RETURNED HERO.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1515, 26 February 1916, Page 3

RETURNED HERO.

DECORATED WITH D.C-M

A pleasing function took place at the Solway Show, Masterton, when Private F.. O’Connor, of the Wellington Battalion, was decorated with the D.C.M. tor conspicuous service at the front. The Hon. James Allen, Minister for Defence, made the presentation, and assembled on the ground were 600 mounted men from the camp at Featherston, while outside the enclosure some • thousands „ot persons were interested spectators of the ceremony. The people cheered the hero lustily as the medal was pinned on his breast. Mr Allen said it gave him the greatest* pleasure to present the Distinguished Service Medal to Private O’Connor: Reading an extract from general orders, Colonel Allen said that Private O’Connor earned the distinction on May Bth, 1915, at Krithia, ior distinguished service in the firing line, where he remained until severely wounded, 'and lost his right eye. Private O’Connor was twice previously wounded, and his gallant example was ot great value. (Cheers.) The Minister further stated that O’Connor was a member of the Masterton Pipe Band, which was composed of sixteen members, fiiteen of whom had either gone to the front, were in camp, or had offered their services. (Applause.) Five of those who had reached the firing line had been wounded, and one had died of disease. Private O’Connor was a sample of tifie spbndid men that the district was sending to the front, and had been honoured by his King, a distinction that was open to every min. He felt sure no effort would be spared to keep the quota of reinforcements from the district up, not only in number, but also as to glass. (Applause.) Hearty cheers were given for Private O’Connor as he saluted Mr Allen,