ASTONISHING THE BOCHES.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 25 November 1916, Page 2

ASTONISHING THE BOCHES.

HEROIC IRISHMAN'S EXPLOIT. " x One hears from wounded soldiers some wonderful war feats which have never been recorded. An officer who took part in the retreat from Mons has been telling a thrilling story regarding an Irishman's adventure which won for him promotion from the ranks. "Pat" was a sergeant, and was taken prisoner with about 20 others. They were placed in a barn with windows protected by iron stanchions. A couple of Germans guarded the door, which was locked. 'Tat" plofTea" to effect an escape, and prowled through the barn looking for a weapon. He found a shovel. "This will do,'' said he. Having got a couple of strong fel-low-countrymen to lift the door off the hinges Pat sprang out and disposed .of the two Germans. Then he led his men towards a station, ordering them to pick up abandoned rifles and ammunition which lay scattered about At the station stood a British hospitaltrain which the Germans had captured. Pat rushed the station and overcame the guard. Then he and'-two others ran towards the engine and flung out the drive:- and guard. Pat had an idea how to drive, and, having ordered his force to jump in, started the engine. Then he caught sight of the German staiicn-master running towards the open levers to shunt the train off the main line. Pat nodded to one cf the "bhoys," ' who stood beside him and stopped the train. The station-master was overcome by this "bhoy," who opened a 'clear read for the train. Then Pat went full steam ahead. By this time an alarm was raised, and German "bullets showered on the train. A few men were killed, .but Pat managed to get the train through. The staff officers could scarcely credit the story he told, but when the matter was investigated he was offered his choice of a commission or the V.C. He chose the former and got it, with the D.C.M. The Irish lieutenant came home recently from the front, suffering from a slight wound. Why, asks a Home paper, hasn't the official story of his feat been published ? - .

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