A V.C. Yarn.

Manawatu Herald, 7 March 1903, Page 2

A V.C. Yarn.

In the early days of the Boer War a certain, regiment had conducted itself magaificiently in an engagement, and half the men had richly earned the Y.O. It. was decided, however, that not more than one of these coverted distinctions could be given, and the commanding officer of the regiment in question was invited to select the one to who " the Gross ” should given. This was a very delicate task, and the commanding officer shirked it. Eventually he decided to let the men select the one to be distinguished for themselves. To his surprise, one man got an overwhelming number of votes, and the regiment was paraded forthwith for the decision to be made know. The. announcement of the award was received with ringing cheers, and the colonel then called the regimental Sergt.-maj. forward, and asked him what signal act of bravery the selected man had performed to merit the votes of so many of his comrades. The Sergt.-maj. hesitated for a moment, and then gravely saluting, said, "Private , sir, was the one who brought up the beer after we had finished ! ”