DAME RUMOUR AGAIN

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 24 February 1916, Page 3

DAME RUMOUR AGAIN

TO THE EDITOR

SIR, —As a report has been circulated by a returned wounded soldier that my son, Cedric, had been given fourteen days' detention, I enclose herewith a letter from Captain D. H. Rail, which I would be pleased if you would publish.—l am, etc.,

James McLeod Helensville, Feb. 17, 1916.

Zietoun Camp, Cairo, December 9th., 1915 J. McLeod, Esq., Helensville,

Dear Sir, —I am led to understand you have heard your son has been in trouble and has been given detention. I should like to inform you that such is not the case. True, he bolted to the Dardanelles to fight with his comrades. Of course this was wrong, as it constituted a breach of military discipline. You see, owing to roughness of the country at the Dardanelles, horses could not be used, .consequently of necessity we were instructed to stay here and look after the animals. Subsequently your son was sent back. I can well imagine his feelings and anxiety to help ; it was in no sense a crime. Still, you know, as soldiers we must do as we are told without questioning. With the exception of this incident, your son has done excellently, and is one of the best men I have, always willing and eager to do any task allotted to him. I trust that eventually the horses .will be used, as they have done so well. You will be pleased to hear that our hospital has been a success, and we have passed through our hands over 1000 horses, with a very low death mortality.—Yours faithfully,

D. H. Rail? Captain N.Z.V.C., No. 2 Veterinary Section