ROLL OF HONOUR

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 67, Issue 286, 15 September 1947, Page 3

ROLL OF HONOUR

Unveiling at Ealing Functions DEBT TO SERVICEMEN RECOGNISED Acknowledgment of the debt owing to those who sacrificed their lives in World War II and to those who served in the forces together, with the hope that the living might be worthy of the sacrifices and victory w r on, was the feeling expressed by speakers at the unveiling of the roll of honour at the Ealing Hall on Saturday afternoon.

Mr H. C. B. Withell presided over a large gathering. _ The proceedings commenced with tire singing of the hymn “O God our help in ages past.” The chairman said : “We are proud of the record of our fighting men. They gave of their best years in the service, . and it was surprising how well they had rehabilitated themselves. Their names had been placed in letters of gold on the roll of honour without rank or distinction so that their names might be kept alive, par ticularly for the benefit of the children and those who came after.

“Christ, the man with love in His heart, spoke of the tree of life bearing fruit for everyone, and that the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. To-day a small tree, with a fence of stone, is to be planted in memory of Eric B. Withell.” The chairman stated that this would be a sacred spot to them, and as the tree grew their prayer would be peace to all people, and the hope' that the leaves should be for the healing of the nations. Stone, the material of the fence, was most durable, and so might peace endure. This was, followed by a Scripture reading by the Rev. R. Taylor and a solo by Mr Donald Brodie, "Land of Hope and Glory.”

Roll of Honour Unveiled

The unveiling of the roll of honour was performed by Miss Phyllis Withell, the main tablet being in memory of Eric B. Withell, who lost his life in a bombing raid over Germany, and the names of all men in the Ealing district who had served in the forces being shown. The chairman made reference to the death of Mr L. Davidson, who had died since his return, and at the chairman’s request those present stood in silence as a mark of respect. After the unveiling, wreaths were laid by Mr W. Forsyth (Ist N.Z.E.F.), and Mr lan Kelland (2nd N.Z.E.F.), the chairman stating that these wreaths bridged the years between the two wars.

Mr R. G. Gerard, M.P., said he was proud to be present at the unveiling and to pay tribute to those who, by their efforts, saved the world, some making the supreme sacrifice. “On two occasions,” he stated, “our men had gone forward to light for freedom, but unless we dedicated .ourselves to fight for peace and made sacrifices, their efforts would be in vain. The world situation day by day appeared to be getting worse, and the seeds of war were sprouting again. The man and woman in the street must give leadership, and we in New Zealand must ask ourselves ‘are we doing our job?’ The first thing was food. Are we producing sufficiently?’ He felt the seeds of war could be dissipated by effort. “We must give not only lip service but must work hard.” Mr Gerard paid a striking tribute to the work of Mr Withell during the war years. Mr M. S. Turton (county chairman) also paid tribute to Mr Withell’s wonderful record of local body and patriotic activities. He and Mr W. G. Gallagher who, unfortunately through illness, was unable to be present, had served 27 and 30 years respectively, a total of 57 years, on the council and in service -to the community. He also expressed indebtedness to the men of the fighting services for the victory that had been won; and he asked that minds should go back to the dark days of 1940, when one pilot in 12 was a New Zealander. He referred also to the great part of the New Zealand Division in the desert fighting. Field-Marshal Alexander had expressed the opinion that no division fought better than the New Zealand Division.

Atlantic Charter

The next speaker was Mr W, V. Joyce, president of the Ashburton R.S.A., who expressed sympathy with all who suffered through the war and voiced the appreciation of his association for the wonderful way in which the people of Ealing had provided food parcels for members of the forces. He paid a tribute to the men who fought and fell so that our democratic way ot life might be preserved. Twenty-five years earlier men fought for freedom in a war to end war, yet still another had to be fought. He .emphasised the advantage to the world and humanity if the principles of the Atlantic Charter were put into force. They must think of. the potentialities of war to* day, with atom bombs and so on, with nobody safe; and they must support to the fullest extent, the United Nations in its efforts towards peace. Youth must be left free and unfettered to be worthy of the men whose names appeared on the roll of honoui. After a solo by Miss Merle Brown (“There is No Death”), a pravei o dedication by the Rev. K. Taylor, and the hymn, “Almighty Father Who dost give,” Mr S. W. Galletly, on belialt of the 2nd N.Z.E.F.. returned thanks for the roll of honour, and _ detailed events in the Battle ol Britain, lefeiring to the honour due the tew who held the fort in those grave days, lie had noticed a changing of attitude latterly: during the war the patriotic, spirit prevailed, hut since the wm many appeared out solely for then own gain. Mr Colin Chisnall. in presenting a scroll to Mr Withell. on behalf ot the combined patriotic districts ot the Rangitata Riding, paid a tribute to Mr Mrs and Miss Withell .for their wonderful jJatriotic work. The National Anthem was sung and Mr H. R. Scott, chairman of he committee which arranged the planting o» a tree in memory of Erie Withell.saio they were gathered to pity tribute W a gallant and heroic young man who in' the fight for freedom'... gave hie life on a return flight to England after bombing Germany. In aoooro with the wishes of Mr and Mrs W it hod a tree was to be planted at the' crossroads, with a stone fence around, nuo a gate, with tablet attached, looking down the road to his home, This was the only memorial to Erie, as he had been lost over the North Boa. and it was most fitting that the day follow mg should also he Air Day. A Scripture reading by the Rev. F. Batoup followed and then addresses

wesv given by Mr Wilbur Taylor Cißuds Young Farmers' Club) and the Rev, R. McGregor, The inscribed tablet was then unveiled by Mrs Withell, and the memorial tree was plant Cxi by children of the Ealing gvh'.xo. Wreaths were laid by Mr and Mrs W'itheUx Miss Phyllis Withell. Mrs Unworn and Mr J, C. Guinness (on behalf off Old WwtVkiaos of the Ealing disuieO/-. rive Rev, Prneup led the gathering in pvwyei\ and the Fast Post was sounded by bandsman J, Ibell, bringing the ceremony to a close. Afternoon tea was later served by ladies x\f the district.