A BENDIGO HERO.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 October 1917, Page 4

A BENDIGO HERO.

DIES TO SAVE HIS MEN.

“ MAKE WAY FOR LIBERTY.”

The story of the recent lighting is full of individual sacrifice by the British and Australian troops (says the Sydney Sun’s ” representative). Australian brigadiers pay the highest tributes to the officers and men, many oi whom gave, their lives knowingly, but gladty, at the price of victory. A typical and most moving story is that of a Bendigo divinity student, Eveay, details of which are vouched for by men and senior officers. Eveay was 24 years of age. He left with the Victorian unit in the earliest days of the war, and fought at Gallipoli, first as a private, then as a non-commissioned officer Pie was in every fight, and was wounded five times. But when his battalion commander planned leave for him from the battle he insisted in being paraded before the general, whom lie told that he most strongly desired to lead his men to the fight. “If someone is to stay out,” he said, “ let it be my captain.” Eveay got permission, and went into the battle. He played a wonderful part; throughout, which was particularly intense and difficult on the flank upon which he was engaged. He led liis men to the assistance of the British.

Finally, he encountered a ver} r obstinate pillbox. Deploying his men, he coolly dashed himself direct at the German strongpoiut, thus drawing the full strength of the machine-gun fire. His men, thus covered, from behind and in flank, were able to storm the pillbox. The divinity student was riddled with shots, and died in a few minutes. His name deserves the greatest honour. /