LIEUT. H. J. LAURENT, V.C,

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 244, 9 July 1919, Page 6

LIEUT. H. J. LAURENT, V.C,

RETURNS BI THE RUAHINE. Among the troops to- disembark, yesterday morning from the transport Ruahine was Second Lieutcunnt Hiirry John Laurent, one of the few New Zealnnders to win the Victoria Cross on the battlefields of France. Lieutenant Laurent earned the coveted distinction whilst a sergeant in "the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. His section of the .brigade had achieved a success in an attack, and it was considered expedient, so that close touch should be kept with tho enemy that it should be followed up. Sergeant Laurent, witl'a party of twelve men only, was detailed for this duty. The party went carefully forward, loc-ued the enemy's support lines, which were strongly held, and instead of retreating to safety Sergeant Laurent, followed by his men," dashed forward, and the onslaught ■was so fierce and un.exne.ited that, the Germans became demoralised, and in the hand-to-hand encounter which followed the band of heroes fought with berserk fury and resource to complete victory. Such was the effect of this "bakers dozen" of New Zealand riflemen that no fewer than thirty Germans were killed, and one officer and 111 other ranks cried "Ivamerad" and were driven back to the cage. Sergeant Laurent s party only suffered four casualties. . Lieutenant l>ure;it is a son ot .Mr. J. Laurent, of Hawera.