HEROIC AUSTRALIANS.

Taihape Daily Times, 29 April 1918, Page 6

HEROIC AUSTRALIANS.

ONE MAN FACES ENEMY WAVE QUEENSLANDEE'S LONE HAND. (From Ered. M. Cutlaek.) LONI4OT3, April 17. There are many stories of individual heroism among the Australians during the recent heavy fighting in the Valley of the Ancre, south-west of Albert. Among those which stand out as showing initiative is that deed of a Queensland sergeant. The enemy suddenly advanced in heavy waves through mist upon an outpost line. They gave no warning, streaming across the railway in columns then spreading out into skirmishing lines up the gullies on our

side. The sergeant, not waiting for his comrades to accompany him, although those shortly followed dashed at the centre of the oncoming line with bayonet lifted. He killed seven Germans immediately, and captured a machinegun, which he turned on the second enemy wave which was following. The gun jamming, he seized his bayoneted rifle and again fired on the figures in the second line. Then he picked up a Lewis gun that had been dropped by the enemy on the first wave and turned and fired this from his hip into the Temains of the first wave till his hands were badly burnt and he was unable to continue. His fanatical bravery absolutely dis- . organised the head of the German attack. Onee he was surrounded by Huns at a distance of twenty yards. Australians coming up on the flank completed the slaughter of the enemy. The 30 who remained were taken prisoner. A stirring story is told of a Western Austrian paivate in the'-; heavier battle which took place a few days later. The Australian flank on the . right of a British division was obliged to retire a short distance. After six hours' resistance they tried to signal j

the British across the valley, but were unable to attract an answer. The private volunteered to carry a message. He ran out, carrying a signal flag, Fierce enemy machine-gun fire swept the valey and cut him down. He struggled up again, and ran on. He again fell, but staggered on a third time, and finally fell badly wounded a hundred yards from the British post. He feebly waved his flag in the air. Two British soldiers ran out and brought in the Australian to their lines. The message was undoubtedly delivered, for immediately afterwards British signal communication was established. These are only two of many have stories, which include one of an officer who alone with a revolver went out against a large number of Germans who had penetrated behind his company in the mist. The enemy down their arms and surrendered.