76 Leave For Gallipoli

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30717, 5 April 1965, Page 1

76 Leave For Gallipoli

New Zealand Gallipoli veterans returning to World War 1 battle sites left Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch last night on the first leg of their journey to Athens, says the New Zealand Press Association. At a farewell function to the Wellington contingent at Wellington Airport the Prime

Minister (Mr Holyoake) presented the leader of the contingent (Mr B. V. Cooksley, of Lower Hutt) with a wreath to be laid in the New Zealand War Cemetery at Chanuk Bar. Mr Holyoake said the pilgrimage had deep personal significance, but it was also being made for the people of New Zealand generally—it was a pilgrimage of gratitude j to those who had sacrificed >I their lives. t The president of the New :' Zealand Returned Services'

Association (Mr Hamilton, Mitchell) said the veterans J were embarking on an “argosy of the skies" to hallowed ground. He read a message from the Governor-General (Sir Bernard Fergusson) who said that the heroism of Gallipoli was one of the great treasures of history. The Governor - General added: “On Anzac Day we here shall be thinking of you there, and thinking also of those others, less fortunate

i than you. who have lain there ! for half a century." Twenty-three veterans left Wellington. 39 left Auckland, and 14 left Christchurch. “You will be going to the land of your former enemy but this time you will not be greeted with shells and gunfire but with the hand of friendship." Mr H. J. Walker, M.P., told the 14 veterans before they left Christchurch Airport. “Fifty years ago you were on a journey of grim determination. sacrifices, and war. hut today it is one of peace and good will." he said. The Mayor (Mr G Manning) praised the men who took part in the Gallipoli campaign, and Mr A. S. Farrar, vice-president of the Christchurch Returned Services’ Association, read telegrams of best wishes from the Governor-General and the Prime Minister. Mr M. Parsons replied on! behalf of of the veterans. He described the pilgrimage as a “dream come true.”

GENERAL H. D. G. Creraf, commander of the Ist Canadian Army during the Second World War. has died in Ottawa, aged 76