GALLANTRY REWARDED.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 274, 29 April 1915, Page 5

GALLANTRY REWARDED.

NEW ZEALAND HONOR. The London correspondent of the New Zealand Herald writes: There is a New Zealand name in the list of officers and men who have just been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry in the field. It is that of Lance-Corporal (Acting-Ser-geant) Cecil P. G. Humphries, of Cliristehureh, who is attached to the Ist Manchester Regiment, Indian expeditionary force. At the outbreak of the war Mr. Humphries offered his services to the War Oliicc, ami was drafted to the Army Service Corps, with' which he went to Orleans about the. middle of August. After a time, being anxious to get to the scene of action, he was able to obtain a transfer to the Ist Manchester (Indian expeditionary force), though to make, the change meant sacrificing the stripes he had earned in the A.S.C. However, promotion soon came, and lie was made lance-corporal on Christmas Eve; now he is acting-sergeant. In Christchurch he is well known in football and golfing circles. So far, he seems to be the first New Zealailder who has gained this coveted distinction. The medal was awarded for gallantry at the battle of Givcnchy, on December 20 and 21, when the Indian force was hard pressed, but Sergeant Humphries only heard of his good fortune on February 28, when Brigadier-General Strickland' pinned-' the ribbon on his breast. The War Office record of the incident is: ''For conspicuous gallantry and coolness at Givcnchy in the attack of December 20 and 21, and for endeavouring to bring into cover the body of his company commander, who had been killed." Sergeant Humphries was wounded at the recent battle of' Neuve Chapclle, and is now ill hospital itt Sevenoaks.