Main Body Reunion

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26244, 16 October 1950, Page 6

Main Body Reunion

Not the least memorable of the functions being held in Christchurch in this centennial year is the reunion of men of the Main Body of the Ist New Zealand Expeditionary Force. With i another war so close behind us, it may be difficult for the younger generation to appreciate the full significance of this gathering, since these veterans are now and grandfathers. They, too, as their sons did after them, went out to battle for a cause they believed just and right. They were then tough, virile, young men, the cream of the youth of their country. They could not know, and probably would have cared less, since youth is not always mindful of such things, or is at least diffident about expressing what comes from the heart, how important their mission was. Though they knew that they had a job to do, and intended to do it, they could not have foreseen shat within a few short months they were to perform deeds of valour that would make the name of Anzac ring round the world and establish New Zealand's claim to nafjnnhnnrt. Now m* n uv their z

fifties, sixties, and seventies, most of them have lost the fire and vigour that distinguished them in youth, but the spirit that combined them in a glorious brotherhood remains in them and still sets for others an example of comradeship that cannot be bettered. Canterbury will be proud to honour them. »