HOW PRIVATE WILSON WON THE V.C.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 24, 26 March 1915, Page 4 (Supplement)

HOW PRIVATE WILSON WON THE V.C.

There is no military decoration more coveted than the Victoria Cross, granted only for great bravery in face of the enemy. There have been less than 20 granted so far in the great war. and that granted to Private Wilson, of the Highland Light Infantry, was for an net of exceptional gallantry. During one of the recent battles a Herman machine gun played havoc with the Hritish ranks, but it was so skilfully concealed that for some time it could not be located. The uneven contest went on for a while, when Private Wilson discovered that the hail of bullets was coming from a certain spot, which was particularly well sheltered. Tt lay amid the snowdrifts, and even :-.ftor he had first located it be was a bille uncertain as to the direction. Eventually he was able to ascertain the exact location, and. snatching up a leaded revolver, and accompanied by one comrade, ho set out to silence, and cant tire the 'nm.

Making a detour, the two men came upon a Gorman officer and six men working + )ie <.°-un. ami at once opened fire on thorn. Wilson's comrade was killed almost bv the fir«t shot, but. sin-glo-hnndcd and unafraid. Wilson rushed on and shot the officer and the six men ivorkiio; the gun. Though wounded, he ,was -ihlo to secure the gun, and b-oughl it back in triumph to the British position Pri.ir to ioining the T'iuhland Light ln>ntrv. Private Wilson,'now Privaie U'll-on, V.C.. sold newspapers near the o:ii":mco to Edinburgh Castle.