TRIBUTE TO A HERO.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1438, 19 August 1915, Page 3

TRIBUTE TO A HERO.

THE LATE COLIN PATTER--1 SON. Mr Matthew Patterson, of Piclon, father of the late Trooper Colin Patterson, one of our brave New Zealand hoys who gave his life for the Empire at the Dardanelles, and nephew of Mr H. C. Patterson, of Foxton, has just received a tribute to the soldier’s memory from his commanding officer, Captain D. W. Talbot, The message is written in pencil, on a thin piece of paper torn from a note-hook, and bears the imprint of being scribbled in the trenches, probably in the din of battle, whilst the bullets and shrapnel shells of the enemy were flying overhead. It is dated June Ist, 1915, and reads as follows: Mr Matthew Patterson, Piclon. It is with the deepest regret that I have to report the death of your son, Trooper C. C. Patterson. He was shot in the head while on outpost duty, and killed almost instantaneously. He was nobly doing his share of duly allotted to him, and gave his officer, Lieutenant Taylor, splendid assistance in a very hazardous and trying situation, ami he is worthy of the very best traditions of a Britisli soldier. Capt. D. W. Tat. hot, Commanding Officer. Trooper Patterson was promoted to a lieutenancy in the Mounted Rifles in Egypt, but resigned his commission in order to proceed with the infantry to face the Turks at the Dardanelles. The memory of such men deserves to be honoured by all true Britishers