NAVY DEMOBILISATION

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 237, 6 October 1945, Page 4

NAVY DEMOBILISATION

From the criticism which "A.B.'s Wife" levels against the naval authorities for allocating three points for each month served overseas, against only one point credited for each month served in home waters, I can only conclude that her husband was not as "lucky" as mine. He was "lucky" enough to have several joy rides to Russia and Malta in the good old days. To stave off boredom he took part in the odd invasion. During the moonless nights of the month he took part in mine-laying operations much closer to ports like Brest and Leghorn than the German minefield was to Auckland. This record is only typical of those of 3000 sailors still overseas. It was not the fault of your correspondent's husband that he was kept here to keep us safe, but it was his and, her good fortune. No doubt she found his trips in the gulf of ten days' duration quite a long time, but can she imagine wha; it would feel like to have hira fur> ther away on more dangerous wort: for four years and sometimes not get mail for months on end? After hearing what some overseas barracks are like, I am glad someone picks up the match sticks and papers in our barracks. I agree that our wonderful sailors should have a chance cf taking the jobs ahead of defaulters, but surely the men who have returned from overseas or are still overseas have earned this priority in discharge from the Navy, MATELOT'S WIFE.