A Difficulty About the Victoria Cross.

Manawatu Herald, 21 August 1900, Page 3

A Difficulty About the Victoria Cross.

Aftar full consideration of the ciroumitances of the case of tbe Q,

, Battery Royal Horse Artillery during i the action of Korn Spruit on March 81st, Lord Roberts formed the opinion • that the conduct of all ranks of the j Battery was conspiciously gallant • and daring, but that all were equally brave and devoted in their bearing. He therefore decided to treat the case las one of collective gallantry under i rule 13 of the Victoria Cross Warrant and directed that one officer shou d be selected by the officers for the decoration of the Cross, one noncommissioned officer by the noncommissioned officers, and two gunners or drivers by the gunners and drivers. A difficulty arose wito regard to the officer, owing to the fact that there were on y two u:iwounded officers — Major PhippsHornby and Captain Humphries — available for the work of saving the guns, and both of these had been conspicuous by their gallantry and j by the fearless manner in which they exposed themselves, and each of them nominated the other for the decoration. It was ultimately decided in favour of Major Pbipps-Hornby, he having been the senior concerned. Sergeant Charles Parker was elected by the non-commissioned officers, and Gunner Isaac Lodge, and Driver Henry Glassock were elected by the gunners and drivers. The Queen has confirmed Lord Roberts' grant I and has conferred the Victoria Cross I accordingly.