A BULLET-IN

NZ Truth, Issue 1210, 7 February 1929, Page 3

A BULLET- IN

Missile In Body for 14 Years WAR SOUVENIR

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Foxton Rep.) An insistent pricking sensation m the muscles of his back was not the reason why Bob Jeffries, a well-known Foxtonian, entered the Palmerston North Hospital a few days ago. A misguided flax hook had inflicted a nasty gash m his leg, necessitating hospital treatment. While m hospital, however, . Jeffries told the surgeon that his back was giving him a 'little trouble. HTHE medico made an examination, and , decided on further investigation with the prescribed implements. He discovered a three-inch bullet, somewhat battered, and presenting a sharp edge to the muscles of the back just below the shoulder. Jeffries was presented with the trophy and asked for an explanation. Here is his story. At the .outbreak of the Great War, despite the fact that he was getting oh m years, he volunteered for service and left New Zealand with the 10th Otago Regiment. His regiment was sent to Gallipoli and he saw a good deal of fighting there. < iiiiiHiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiniiiiiiiniiiniuiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii)>

1 On June 3, 1915, he and two pals were wounded by a Turkish sniper. One young chap was killed, the other was shot m the foot, and he himself was hit m the right shoulder. He and his wounded friend managed to make the shelter of a nearby bluff, and ultimately found their way to the beach, where they received temporary treatment. After spending a few days m sick bay, a call came for volunteers. Although not fit, Jeffries answered the call. He stayed on the Penin- - ' sula until ths evacuation, and afterwards saw active service m Egypt and. France. ■. He .received the military medal for bravery during the battle of the Somme, but of that he has nothing to say except that the Huns were "throwing,,a lot of mud at us and there was a lot of iron flying ciround." ' ' Followed a visit to England, where he received the congratulations of , the King on"being decorated. . Then back to "En Zed," where,, ever since, he has been associated with (lax m the Manawatu. • ■ ■■'■:. The bullet the surgeons extracted from Jeffries last week was the one he stopped on Gallipoli. Thus, for almost 14 years, he has carried this Turkish missile around inside him without any 'inconvenience until just recently, when the, sharp ecljare of .the bullet began to prick his muscle. Naturally, he is very proud of the souvenir, which he no\\f_ carries m a plug- of gauze bandage m his waistcoat pocket. •