REINFORCEMENTS FOR K FORCE

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 26985, 10 March 1953, Page 10

REINFORCEMENTS FOR K FORCE

PRESENT DRAFT ENDS TRAINING FAREWELL DINNER AT BURNHAM ' Thirty-four chickens, 1001 b of pork, 501 b of fruit salad, 8 gallons of ice cream, three gallons of cream, 200 eggs, 1001 b of pastry, 2001 b of mutton (four sheep), two cases of tinned peas (501 b two sacks of potatoes and two sugar bags of carrots were consumed by 188 K Force volunteers at a dinner gi’-en at Burnham Military Camp last evening to mark their end of training. Within a few weeks the men will be serving with the United Nations forces in Korea. The dinner took four-cooks nearly a full day to prepare. Their job ended when the mess ordetlies from the next K Force intake took the food to the tables. The menu for the dinner last evening was as follows:—Soup: Creme of tomato; Entree: Curried eggs in garnish. Fish: Shrimp patties. Joints: Roast leg of pork, steamed chicken, roast mutton, bread seasoning, apple sauce ahd gravy. Vegetables: Steamed new potatoes, baked potatoes, seasoned green peas, dressed carrots and white sauce. Sweets: Steamed fruit pudding and vanilla sauce, fruit salad and ice cream. A plentiful supply of bottled beer and cordial was also disposed of.

Best wishes for the men’s safety in Korea were expressed by Captain R. H Fryer and Major A. J. Steel, who also complimented the troops on the manner in which they had gone through their movements during the passing out parade in the afternoon. The movements, were first rate and he was sure that they would have no trouble when they went to Korea in competing with other Commonwealth divisions, said lyiajor Steel. Speaking on team spirit, which he said he considered necessary. Major Steel said K Force had established a fine reputation right throughout the war. This had in part been achieved through team .spirit. He asked the men to carry on that spirit.

Mr L. Evans, vice-president of the Christchurch. Returned Services’ Association. said that every member of this draft, besides being a soldier, was an ambassador ’ for New Zealand. Wherever a New Zealander went people watched his progress, for New Zealand had the greatest reputation in the world. “Be proud of that reputation and always remember that this is God’s own country,” he said. He assured them that the R.S.A. had the interests of all the men at heart and would do everything possible to assist them.

In response to a call from the men, Sergeant J. Upton, who was the noncommissioned officer in charge of the men’s training, said all had worked hard. They had assisted him by doing what they were told, and though at times they groaned at some of the things they had to do, nevertheless they got the job done. They had all been like one big happy family and he wished them all a safe return and success in Korea.

Other speakers were Mr G. Burns, a member of a party of New Zealand editors who recently returned from Korea, and Mr R. Murie, a member of the executive of the Christchurch R.S.A.

Passing Out Parade Yesterday afternoon the reinforcements held a passing out parade at the camp. Brigadier J. T. Burrows. Commander of Southern Military District, took the salute and with LieutenantColonel F. L. H. Davis, commandant of Eurnham Camp, inspected the troops. The parade was attended also by Messrs* Evans and Murie, representing

the Christchurch R.S.A. Captain Fryer was in charge of the parade and he was assisted by Lieutenant L. T Pattison.