A BLIND HERO.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 202, 2 October 1916, Page 2

A BLIND HERO.

WHAT BRITAIN DID FOR HIM. This is the record of Sapper Benson, of the R.E;, as it was told —says the London Evening News —by Mr J. O’Grady, M.P., to Mr Forster, Financial Secretary to the War Office: Benson joined the colours in October, 1914. In the battle of Neuve Chapelle he was gassed and shot through the groin and leg. After recovery in England he returned to the front and took part in the battle >cr Ypres, Hill 0, Messines, and Loos. During an assault on the British trenches by the Germans, Benson succeeded without aid in rescuing eight wounded men and a wounded officer While carrying another wounded mar he was shot through both legs, blown into the air, and subsequently buried, in debris from shell-burst. As a consequence he has lost his sight and tin j use of his limbs. A record of his co. ■ duct was read out irt Brigade Orders at three parades, and he was reccm ( mended by the general. And here is the sequel to this glorious record, which will also be relatec by Mr O'Grady to Mr Forster. Sapper Benson is at home again, blind and partially paralysed. He is thirty-eigiu , has a wife and three children, and is totally incapable of any employment. But so far he has net received any recognition of his services, nor has he received any pension. His sole means of subsistence for himself and his family is an allowance of 25/- weekly from the local Relief Committee. Mr O’Grady does not ask for an? punishment of the officials who are responsible for the neglect of this hero He requests simply that any recognition that may be due shall he award c him, and that an allocation of full pension and other allowances to which ..c is entitled shall he promptly made.