General Head Quarters.
I.E.F. "D."
ORDER OF THE DAY, No. 66.
In pursuance of the authority delegated to me by His Imperial Majesty the King-Emperor, I make the following awards for gallantry and distinguished service in the field:—
Awarded the Military Cross.
Captain Robert Macfarlane—For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Although wounded early in the action he continued to lead his Company with great determination until the evening, when the position was finally taken by a bayonet charge. With great courage and skill he led his Company up to a position from which he was able to enfilade the enemy at close range, thereby greatly assisting the charge.
Second-lieutenant Benjamin Smith Houston,—For conspicuous gallantry and ability in leading the second line of his battalion with excellent judgment under heavy fire. After reinforcing the first line he took command of the left portion of it including some 60 men of an Indian Infantry regiment who were without an officer and led them on during the charge and subsequent advance on the railway station. He had recently done fine work when in command of a patrol.
Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
No. 1081, Sergeant James Strachan—For conspicuous gallantry and ability in action. When all four of his Company Officers had been wounded, he took command of the left flank of the battalion. He ably directed their fire and later led forward what remained of his company across the open and drove the enemy out of his position taking some prisoners.
No. 19438, Lance-corporal George McGabe,—For conspicuous gallantry and resource during operations. Seeing that a gap existed between an Indian Regiment and his own, and that the former in this locality had lost all their officers, he took charge of their Lewis guns and filled the gap. Later, he was conspicuous for his gallantry in leading the Indian Infantrymen in the charge across the open.