HOME FROM JAPAN: LAST N.Z. TROOPS REACH AUCKLAND

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22818, 13 December 1948, Page 4

HOME FROM JAPAN: LAST N.Z. TROOPS REACH AUCKLAND

(P.A.) AUCKLAND. Dec. 13. An essential and interesting task which has been shared by more than 10.000 New Zealand servicemen during the oast two and a half years ended on Saturday with the return of the last of the occupation force from Jaoan. Thc draft arrived on board the Australian motor-ship. Westralin. and comprised 206 airmen of No. 14 (Fighter) Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and 126 members of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force. The party was welcomed home on behalf of the Government by Mr. W. T Anderton. M.P. He was accompanied by Brigadier R. S. Park Offi' , ?r Commanding the Northern ■'Uli'nrv District, and Wing-Commander W. H SfrnHon. representing the Chief of Air Staff.

Although the members of the (lighter squadron who had served in Japan since March. 1046 were pleased to be home there were few who did not look hack with pleasure on their stay in Japan. They recalled with mixed feelings the lowering of the New Zealand ensign on their station at Bofu. which offer being in the Royal Australian Air Force area was taken over bv the New Zealanders last February. It has now been handed over to (he charge of the Americans.

Obsolete Equipment

After destroying their obsolete equipment. including 19 Corsair aircraft, the squadron left Bofu iust before embarking for New Zealand. The squadron will reform at Ohakea on January 6. It will then be re-equipped with Mosquito aircraft. The officer commanding No. 14 Squadron was Squadron Leader G. F. St. George. D.F.C.. of Auckland. The Army draft was under the command of Major F. R. Bartley, of Wellington. A noticeable lack of souvenirs among the returning servicemen was a striking feature of the troopship.

A ceremonial parade was held to hand over the New Zealand area to American troops. “It was a very simple winding-up,” said LieutenantColonel J. A. Worsnop, chief administrative officer with the J Force, who was aboard the Westralia. “The withdrawal of three previous drafts allowed us plenty of time to prepare for the final evacuation.” Only five New Zealand officers, who are engaged on special duties, now remain in Japan. They will be withdrawn probably early in the New Year. Because of the late hour at which the ship berthed, some of the troops living in the southern part of the North Island will not reach their homes until today. The South Lsland party did not leave until last night.