DESERT FIGHTING

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 35, 5 November 1942, Page 6

DESERT FIGHTING

Gallantry Awards To 2nd N.Z.E.F. BRIGADIER BURROWS GETS D.S.O. (Official AVar Correspondent, N.Z.E.F.) CAIRO, October 31. A list of immediate awards to New Zealanders was announced today. The awards are: — D. 5.0.: Lieutenant-Colonel (’.temp. Brigadier) .1. T. Burrows and Captain S. B. Thompson Bar to M.C.: Lieutenant A. R. w. Ormond, son of Mr. J. D. Ormond, Wallingford. D C.M.: Sergeant C. W Carter, son of Mr A. W. J. Carter, Taumarunui. M.M.: Signalman C. J. Nik’en, son’of Mr. C. 11. Nilsen. Nelson. At Minquar Quoin on the night of .June 27-28, Licut.-Colonel Burrows commanded a brigade which was ordered to make a breach in the enemy line by a bayonet attack. lie carried out this difficult operation with skill and coolness, his personal example-of courage and determination being an inspiration to all ranks. At Ruweisat Ridge on Juljal4-l;j [>cagain commanded the brigade in a rignt attack, and when the leading units iiad become scattered he showed fine decision and resolution in carrying a reserve battalion through to the objective. During the following day he showed high courage and devotion in holding the ground gained under very heavy fire and against several attacks. He was on the ridge throughout the engagement and set an example to all. . [Colonel 3. T. Burrows was mentioned recently as having been appointed actingBrigadier while commanding an infantry brigade of the N.Z.E.E'. He went overseas with the First Echelon with tne rank of captain, and in March last was mentioned in dispatches for distinguished services. He had command of the Southern Infantry Training Depot, and relinquished that post on his appointment to command the 20th New Zealand Battalion. Commenting on operations some months ago, the official war correspondent mentioned “an All Black brigadier, and it was subsequently revealed by the Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones) that the reference was to Brigadier Burrows. Widely known as a Rugby football player, coach and administrator, he represented Canterbury many times, and was a member of the’New Zealand team which visited South Africa in 1928. He has also been a cricket representative and has won honours in boxing.] Resourceful Medical Officer.

Captain 8. B. Thompson,, as medical officer attached to one New Zealand brigade, followed up the attack on Ruweisat Ridge with his Regimental Aid Rost truck. When enemy tanks over-ran one battalion, Captain Thompson, in the face of heavy lire, continued to pick up stretcher cases and attend to the wounded. His trtiek was then captured and taken west, still collecting wounded. Captain Thompson decided he would go no further so be stopped the truck and instructed his orderlies to unload the stretcher cases. The enemy threatened him and endeavoured to make him pick up enemy wounded only, and go on. An opportunity offering, he ordered the truck to be immobilized and a part to be removed and buried. This was done, and the enemy was convinced that the truck had broken down. He then spent the day tending the wounded and frustrated every attempt.on the part of the enemy to remove them. He was an inspiration throughout the day to those near the truck. Finally, about 7 p.m., he ordered the truck to be loaded, and drove back to our lines with all his party ?nd three of the enemy who had been left to guard the truck. Throughout the day, in spite of shelling and antitank and machine-gun fire, his complete disregard for his personal safety was an example to all. Captain 'Thompson was a medical practitioner on the staff of the Christchurch Public Hospital before the war. He was appointed to the Territorial Force Field Ambulance in July, 1940, transferred later to the Expeditionary Force and went overseas with a reinforcement. Aggressive Spirit.

On September 7, while on patrol between Deir Muhafid and Deir Munassib, Lieutenant Ormond saw an enemy position on the opposite side of a minefield. • He got out of his tank and went forward to investigate in the minefield. He came under heavy machinegun fire, but advanced 100 yards into the minefield on foot to make sure that the gap was clear of mines. He then took his tank through the minefield and attacked the enemy position. He alighted from the tank again and went forward on foot to attack the enemy single-handed. He then came under heavy anti-tank fire from the flank. Some of the prisoners he had captured jumped off the tank and attempted to run away, but he seized his anti-aircraft machinegun, and shot them down before they could / eseape. He then engaged and silenced another anti-tank gun,4oo yards away. His tank received a direct hit from a high-explosive shell, temporarily blinding the driver; but, notwithstanding this, Lieutenant Ormond successfully directed it over the'' top of an enemy gun crew, of which he completely disposed before withdrawal under heavy fire.. Throughout the whole action his aggressive spirit and complete disregard for his own safety were an inspiration not. only to his men and his troop but to his whole regiment. Lieutenant Ormond enlisted in September, 1939, and went with the Hirst Echelon. He was awarded the Military Cross in March this year. He is a member of a well-known Hawke’s Bay family and was a farmer in civil life. Splendid Fighting Qualities. On the night of July 9-10, Sergeant C. W. Carter led a fighting patrol into the El Mreir depression. He attacked a large enemy gun and tractor with grenades, killing the crew. , He then led his patrol against an Italian strongpoint, doing great execution with a light machinegun and grenades He showed good judgment and splendid fighting qualities in this action. On July 10, at Ruweisat Ridge, he again displayed good leadership and a fine fighting example to his men. He enlisted in .September. 1939, and went overseas with the Second Echelon. In civil life he was a journalist. On the morning of July 15, following the advance on Ruweisat Ridge, it was reported that the line forward to brigade headquarters was out of order. Signalman C. J. Nilsen immediately went forward and repaired the line for two miles while under fire. Eventually he was compelled to retire, but later tried again when some Bren carriers were sent out to clear a passage. Throughout the campaign he worked inspiringly and intelligently, and displayed devotion to duty which was an example to his section. lie left New Zealand with the Second Echelon. He was one of a party of New' Zealanders taken prisoner, but was released by our forces at Bardin in Jan inry last.