A V.C. PRIVATE.

Taihape Daily Times, 19 September 1919, Page 2

A V.C. PRIVATE.

NEXT TO BEATTY AND HAIG. "_\£ln:iral of the F"le-st SIT David} l3e:.L:_\', Field-Marshal Sir Dougl-is Haig, and rrivate Moffatt. . _ .” ‘ The real denloCl'atic note was struc!-:1 by the court official, who, in the above i sequence (says the “Daily Mail”) announced to the King the names of thel recipient of orders and medals at a public open-air mvestiture in the quadrange of Buckingham. Palace. The sudden drop from Field-Marshal to private took the fancy of the crowd, who gave Private Moffatt a tremendous reception. Sir David Beatty came first, as representing the senior service, he and Sir Douglas both re—ceiving the Order of Merit, a cross o’-' red and blue enamel, with Garter blue and crimson ribbon. The union of the Navy and Army on the dais before the King was another note that pleased the crowd. A few minutes later Navy and Army wer: seen shaknig hands behind the dais in mutual congi-atuiation. Somewhat shyly came Private Motfatt, of the 2nd Leinsters, to receive the V.C_, through a little matter of duty which necessitated -his passing through‘ a hail of bullets, with 2; hundred to one chance of death. Wha‘: with following Sir Douglas Haig and shaking hands with the King, Private Moffatt confessed that he was “all or“. a flutter.”