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._

Printed and published by E. G. Pearson at the Times Pres