FROM COWSHED TO MAJOR

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 22 September 1920, Page 4

FROM COWSHED TO MAJOR

KOMANCE OF A FARM HAND. If "Admirable Crichtons" are not met with every clay in real life, neither arc thoy confined to the stage and to a playwright's fantasy, as in the case of Sir James Barrie's famous butler. Here is the case of Mr J. W. «L Millar, for instance. -Thirteen years ago ho left his milking-stool at a farm near Orccnstcad, in Essex, to join the army. Now he has returned to that same farm after a romantic interlude during which be climbed to the rank ol major and won the D.S.O. and the D.C.M., besides being mentioned in despatches. I In November,. 191-1, he went U

France as a machine-gun sergeant in the Sherwood Foresters. He fought at Xeuve Ckapelle, where he was Wound cd three times and won his first decoratiuu _ the ' Distinguished Conduct medal. In 1016, whet company ser gcaut-major, he was granted a coin mission for services in the field, and ho rapidly rose to the rank of captain. Once more he was wounded, and sub sequently he earned the Distinguished Service Order for bravery while com mantling a company. When he received liis promotion 10 Held rank lu was placed in command of a battalioi ol' SUcrWood Foresters.

Demobilised a short time ago, he i

now waiting for his gratuity to materialise;' then he hopes to start a little business of his own. Meanwhile he has returned to the tarm where he worked in old days, his employer being Mr E. S. Schwior, who, as a private soldier, also fought and was wounded at Neuvc Chapclle. Subsequently Mr Sehwier (who joined up in 191-1) was discharged, and he then served three years as a special constable. Modest ami unassuming, Mr Millar has a good-humoured smile and i strong disinclination to talk. There is

nothing in his manner to suggest-that he has ever been out of reach of Ins cows, that he has commanded men in circumstances in which a clear brain. capable of instant decision, and a com plete personal disregard for danger were the qualities demanded. Undoubtedly an Admirable Crichton in real life, he is also a fine type of the old British yeoman .Mock. Mrs Millar is entirely homely, and with interests outside the domestic affairs of her little home.