PERSONAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 April 1918, Page 4

PERSONAL.

Lieutenant G. F. Bertrand has beep granted the temporary rank of captain The Gazette announces that the Saltan of Egypt has bestowed the Ordet of the Nile of the second-class on Lieu* tenant-General Sir William Birdwood.Mr. D.. Barry, Fitzroy, yesterday received an intimation that his son, Private J. J. Barry, of the 26th Reinforce; nients, had been admitted to hospital in France suffering from si severe guit shot wound in the. thigh and a fracture of the femur. Private S. A. Siffleet, of the 39th Reinforcements, who returns to camp today, was on Saturday presented by -his '. fellow-employees at Messrs May yand Arrowsmith's with a gold band J ring , suitably inscribed, conveying the earnest wishes of the donors for a safe and speedy return. ■ The recipient suitably; responded. Second-Lieutenant W. Storrie, D.SXX H.L.1., son of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Stor-' rie, Craigend, Blackball, aud nephew of Mr. and, Mrs. Storrie Leiteh, of Watson street, is mentioned in General Haig'a dispatches. This is fourth time tMa gallant officer, who is only 19 years of age, has had this honor conferred oni him. He is understood to be the youngest member of the D.S.O. in the' British army.

Major C. L. Sommerville, of Wang*-* , nui, has been killed in action. This announcement will he received with wide! and deep regret in the district. Mjyot. Sommerville was a man of very high qualities, held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. He joined the Alexandra Cavalry on September 29, 1891, and in the. following year went to the Boer War with the rank of lieutenant. During that campaign he was wounded. , Returning homo, Major Sommerville continued his occupation as a fanner, on No. 3 Lino, and became captain of the Alexandra Mounted Rifles. Ha went on to the reserve for a time, but returned and took command of the "A" Squadron of the Alexandra Mounted Rifles. A' leader of men, Major Sommerville felt the call imperative when • the present war broke out, and he offered his services. He was twice wounded while serving at the front. Major Sqmmer* ville leaves a widow.