VICTORIA CROSS WON.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 November 1917, Page 6

VICTORIA CROSS WON.

EXJRESIDENT OP DOMINION. TWO DEEDS OF GALLANTRY.

New Zealand has some interest in the award of a V.C. to Sergeant Whittle. Apparently ho was not with the Now Zealanders, because his name lias not been cabled herp. For many years he lived in the Dominion, and was an employee for several years »of Mr. R. W. Smith, member for Waimarino. Mr. Smith describes him as a fine, manly perGonality. Sergeant Whittle lhas also won the D.C.M. in this war.

•The following congratulatory letter, dated June, 1817, was sent to. Sergeant Whittle by General Birdwood:—"Dear Sergeant Whittle.—l write to congratulate you most heartily upon the award to you of the Victoria, Cross, which you have so fully deserved for your conspicuous gallantry and good services in the operations near Boursies, on April 9, and again at Lagnicourt, on April 15. On the former occasion, when the enemy succeeded in entering a recently-cap-tured trencli held by a platoon under your command, you personally collected all available men, and with great gallantry and determination charged the enemy and regained the position, the retention of which was important for the defence of Boursies.

"At Lagnicourt you again distinguished yourself in handling your men with great skill and determination in a critical situation. Owing to the enemy j breaking through a section of our front I in a very strong attack, you .were compelled to withdraw your platoon to the sunken road, when the enemy endeavored to enfilade you with a machine-gun. Then, single-handed, you rushed across the bullet-swept area and attacked the gun crew with bombs, accounting for all of them, and capturing the machine-gun. "Your fine, soldierly conduct throughout these operations was a splendid example to your men, and I am so glad that you have received this high distinction in recognition of it. I thank you sincerely for your good work, and wish you good fortune for the future."