SERVICEMEN'S FRIEND

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 56, 4 September 1945, Page 5

SERVICEMEN'S FRIEND

MR. C. B. BURDEKIN RETIRES

' (Official News Service.) LONDON, September 1. When victory in Europe liberated New Zealand soldiers, airmen, and sailors from prisoner-of-war camps in Germany hundreds of them made an office in the Strand their first place of call in London. They wanted to see the big jovial man who had bsen one of their best friends during as many as four and a half years in enemy hands. To most of them he had become such a friend to sight unseen. They knew him only by his signature —C. B. Burdekin—but that name, belonging to the man in charge of New Zealand prisoner-of-war section in London, came to stand for their official contact with their own country. And it was a link so friendly, helpful, and human that they were overflowing with gratitude when they met him face to face. Now that his work for them is finished, Mr. Burdekin is taking his retirement, which he had postponed for the duration. Yesterday official farewells were said, and he listened to warm tributes to his long service (over 42 years) with the New Zealand Government, both in the Dominion and London, and particularly to his service as head of the prisoners-of-war section since 1940. Dr. R. M. Campbell, official secretary, said good-bye to Mr, Burdekin on behalf of the High Commissioner and his staff, and read a cabled tribute from Mr. Jordan. Brigadier Kippenberger told how Mr. Burdekin's name had become known throughout the N.Z.E.F. as well as camps in Germany, and of the debt of gratitude the men and their relatives felt they owed him and his staff. Mr. Burdekin, who highly praised his staff, said it had been a privilege to work for men whose need of assistance had often been great. He and Mrs. Burdekin received a presentation from the New Zealand Government staff in London. ______«