FIGHTERS FROM FRANCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 January 1918, Page 5

FIGHTERS FROM FRANCE.

THE DECORATED MEN. Among the sick and wounded men and officers who returned by a .transport that arrived in Auckland on Thursday are many who have received decorations for meritorious service both at Gallipoli ajid in France. As is usual, the men were very reticent about the deeds that won for them the coveted distinctions, and great difficulty was«experienced in getting them to talk about themselves. They are apt to treat the deeds for which they were awarded medals too lightly, and on numerous occasions said it "was nothing to what some«of'the others did." "I won mine at poker," said one wounded officer, while another said he found his in a ration bag. All the officers have been more or less severely wounded, but have improved considerably by->the voyage. Included among them were the following Taranaki officers: LIEUTENANT C. V. LEPPER. Lieut. C. V. Lepper, Military Medal, left with the Main Body, and' served at Gallipoli until thJ evacuation, when he went ito Egypt. He wa« later drafted to France, where he was serving until invalided hom& He received his decoration at Chunuk Bair, GaHipoli. Lieut. Lepper is a son of Mr. H. P. Lepper, of Lepperton, and is an old New Plymouth High School boy. LIEUTENANT ,T. A. TAYLOR. Lievt. J. A. Taylor, of Egmont Village, left with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, being attached to the First Battalion.

He saw service in Egypt and France, being wounded at Armentieres. He was awarded the D.C.M. at Fleur Baix during a raid, for covering retreat. Ho. was in command of bSs platoon, on the extreme left, and manoeuvred liis platoon during 4he retreat with a inimmum 4oas. i