With a Highland Regiment in Mesopotamia Part 25

_Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal._

No. 3-2377, PRIVATE GEORGE BEVERIDGE.--For conspicuous gallantry and initiative. He repeatedly carried messages back from the firing line under heavy fire and, at a critical moment, rallied his comrades after a counter-attack and led them to the final capture of the position. His courage and dash were most marked.

No. 2334, PRIVATE JOSEPH CLARK.--For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed great resource and initiative in re-organising both British and Indian troops after a counter-attack, in time to meet successfully a second one. His bravery and coolness throughout the day greatly encouraged his men. He has done fine work on other occasions.

GENERAL HEAD QUARTERS.

MESOPOTAMIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.

ORDER OF THE DAY. No. 102.

The following extract from the _London Gazette_ is published for general information:--

His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Men:--

WAR OFFICE,

_26th November 1917._

No. 871, PRIVATE CHARLES MELVIN, Highlander Regiment (_Kirriemuir_).--For most conspicuous bravery, coolness and resource in action. Pte. Melvin's Company had advanced to within fifty yards of the front-line trench of a redoubt, where, owing to the intensity of the enemy's fire, the men were obliged to lie down and wait for reinforcements. Pte. Melvin, however, rushed on by himself, over ground swept from end to end by rifle and machine gun fire. On reaching the enemy trench, he halted and fired two or three shots into it, killing one or two enemy, but as the others in the trench continued to fire at him, he jumped into it, and attacked them with his bayonet in his hand, as owing to his rifle being damaged, it was not "fixed." On being attacked in this resolute manner most of the enemy fled to their second line, but not before Pte. Melvin had killed two more and succeeded in disarming eight unwounded and one wounded.

Pte. Melvin bound up the wounds of the wounded man, and then driving his eight unwounded prisoners before him, and supporting the wounded one he hustled them out of the trench, marched them in and delivered them over to an officer. He then provided himself with a load of ammunition and returned to the firing line where he reported himself to his platoon sergeant. All this was done, not only under intense rifle and machine gun fire, but the whole way back Pte. Melvin and his party were exposed to a very heavy artillery barrage fire. Throughout the day Pte. Melvin greatly inspired those near him with confidence and courage.

W. R. MARSHALL, _Lieut.-General_, Commanding-in-Chief, Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force.

GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, _6th March 1918._