FRONTIER SKIRMISH

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19985, 10 July 1939, Page 14

FRONTIER SKIRMISH

MILITARY CROSS WINNER EX-('IIRIST(TIU.RCH BOY VISIT To iIn.ME UN LEAVE A winner of the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in a frontier skirmish, Lieutenant J. D. Mating, a voung Christchurch man who has served six years with the Indian Army, returned last, week cep a visit to his home. On October 20, 1937, during a rising at that time on the North-West Frontier, Second-Lieutenant Mating, as he was then, was in command of a company advancing along the crest of a hill in Bhitanni country. Suddenly his right flank was attacked by a partv of fanatical tribesmen, who lay ' hidden until the troops were within 25yds to 50yds, and then rushed them. The ambush was protected by the fire of snipers in the rear.

Lieutenant Maling ordered his headquarters: men forward at the double with bayonets fixed, with the result that all the attackers were killed. He then cooly and resolutely advanced his men to their objective, in spite cf continuous fire from the Hank. His prompt action enabled the brigade to continue its advance as planned.

An official communique concerning the incident added that Lieutenant Maling throughout the operations had shown a very fine offensive spirit. He took part in innumerable night ambushes, which he always carried out most skilfully.

Lieutenant Maling is a son of Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Maling, of Christchurch. He was educated at Christ's College. After leaving there in 1933 lie passed through Sandhurst and was posted to his present regiment.