N.Z. FORCE SAILS FOR KOREAN WAR

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 December 1950, Page 3

N.Z. FORCE SAILS FOR KOREAN WAR

WELLINGTON, Dec 1° ( p<A 3;“ Thirteen weeks and five days alter the Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mr Holland) announced that a force would be sent to assist the United Nations forces in Korea New Zea-" land’s contribution, K Force, sailed from Wellington in the Ormonde yesterday. . , , For the fourth time m the country s history, and the third time this century, people waved good-bye to thousands of khaki-clad soldiers bn- 1 ing all the decks of a troopship. The scene at the departure of K Force was no exception. , n , +I , Q After the ship’s siren called all tne soldiers on board, a sombre note fell over the gathering. Handkerchiefs were waved and streamers filled the gap between the ship and shore. From a flag-draped dais Mr Holland had thanked the force on behalf of the people’ for their sense of patriotism in offering their services. He read a message from the Minister of Defence (Mr T. L. Macdonald) at present in Australia, wishing the force well. The acting-Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nash) said that his party had told the Government they were united in looking after the interests of the force.

“We trust that God will protect you while your are away,” said Mr Nash. Precisely at 12.30 p.m. the ship edged her way from the wharf, stern first. A pipe band finished playing the Scottish tune “We Ye No Come Back Again” and a brass band played “Now is the Hour.” On the wharf silent groups and tearful groups watched while soldiers shouted last-minute messages. Then the cheers and songs from the soldiers died away as the ship gained speed.