Heroic Work by Anzacs in the West

Taihape Daily Times, 18 October 1917, Page 5

Heroic Work by Anzacs in the West

NEW ZEALANDERS.

thrilling story of heroism. MEN CROWN THEMSELVES WITH GLORY) (Special Dispatch from the New Zealand Official War Correspondent.) Ortober 14. The weather has been simply appalling. The battlefield is such a sea of mud and waterlogged shell-holes that continued success for our last attack was an utter impossibility. In addition, cur men found themselves confronted with maehine-gns in strong concrete (positions, fronted .with barbed wire that had not been cut by the artillery. Under the circumstances we had to be content with a very small advance. Nevertheless we have accounted for many Germans, and have taken some prisoners. The difficulties in transport and getting in the wounded have been great, but are being gradually overcome, and the weather at last seems settled for fine. The division mourns the loss of several brave officers and men. Many deeds of great heroism were performed in this fight, especially in connection with the rescue of the wounded. Our difficulties can be imagined when it is stated that it takes six men, six hours to bring in one wounded man from the front. s HEROIC DEEDS OF VALOUR. In the attack on Gravcnstafel on October 4, which was so successful, many heroic deeds were recorded, such as will make the victory - live in our history. The manner risked almost certain death or wounds in storming the concrete machine-gun positions, either Idling or capturing their crews, is worthy of the best 'traditions of the New Zealand men. Many worked and fought until utterly exhausted. Others carried on after being wounded. One man, armed only with a revolver, rushed a machine gun position. His bravery led another man to follow him. Both were wounded, and the second man has since died, but their action enabled others of their section to get up; the gun was captured and the crew killed. A Wellington corporal, badly wounded, lay upon *■ the ground, and kept urging his- men to attack until a post war captured and its machine-gun crew killed. A Canterbury sergeant, badly wounded, was in command of his platoon, ■' and continued directing and encouraging his men until he become paralaysed and helpless. Throughout, he remained cheerful. An Auckland lieutenant, acting as adjutant of his battalion had his commanding officer and acting-second in command wounded shortly after the attack commenced. He took command of the battalion, which readied its final objective. Though only one junior officer per company was left, he succeeded in holding the line and repelling three counter-attacks. An Auckland corporal just before reaching assistance, had an arm blown off. With splendid determination he refused assistance, ordered his men to push on, and by his coolness and courage steadied them at a trying period. These are only a few of the many brave and daring deeds that were done in this battle that will redound to the credit of New Zealand for all time." IN CANADA CANADIAN CONSCRIPTION. OTTAWA Oct 17. Sir T. G. Shaughnessy -has issued a manifesto to the French Canadians, urging that military service is necessary, and suggesting it s extension to all branches of industry furnishing war material. He advocates the punishment of frothy jingoes, whose only contribution to the country is • their language.