Law Society’s Gazette, August 1942

Solicitor’s exploit

When Tobruk was invested by the enemy, two British officers made a most daring escape. Driving out from the Tobruk perimeter in a motor vehicle, they joined an enemy troop convoy. German and Italian soldiers mistook the British officers for German staff officers and saluted them as they joined the mobile column. After a long journey with the enemy column the two officers broke away and ultimately reached British headquarters.

One of the officers was Lt Ronald Percy Bentham-Green, who was admitted in December, 1939, after having been articled to Mr Sidney G Davis, a member of the firm of Bulcraig & Davis, of London.

HONOURS AND AWARDS

Anekstein, Cyril, flying officer, Royal Air force Volunteer Reserve, awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He has participated in many raids on the enemy. He was pilot of an aircraft which took part in the mass raid on Cologne. During the run-up to the target, despite severe damage to his aircraft by anti-aircraft fire, he persisted on his course until the bombs had been dropped and then made a skilful return flight to base. During the mass raid on the Ruhr on 1 June, his bomber was damaged severely by an enemy fighter, but he manoeuvred his aircraft cleverly and enabled his gunner to fire at point blank and destroy the attacking aircraft. Mr Anekstein is articled to Mr L M Anekstein, of Brighton.

Hitchens, Robert Peverell, temporary acting lieutenant-commander, DSC, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, awarded the Distinguished Service Order for determination and coolness in the protection of a convoy. This is Commander Hitchens’ third award, his first being the DSC for services on the beaches at Dunkirk, and his second being a Bar to the DSC for coolness, skill and readiness when our naval patrols and light coastal forces went into action against E boats, sinking three and damaging others. He was admitted in 1933 and is a partner in the firm of Reginald Rogers & Son, of Falmouth.

Since the award was published, it has been announced that Commander Hitchens was in command of the British forces which took part in a naval action off Cherbourg on 2 August which ended in German forces fighting each other under fire from their own shore batteries. In this action two E boats were set on fire from stem to stern.

Law Society’s Gazette, 30 August 1972

Review: Human Rights in the World (A H Robertson, Manchester University Press, 280pp, Price £3.60)

Human Rights is a very dull subject, isn’t it? Probably it is until you are stood up against a wall for two hours at a stretch or encouraged by electric shocks to talk helpfully to policemen or soldiers. For us, nearer home, it may become interesting if our client is refused permission to telephone his solicitor.

In any case it is a pleasure to read this book written by the head of the Directorate of Human Rights at the Council of Europe. The introduction vividly sets the historical scene. The rest of the book, while it talks of texts and treaties, can be read with interest against the background of history and current reality. If the price of liberty is vigilance then a short vigil spent in reading this good book would not be wasted. It may also serve as a reminder of the gap between promise and performance in international affairs.

Niel Pearson