N.Z.E.F. CASUALTIES

Grey River Argus, 25 February 1944, Page 3

N.Z.E.F. CASUALTIES

P.A. WELLINGTON, Feb. 24. The following N.Z.E.F. casualties are reported (rank Private unless otherwise. stated) ■Killed in action: Alder, Gnr. William L„ of Auckland. Died of wounds: Ballantyne, Sgt. James M., of Christchurch; Wilson Laurence Alfred, Mrs L. Wilson, of Greymouth (w); Donoghue, Gnr. Kevin M., of Wellington; Patton, Sgt. Archie, of Waihi.’ Wounded: Hansen, Lieut. Neil 8., of Tauranga; Turner, 2/Lieut. Kenneth S., of Wellington; Anderson, Charles M„ of Invercargill; Beverland, Gnr. Andrew, of Rangiriri; Blackett, John R., of Christchurch; Broad, Gnr. Francis H., of Invercargill; Brook, Gnr. Roy A., of Greenlane; Clark, William, of Kaitaia; Coley, Gnr. Reginald, of Foxton; Cruickshank, lan G., of Pokeno; Dunnill, L/Cpl. J'ohn G.; of Timaru; Geary, Tpr. Robert 8., of Oamaru; George, Tpr. Alfred, of Auckland; Hatchwell, Sgt. Robert G., of Wellington; Humphries, Gnr. Henry A., of Invercargill; Jarman, Tpr Burton E., of Darfield; Kennard, Gnr. Albert G., of Invercargill; Loftus, Gnr. John, of Ashburton; Mclntosh, Cpl. Fraser R., of Moa Creek; Martin, Gnr. Herbert F., of Otahuhu; Menzies, Bmdr. Charles J., of Wainana: Miller, Donaldson D., of Sumner; Mitchell, Gnr. Charles L., of Dunedin; Oudney, Gnr. John H„ of Otahuhu; Potter, Tpr. Alexander W., of Auckland; ■ Price, Arthur J'., of Sydenham; Rance, T/Cpl. Henry 8., of Waikiwi; Semmens, Tpr. Sydney M., of Hastings; Sharp, Gnr. Aubrey J. W., of Devonport; Shine, Gnr. Francis J. R., of Helensville; Street, Tpr. Douglas V., Palmerston North; Sweetman, Franks James, Mrs R. M. Sweetman, of Greymouth (m.); Thomas, Trevor B„ of Blenheim. WEST COASTERS KILLED Private Patrick James Beban, whose death on active service in the Pacific has been announced, was a member of the well-known Beban family, of Greymouth. He was a native of Greymouth, where he spent his childhood, remaining here until his transfer’ to Palmerston North by the Shell Oil Company, with whom he had been employed for many years. Pte. Beban was educated at the Greymouth Marist Brothers' School. He later was a noted Rugby League footballer, Playing for Marist Club. For several years before the war he was a member of the West Coast Aero Club, having been keen on aviation. He was not, however, accepted when he endeavoured to join the Air Force, on medical grounds, and he joined the Army at Palmerston North, serving in various Pacific theatres, including New Caledonia and Fiji. Private Laurie Wilson, whose death by wounds is recorded, left New Zealand about a year ago for the Middle East, and he received his fatal wounds in Italy. Formerly a painter, employed by Mr Haussmann of Greymouth, Pte. Wilson was a well-known Rugby footballer, playI ing for the Star Club, and he also gave promise as a boxer prior to his entry to camp. Aged about 26 years he is survived by his wife, formerly Miss Outram, of Swanson Street, Greymouth, and by his parents, who reside at Clifford Street, Cobden. COASTER WOUNDED Private Frank Sweetman, another Greymouth soldier is reported wounded. He left New Zealand about a 7 year ago, and received his wounds in the Italian theatre. He was formerly employed as a truck driver by Ashby, Bergh and Co., Ltd