FOR VALOUR.

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 207, 27 May 1919, Page 4

FOR VALOUR.

NEW ZEALANDERS' V-.G.'S,

The deeds for which three Now Zealanders were awarded the Victoria Crosn in the closing months of the war are de< scribed in General Orders as follow:— v * n-fl Ser £ e ? nt • Harry John Laurent, -N.u. Iviflo Brigade.—For most conspicuous bravely, skill, and enterprise vied during an attack ho was detailed tt. exploit an initial 6ucce6s and keep in touch with tho enemy. With a party of twelve ho located the enemy support line very strongly held, at once charged the position, followed by his men, and completely disorganised tho enemy by his sudden onslaught. In tho subsequent hand-to-hand fighting which ensued he showed great resourcefulness in controlling and encouraging his men, and thirty of the cuemy having been killed the remainder surrendered, a total of one officer and 111 other ranks in all. The success of this daring venture ,which eausM. his party four casualties only, was <lu» to his gallantry and enterprise. 14/131 Private James Crlchton, Auckland Eogiment.—For most conspicuous bravory and devotion to duty when, although wounded in the foot, he continued with the advancing troops, despito difficult'canal and river obstacles. When his platoon was subsequently forced back by a counter-attack he succeeded in car* tying a message which involved swim • ming a rivor and crossing an area swept by machine-gun fire,, subsequently rejoining his platoon. Later ho undertook on his own initiative to save a bridge which had been mined, 'and, though, under close fire of-machine-tfinii and snipers, ho succeeded in removing the charges, returning with the fuses iiiid detonators. • Though suffering ftona! q, painful wound he displayed the highest dogreo of valour and devotion to Auty. 10/2950 Sergeant John Gilroy Grant, Ist Battalion, Wellington Kcgimcat—For most conspicuous bravery and devotion' to duty near Bancourt on September 1, 1918, when sergeant, in command-of n platoon forming part of the leading waves of the battalion attacking the high ground to the east of Bancourt. On reaching tho crest it was found that a line of fivo enemy machine-gun posle offered a sorious obstacle to further ndvance. Under pointblank fire, however, tho company advanced against thesi posts. When about twenty yards from tho posts Sergeant Grant, closely follow, ed by a comrade, rushed forward i ahead of his platoon, and with great dash and bravery entered the.contro post, demoralising tho garrison and enabling the men of his platoon to mop up tho position. In tho snmo manner he rushed the post on the left, and the remaining uosls were quickly occupied and cleared his company. Throughout the whole operation on this day and two previous days, Sergeant Grant displayed coolness determination and valour of tho highest order, and set a splendid example to all,