FREYBERG PROMOTED

Hokitika Guardian, 20 March 1931, Page 3

FREYBERG PROMOTED

A FORMER NEW ZEALANDER. APPOINTMENT TO THE STAFF. [United Presß Association.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright! LONDON. March 18. Lieutenant-Colonel B. Frey berg, I V.C., C.M.G.. D. 5.0.. LL.D., has been ! promoted to the rank of colonel, with | seniority from January 1, 1022. Helms been appointed Assistant, Quarter-master-General to the Southern Command (Salisbury). Colonel Ficyberg, who will always he remembered on account of bis spectacular swim ashore on the night before the landing at Gallipoli to light flares to guide the attacking troops, was educated in Wellington, where his prowess in athletic circles soon brought him fame, as swimmer, oarsman, hoxei* and footballer. Be!ore the war be had lived for several years in the United States, but later went to Mexico, where be fought on the side of Pancho Villa. However, the Great War started and he deserted Villa, walking from Mexico to San Francisco. Making his way to England, he was appointed a sublieutenant in the Royal Naval Division. His unique courage- and great general ability -soon brought him promotion. and l>v 19)0 he was in command of a battalion. The list of decorations following Ins name docs not disclose the fact that lie was awarded two bars to the D. 5.0.. and also received the. French Croix do Guerre.