HAWERA V.C.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 October 1919, Page 3

HAWERA V.C.

HEUTENANT GRANT ARRIVES j HOME. A GREAT RECEPTION. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Haw«ra, October 29. There was a great reception to Lieutenant Grant, V.0., to-day. The streets were decorated, a large crowd met the train, and speeches were delivered by the Mayor and others congraduating the winner of the coveted distinction. There were also present Lieutenant Laurent, V.C., and Sergeant Loveday, winner of the King's Prize at Bisley. The Mayor presented Lieutenant Grant with a gold watch from the citizens, and afterwards there was a march, to the tower grounds, two bands and the fire brigade, of which Lieut. Grant is a member, taking pawr. At the grounds a thiTd victory oak tree was planted by Lieut. Grant. The proceedings throughout were marked with enthusiasm, and, after the planting, Lieut. Grant was escorted home by the procession.

[Lieutenant Grant left with the Seventh Reinforcements, and after serr« ing with the defensive forces on the Suez Canal, went to 'Prance, where he served with distinction: Lieutenant Grant received his, distinction, while serving as a sergeant, near the village of Bancourt on September 1, 1918, when he commanded a platoon forming part of the leading waves of a battalion attacking the high ground to the east cf Bancourt. On reaching the crest it was discovered that a line of five enemy machine-guns was holding up the advance. The company, however, advanced under cover of a point-blank Are. and, when 20 yards from the posts/Sergeant. Grant rushed forward at the head of bin platoon, and entered the centre post, demoralising its garrison, and enabling the position to be taken. In the same manner; the remainder of the posts were occupied. Sergeant Grant was ablv assisted in this exploit l>t- Cornoril Hill, of Patea, who meivvi t*» T)CW,

In the .-Mittior 1 . accompanying the award -■' his VtctoTia Cross Sergeant Gran* H itated' to have displaved the .greatest ejolness and determination, and valor of the hisrhest order, setting a fine example to all ranks. The V.C. winner was wounded in 1916 at Bac-St; •Mar.]