PROMOTED IN ITALY

Evening Star, Issue 25495, 28 May 1945, Page 4

PROMOTED IN ITALY

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL A. W, BARNETT, M,C. " Please note the change of address," wrote Major A. W. Barnett to his parents, Mr and Mrs Arthur Barnett, in a- letter from Italy received to-day. " I am now Acting Lieutenant-colonel in command of the Twenty-fifth New Zealand Battalion, which I took over eight days ago during our marvellous march across Italy after the Hun. " Since I took over 1 had the honour of leading the advance for the Division for three days before other units passed through us—it was great going and we took a large bag of prisoners. The advance genorallyis amazing, and the lads are in great spirit, for they know now

that the Hun is finally beaten—the number of prisoners taken is so huge that it is impossible to hazard a guess. They are in poor condition, and the most arrogant of them is convinced that the war is lost.

" My new appointment may not bo permanent, for I am a junior to others in the Division and the general may make a change. Now that the war is over I may keep the rank, but it doesn't worry mo which way it goes for it has been a wonderful experience and will always remain a cherished memory." [Lieutenant-colonel. Barnett, M.C., an old boy of John McGlashan College, enlisted at the outbreak of war, entering camp as a private. Ho obtaiued his commission in New Zealand, and proceeded overseas, serving in the desert, where he was awarded tho Military Cross for meritorious service in action. H was subsequently wounded, but rejoined his unit prior to the move to Italy.]