OFFICER’S GREAT BRAVERY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1652, 19 December 1916, Page 4

OFFICER’S GREAT BRAVERY.

LATE MAJOR CONGREVE

AWARDED V.C., D. 5.0., AND M.C

On several occasions in (lie present war wo have had records of the simultaneous besjowal of two decorations upon one officer in recognition of special bravery, but surely the receipt of three —the Victoria Cross, the |)is(ipgui.she() Service Order, and I lie Military Cross —must constitute a record. This triple bestowal was made at Buckingham Palace a few days ago, but tragedy underlays the occasion, for the officer on whom they had been bestowed was not there to receive them. in his stead stood his widow. The late officer was Major William La T ouche Congreve, of the Kitie Brigade; his young widow was formerly Miss Pamela Maude, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs Cyril Maude, and her marriage to Major Congreve took place only seven weeks before his death. The D.S.O wna won fop special gallantry and resource, which resulted in the capture of two enemy officers and over 70 men. The Victoria Cross was awarded for “;nost conspicuous bravery during a* period °f d days preceding his death in action," We are told that “this oliicer constantly

performed nr-ls of; gallantry and showed the greatest devotion to duty, and hy his personal example inspired all those around him with confidence at critical periods of the operations. During’ preliminary preparations for the attack he carried out personal reconnaissances of the enemy lines, taking out parties of officers and non-commission-ed officers for over 1,000 yards in front of our line in order to acquaint them with the ground. All these preparations were made under lire.

“Later, by night, Major Congreve conducted a battalion to its position of employment, afterwards returning to it. to ascertain the situation after assault. He established himself in an exposed forward position, from whence he successfully observed the enemy, and gave orders necessary to drive them from their position. Two days later, when brigade headquarters was heavily shelled and many casualties resulted, he went out and assisted the medical officer to remove the wounded to place's of safety, although he was himself suffering severely from gas and other shell effects. He again on a subsequent occasion showed supreme (‘oarage in tending wounded under heavy shell lire. He linally returned to the front line to ascertain the situation after an unsuccessful attack, and whilst in the act of writing his report he was shot and killed instantly.”

Mrs ‘Gongreve was most graciously received by the King, who assured her of the deep sympathy felt for her by the Queen and himself in the tragic loss of her gallant husband. Major Congreve’s father was a distinguished officer, and Avon the Victoria Gross It! years ago.