MOST WELCOME

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3133, 19 June 1942, Page 8

MOST WELCOME

MEN RELEASED IN BARDIA CHOCOLATES, CIGARETTES WORK OF THE PATRIOTIC FUND “The release of more than 1000 British prisoners, over half of whom were New Zealanders, following the capture of Bardia after an assault lasting 60 hours, was thrilling news for people of this country early in January. This event and the provision made for the welfare of the men are the subject of special reference in reports received by the National Patriotic Fund Board,” states an article in the National Patriotic Fund Board monthly

bulletin, describing how these

men were assisted with chocolate, cigarettes, etc., from the Patriotic Fund after their release.

The report added: — “A Y.M.C.A. worker describes how he met the party of released prisoners the day after they had been set free, when he and others were on their way in trucks to Tobruk. ‘Our meeting,’ he said, ‘was very opportune, as these men were in a bad state, having lived for five weeks on a cup of macaroni daily. We quickly opened cases and made a distribution totalling 3900 cigarettes, 2925 bars of chocolate and 1000 boxes of matches. The chocolate was particularly appreciated and we were thrilled to have been able to supply these few comforts just at the very moment when they were most needed.

Bloodshot Eyes

“ ‘One look at the scene before us that morning—of our comrades dressed in mixtures of battledress and Italian blue, with here and there a German jacket, some men with pieces of rag for a scarf in an effort to keep out the cold, and with their bloodshot eyes, but all smiling and calling down a hundred blessings on us and

the patriotic funds which make our work possible—would have more than repaid the thousands at home who work and give so freely.’ “Later the same day, the writer adds, they contacted the Divisional Cavalry who had assisted in the capture of Bardia, and each of the 443 men was given a tin of New Zealand tobacco with papers and matches and also some chocolate. At Tobruk other New Zealanders who had 'been released from Bardia, and who had been taken immediately by ambulances to Tobruk, were met and they also were supplied with comforts. Thirty of the men were in a hospital ship lying in the harbour. All New Zealanders on this ship were visited and a distribution made of 1000 cigarettes, 12 razors, 12 packets of razor blades, chocolate, tooth brushes, soap and tooth paste. Special Food Needed

“When the New Zealanders arrived at Maadi Camp they needed special food. Funds for the provision of this food were provided .by Lieut.-Colonel F. Waite, the board’s overseas commissioner. This action was greatly appreciated. In a letter to Lieut-Col-onel Waite, the officer commanding stated: ‘ The continued generosity of your board in the matter of grants for the welfare of the troops is much appreciated. The provision of the amount, in question did much to make possible the little extras which made all the difference 'between Army rations and a suitable diet for debilitated men.’

“The funds also paid for the cutting of the men’s hair and beards. In this connection the following re-

ceipt from the camp barber is of interest: —‘Received from National Patriotic Fund the sum of 200 1 piastres, being' payment for cutting hail- and beards cf 124 men marched in from prisoner of war camp, Bardia.’'