STORIES OF THE V.C.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 161, 31 March 1916, Page 1 (Supplement)

STORIES OF THE V.C.

BY FIELD-MARSHAL SIR EVELYN* WOOD, V.C.

"I was often asked in the early days of the war whether 1 thought that the men in the ranks were of the same fighting value as those of two generations ago, and invarjably answerer confidently as follows: 'Yes, just the same at heart, but with better-furnish-ed heads.' "The contents of this book (FieldMarshal Sir Evelyn Wood is referring to the stirring stories told by Sir lan Hamilton jn his "Despatches from the Dardanelles." published by George Newnes, Ltd., at one shilling net) "clearly attest the accuracy ot that opinion." No man to-cuy has had greater experience of the British soldier than Sir Evelyn Wood, and the stories of the V.C." which lie tells in the introduction he has written for this absorbing book, which should be added to the bookshelves of all those who wish to learn of the heroism of tiie men who fought for the Dardanelis, make thrilling reading. Sir Evelyn Wood points out the curious fact that 60 years ago a brave officer could think of no better prize for the reward of gallantry than money, and a general about to assault Sebastopol on September Bth, 1885, offered £o for the first man inside the Great Redan.

"When, in the winter 180-I-0," lie says, "the institution of the Victoria Cross was suggested, the Royal \\ arrant for which was not issued until 1806, nearly all the senior officers disliked the innovation, and our Government, realizing this feeling, hesitated to entrust them with the selection of the recipients of the distinction. In oae battalion the men were instructed to nominate .1 private soldi.er. They, as in all good l regiments, reflected the views of their officers as regards the innovation, and unanimously elected a comrade who, being trusted for his sobriety and honesty, used to carry down the grog-can at dinner-tune to the trenches, and so not only enjoyed a 'soft billet,' but was never under fire except for one hour in twenty-four." Referring to the V.C.'s of the present war, Sir Evelyn consumers that the feat which stands out most was that of Lance-Corporal Albert Jacka, 14th Battalion Australian Imperial Forces. "During the night of May 19-20 he, with four other Australians, was holding a trench which was heavily attacked. The five men accounted for many Turks, but when Jacka's four comrades had been killed or wounded the trench was rushed and occup'ed by seven Moslems. Lance-Corporal Jacka attacked and l killed a'l seven, five bv successive shots from his rifle and two iwth his bayonet!"