BRIGADIER HARGEST

Grey River Argus, 19 August 1944, Page 6

BRIGADIER HARGEST

KILLED BY SHELL On Normandy Road WELLINGTON, Aug. 18. The announcement that Brigadier Hargest has been killed by a shell while . travelling along a, Normandy road in a jeep was made by Mr Fraser to the House of Representatives before the adjournment tonight. Mr Fraser intimated that tributes to Brigadier Hargest’s memory would be paid when the House resumed on Tuesday. Mr Fraser said: “It is with a very deep sense of regret, and indeed with a heavy burden of sorrow, that I have to make an announcement in regard to one of the members of this House — Brigadier Hargest, whom I mentioned only a few days ago as having been appointed to look after the interests* of our prisoners of war when they reach Britain. Word was received last night by the , Minister of Defence, announcing Brigadier Hhrgest’s ''death, but hot officially, and with a request that no public announcement should be made until confirmation was received from the Wai- Office. Then word had come from a Corps Commander in Normandy expressing regret at what had happened. It was impossible to keep the news of her husband's death from. Mrs Hargest, and consequently it has been conveyed to her durihg the afternoon. Therefore, as far* as New Zealand is concerned, the secrecy has gone, and we could not observe the request from London, at least within the Dominion.”

He felt it due to the public and to the members of the House, many of whom were personal friends of Brigadier Hargest that he should (make the announcement in the House. He was not going to say anything other than to express regret. There would be a greater and ah adequate opportunity next week when the House met. Brigadier Hargest was not going back to Normandy,. because he was in London less than a fortnight ago when negotiations were completed for the taking over of prisoner of war interests. That had terminated his period of service as an observer with the British forces.

Mr Fraser said a shell killed Brigadier Hargest. It landed on his side of the vehicle, but, as far as was known, the driver of the jeep had not been injured.