DESERTION ALLEGED

Grey River Argus, 17 February 1945, Page 5

DESERTION ALLEGED

CHARGES AGAINST REINFORCEMENT DRAFT MEN CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 16. ' The hearing of desertion charges against members of a 2nd N.ZiE.F. reinforcement draft who were absent without leave for varying periods at a time when they should have embarked for 'overseas service was continued at Burnham by court martial to-day. Four cases were finished'and another was started. The Court’s finding on a charge against Lance Corporal Olan Justice Tempero, who was alleged to have been absent for five days, will be referred to the convening officer for confirmation’ and promulgation. In the other three cases the Court found the accused not guilty of desertion, and its finding on the incorporated charge of being absent without leave, will be referred to the convening officer for confirmation and promulgation. The accused in these cases were Sapper Edward Pat-

rick O’Connell (absent of nine days alleged), Driver Joseph Carter (absence of two days alleged) and Pte. John Edward Gamble (absence of five days alleged). A charge against Pte. Francis Leslie Grice, who was alleged to have been absent for . a week, was part heard when the Court adjourned until Tuesday. Another ten cases are to be heard.