ACTIVE SERVICE ECHOES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22198, 7 December 1946, Page 6

ACTIVE SERVICE ECHOES

WELLINGTON INFANTRY REUNION IN GISBORNE VETERANS OF TWO WARS The dead of the N.Z.E.F. at the close of the First World War totalled 16,697. Of that number 2193 were members of the Wellington Infantry Regiment, said Mr. F. S. Varnham, veteran of the First and Second World Wars, at a reunion in Gisborne last evening, when, in replying to the toast, “The Regiment”, he recounted some of the salient features of the history of the formation, which, numbering up to three line battalions, played a prominent part in every battle in which the infantry of the New Zealand Division was engaged and produced two winners of the Victoria Cross in Corporal L W. Andrew and Sergeant J. G. Grant. In tribute to those who did not return and also to those whose passing has occurred since the cessation of the conflict, the gathering of 50 stood in silence to honour the toast, “Absent Comrades”, and “Requiem” was sung by Mr J. Carrington Welby. Among those remembered in this tribute were Mr C. H. Weston. Wellington and Mr. F. K. Turnbull, Wanganui, who died in recent weeks. Among the most prominent soldiers of the regiment, each commanded a battalian on active service. Renewal of Comradeship Mr. P. A. Gordon, president of the district association of the regiment, presided during the formal proceedings. Associated with him were Mr. Varnham and Mr A. S. Muir, another member of the regiment who served in both IVorld Wars. Formalities were reduced to the minimum in order to allow the fullest opportunity for the exchange of mutual reminiscence and the renewal of comradeship which, in some cases, the gathering effected after a period of 30 years. The battles of the Gallipoli landing, Chunuk Bair the Somme and other famous engagements were recalled together with incidents of less serious aspect and many amusing recollections of veterans of both World Wars gave convincing indications that the arts of war show little change in so far as certain stratagems practised by the individual soldier are concerned. Spirit of the Regiment The gathering was the first reunion since the lapse, owing to the Second World War in what had been an annual assembly and its success caused the free expression of the hope that the regular series could now be resumed. The spirit of the regiment remained strong and it was to be hoped that its beneficial influence in community life would long continue, said Mr. Gordon in sponsoring the principal toast. , , . . The list, following the loyal toast, was—“ The Regiment” proposed by Mr. P A Gordon responded to by Mr, E. S. Varnham: “Absent Comrades”, prouosed by Mr. W. H. James; ’The R.S A.”. Mr. C. Mitchell—Mr. H. M. Jackson: “2nd N.Z.E.F.”, Mr. J. A. Booth _Mr. A. S. Muir; and “The Orderly Room Clerk”. (Mr. G. B. Carter), proposed bv Mr. Booth and Mr. IX N. MeLeod. ________