THE GORDONS AT DARGAI.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 18 September 1914, Page 8

THE GORDONS AT DARGAI.

The conduct of the Gordons at Dargai on October 20, 1597, 'worthily upheld the best traditions of the British Army. With them were five pipers, named respectively Findlater, Milne, Fraser, Wills, and Kidd. They were ordered to sit down while the batteries engaged in a hea-y cannona !e. Colonel Mathias s next order was, "Pipers to the front.'' Milne was the first to step forward, but had only gone a short distance when he was shot, though not fatally wounded. Findlater was the next to go down1! Kidd, rushing forward, tripped over a stone, and in the fall lost his pipes, but afterwards recovered them. Findlater struck up the regimental charging tune, "Haughs o' Cromdale," as his comrades rushed nasi him. He was shot in the ankle, tl;e I'athan bullet passing through t'*e limb and striking the heel of his other boot, which was torn away. The music stooped as the gallant piper drooped with a groan of agony, then, instantly remembering his duty, and forgetting the pain of his wound, Findlater picked tip his pipes and started the "Hau,ghs o' Cromdale." Wilis and Fraser at the head were playing "Cock o' the North." An officer passing Findlater said, "Brave fellow \" and threw him his water-bottle. Sent home to Netley Hospital, Findlater there received the Victoria Cross from the hands of Queen Victoria. Of the other pipers Milne was shot through the chest, the bullet going through the right lung ; but the gallant fellow recovered. Another Gordon who earned the V.C. at Dargai was Private E. Lawson', who, in the fight, carried Lieutenant K. Dingwall (also of the Gordons), who was wounded and unable to move, out of a heavy fire, and subsequently returned jtnd brought in Private McMillan, being himself twice wounded during his gallant actions.