a memorial tablet in art bronze whioh has been placed in an institute at Milford Haven is supplied by Mrs. Keith. The information was contained in a letter written to Mrs. J5. .T. Sanders, by tho Rev, Edmund J. Howells, 8.D., vicar of Melford Haven, but Mrs. Sanders had died some months previously, so it remained for Mrs. Keith to open tho letter. Written on the official writing paper of St. Andrew's Waterside Church Mission (Milford Haven Branch), it Tcada:—

"I am writing 'as vicar of Milfo'd Haven to offer you on behalf of the town our sincere eyrapathy at the loss you have sustained in the death of your gallant son. He stayed at tho institute uihen ashore, and I had frequent opportunities of meeting him, and I know of no ono for whom I had deeper respect and regard than I had for him. His quiet, gentle, and unassuming manner marked him out as a true suntbman, and his heroic deeds 6peak for 11 emeelvfts (i.s tho work of a brave soldier. His death was deeply felt by all roimcsted with the town and naval basp. In fact, we could hardly talk about it, re great was the grief wo all felt. Our now hall attached to this institute is about to be opened, and -we aro having a very beautiful memorial tablet in art bronze, with his photograph inserted, placed in his memory. When in position I will pet a. photograph taken and send it on to you. Again please accept my r'eepest sympathy. Your gallant son died a heroic death, and though the Wow may be a heavy one I feel you.must be proud of beinij 'the mother of such a hoble eon. Wo had a very beautiful nwnirtrinl eeTviee for your son and otlher members of the crow in the parish church." Tho vicar's signature was attached to tho letter.

Writing to Mrs. Keith shortly after ho hud been promoted to Lieu'.fmantCommandor, and had boon awarded the V.C., the nnvnl hero' stated that the New Zealand Government were to bo Riven a> paintins of tho slhip in icracnibranco of tho day.