RED CROSS WORK

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 56, 7 March 1944, Page 6

RED CROSS WORK

REPATRIATED PRISONERS

Reports from the Red Cross Commissioner of the Joint Council of the Order of St. John and the New Zealand Red Cross Society in the Middle East, covering the months of October and November, 1943, show that on account of the movement of troops to the advanced base in Italy, Major Tweedy had to pay personal attention to the arrangement for full supplies of stores to be sent/to ithe new forward areas for hospital sites. ■ Cases of Red Cross supplies which were dispatched totalled 1050, and every one reached its destination. The commissioner was able to meet all the New Zealand repatriated prisoners of war, and the usual care and attention were given to all. Those still on the casualty lists were given special care during the train journey to hospital, and also on the homewardbound steames. • During the stay in Egypt of the repatriated personnel everything possible was done to sep that all were given proper facilities to enable them to spend their leisure in a satisfactory manner. Tickets or tokens were issued to enable them to . obtain free transportation, and theatres, sporting clubs (such as the Ghezira Sporting Club) provided pleasurable functions, and all men visiting such receptions were very well looked after and entertained. ; Mention is also made by the commissioner of the appreciation shown by, the repatriated prisoners of war. In view of the kindness which was extended to them, they felt that something of a tangible nature should be given to the Joint Council for the wonderful work which had been undertaken on their behalf durjng their en r forced imprisonment, and, as had already been published, nearly £2000 was spontaneously donated by them.