FURTHER DRAFT OF SERVICEMEN

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 4, 29 September 1944, Page 4

FURTHER DRAFT OF SERVICEMEN

Welcome On Return To N.Z. WIVES AND CHILDREN FROM BRITAIN Operational duty in almost every theatre of the world war in all three branches of the fighting services was represented by members of a draft of New Zealand soldiers, sailors and airmen, which, with the wives and children of some of the men, has arrived back in the Dominion. They were welcomed at a ceremony in a casualty clearing hospital before being dispersed with all dispatch to their home districts for leave. The Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, who apologized for, the absence of the Prime Minister, conveyed the thanks of the Government and people of the Dominion for the services the men had rendered and wished all of them, and the wives and children who accompanied them, good luck and prosperity in the future. , Others taking part in the welcome were the mayor of Wellington, Mr. Appleton, who spoke also on behalf of the chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board, Mr. Price; the United Kingdom High Commissioner, Sir Harry Batterbee; Mr. Roy, M.P., on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Holland; Mr. W. E. Leadley, representing the N.Z..R.5.A.; and the Minister of Rehabilitation, Mr. Skinner. ■ Thanks on behalf of the sections of the draft were expressed by Captain G. B. Peacock. N.Z.A., Auckland, on behalf of the Army personnel, Lieutenant Campbell. R.N.Z.N.V.R.. on behalf of the navy men, and Squadron Leader W. H. Stratton, for the airmen.

RETURNED MEN

Following Is a list of R.N.Z.A.F. and 2nd N.Z.E.F. personnel recently returned to New Zealand. Only those whose homes are in “The .Dominion” circulation area are mentioned. Air personnel: Squadron Leader Stratton. W. H„ Hawera; Flight Lieutenant Bewley, J. D„ New Plymouth; . Flight Lieutenant Climie, J. ' K., Wellington; Flight Lieutenant Gibbs, B. F„ Utlku; Flight Lieutenant Horne, W. G., Master ton: Flying Officers Forbes, R. W., Wellington: Small, J. 8., Wellington; Pilot Officer Karatau, F. M., Turaklna; Warrant Officer George, J. F., Waltara; Flying Officer Moller, A. ,T., Hawera; Pilot Officer Davis, B. V.; Raetihi; Warrant Officer McLernon, L. M., Gisborne; Flying Oflicer Manley, .T. P„ Carterton; Flying Officer Nation, T. J.. Wellington: Pilot Officer Smith, H. R. F., Taihape; Warrant Officer Jones, G., Wanganui; Warrant Officer McKenzie, J H., Ashhurst; Corporal Bartlett, R. K.. Marton; Corporal Murray, J. H., Wellington: Sergeant Greenhill, L. J„ Hawera: Flying Officer Grey, A., Wellington; Flight Sergeant Buckman, W. G., Havelock; Sergeant Booker, R. F., Waverley. Second N.Z.E.F. personnel (Middle East): Private R. J. Hemmings, Ashhurst; Sapper H. Neanie, Kumara: Temporary Corporal F. .1. Redpatch, Lower Hutt; Sapper L. A. Stevenson, Wellington.