WINNERS OF V.C.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1933, Page 8

WINNERS OF V.C.

VICTORIA CROSS WINKERS

HOW THE HER OKS FARE TO-DAY

THE CHEAT BATTLE OF LIFE

LONDON, January 13

Once feted kk national heroes, Bi’itai -i’s bravest io.diev-s, tile men w-jo i« r their courage werg, awarded tlie Victoria Cross, are now living in comparative jo->. a.-itv. Some a‘> facing' poverty Others have successfully adapted themselves to modern conditions and are prospering. Many have dipped out of .sight completely. Inquiries by a Sunday Chionicle le•pr:tentative reveal that V.C.s are working as commissionaires, v. arcmuisemen, lamp-lighters, milkmen, and barristers'. One V.C. was recently discovered playing a barrel organ in order to earn a living. He is ex-Sergeant-Majo r Clarke, of > orthampton, who is now working for a Rochdale building firm.

Among the successful V.C.s is jjrinra uier-Gemrral W. Wright who -has recently been appointed a member of the King’s Bodyguard of the Honourable Corps- of Geiitlerrien-at-Arms. Captain E. (1. Robinson, another V.C., is r.avai aide-de-camp to the King. Ex-Lieu-tenant Brett Ma c kay Cloutman, V.C., is a barrister.

.Michael O’Leary, the gallant Irish V.C., i-s working in a London warehouse. Captain Eric Robinson, who was awarded his V.C. for an act oi bravery ashore in the Dardanelles in 1315, ’ is to-day Captain of the Docr-yard oat De-vonport. Two V.C.s are lamplighters in Leeds.

Mr Gordon Kenny, the Ox-G°rdon i Highlanders drummer, who 'won his V.C. rear Ypreis, is in London as a commiss'onaire. Another V.C. who is a commissionaire is James Smith, of the “Buffs.” Ex-Sergeant Boulter, of Oou’ndon, r uns a hosiery business of his own.