A V.C. HERO.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 August 1918, Page 5

A V.C. HERO.

GERMAN ADVANCE HELD UP FOR TWEWE HOORS Among the thrilling de,eds recounted last week, says the Gas Journal of June 11, were those performed by the son of Mr Andrew Dougnll, late engineer of the Tunbridge Wells Gasworks. The Gazette announcement is aa follows: 'lieutenant (Acting Captain) Erie Stuart Doufiall, M.C., late R.'F.A. (S.R.).—Captain Dougall maintained 'his guns in action from early morning throughout a heavy concentration, of gas and high explosive she!. Finding that 'he could not clear the crest, owing to the withdrawal of our line, he, ran his guns on to the top of the ridge to lire over open sights. By thi s time our infantry had been pressed back in line with the guns. Captain Dougall at once assumed command of the situation, rallied and organised the infantry, supplied them with Lewis guns and armed With rifles as many gunnel's as he could spare. With these lie fonned a front line of life ibattery, whidh, during this period wais harassing the advancing enemy with a rapid rate of fire. Although exposed to both rifle and ma-chine-gun Are this officer fearlessly walked about as though on parade—calmly giving orders and encouraging everyibady. He inspired the infantry with Ms assurance that 'so long as you stick to your trenches I will keep Siere.' This lino was maintained throughout the day, thereby delaying the enemy's a-dvanoa for over, twelve hours. In the evening, having expended all ammunition, the battery received order* to withdraw. This was dono by man-handling the guns over a distance of about 800 yards of s'hell-cratered country—an almost impossible feat considering the ground and the intense machine-gun fire. Owing to Captain Doiigall's personality and skilful leadei-slup throughout this trying day, there is no doubt that a serious breach, in our line was averted. This gallant officer was killed four days later while directing the ,fire of 'his battery." The late Captain Dougnll was a nephew of Mr A. Dougall/general managerof the Wellington Ga s Company.