A MILITARY CROSS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 April 1917, Page 4

A MILITARY CROSS

An interesting account is given of the incident by which Captain Gordon Guthrie, of Havelock (Hawke’s Bay), won for himself the much-coveted dis. tinofciou of the Military Cross. His company had cleared 15 German ‘trenches on the western front, which they found occupied by elderly men and quite young boys, and had returned to their own quarters, when Captain Guthrie," with an undefinablo feeling that something remained to be done, went back alone and found himself face to faco with a big German officer wearing the most gorgeous uniform he had ever seen. Then ensued a combat worthy of homcrie days between these two big, powerful men. Captain Guthrie is 6ft 2in and weighs 16 stone (having developed wonderfully on active service), and his antagonist was of similar proportions. The German aimed a tremendous blow, which nearly crumpled his opponent’s helmet in two. They then closed, and a terrific struggle for mastery began, each exerting all his strength. Finally,' however, the superior strength of tho New Zealander triumphed and ho was able to despatch his dangerous opponent, who from the richness of his accoutrements, was evidently an officer of rank. Captain Guthrie is at present engaged in France training non-commissioned officers for commission; but he is anxious to get back to the front, where, to use his own expression, he wants to “get mad” for a few minutes again.