SOLDIERS AND SAILORS

Grey River Argus, 20 May 1944, Page 4

SOLDIERS AND SAILORS

Draft Returns to N.Z. ; NO WEST (COASTERS.

P.A. WELLINGTON, May 19.. Although comparatively small : n number, the latest draft of servicemen to return to New Zealand represents a wide field of action, from the fighting guerrillas in Greece t.o the naval battle which- disposed of the “Bismarck.” Thr fc naval men have returned to New Zealand on leave, after considerable service abroad. Amongst the soldiers were some men who had been taken prisoner and subsequently escaped from the enemy. In the case of at least one of them, the process of getting back to the New Zealand Division, was a long one. He succeeded in linking up with the Greeks, and carried on witn the fight by joining the guerrillas, with whom he found plenty of thrilling action during the period, during, which he was posted as “missing.” Others of the soldiers had had 1 more recent experience of war in Italy,, where, they said, things were “very, sticky.” In spite of difficulties the New Zealand Division had been doing very well. A number of returned sailors had served in the Home Fleet and one had taken part in the action against the “Bismark.” LIST OF RETURNED (MEN.

The following Second N.Z.E.F. personnel recently returned to New Zealand, rank being private unless otherwise stated. — Godfrey, Warrant Officer Lance R., Auckland; Le Valliant, Lance-Corp-oral John A., Duvauchelle; Lomax, Sapper Roy, V., Paekakariki: Lonsdale, Lance Corporal Edward J., Wellington; McClimont, Temo. Corporal Sam S'., Balclutha; McConnell, Gunner Robert J., Wellington; Mancer, Driver Percv E., Makirikiri; Miller, James M., Mosgiel; Pilgrim, Jack, Milton; Preston, Corporal Douglas J. D., Auckland; Rainey, Rex R., Morrinsville; Robieson, Corporal Huia F„ Auckland; Shepherd, Harry, Auckland; Battman, Sapper Cyril N., England; Brown, Major W. M., Christchurch; Curie, Lance Corporal Douglas 8., Christchurch; Grace, Sapper Clarence W. F Wellington; Hammond, LanceSergeant Brian G., Cambridge; Holmes, Samuel 8., Oamaru; Hooper. Corporal Richard A., Greenmeadows; Howe, Private Francis J. K., Auckland; Lawson, Corporal A. W., Auckland; Meiklejohn, Corporal Bruce V., .Ruakaka; Morgan. Ernest J., Hastings; Muir, John 8.. Winton; Price, !Herbert E., Sanson; Rail, Sergeant W. H., Sydney; Ross, Lieutenant J. V. Auckland: Street. Staff Sergeant Allan F„ Tahotu; Tynan, Walter D.. Waihono; Wallace, Lance Corporal John W.. Queenstown; Wright, Corporal George H., Christchurch.