NOT FORGOTTEN

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3150, 29 July 1942, Page 5

NOT FORGOTTEN

VERY PLEASANT SURPRISE

SOLDIER’S APPRECIATION OPPORTUNE GIFT PARCEL Appreciation of a gift parcel received by him shortly after he escaped from being held as a prisoner of war in Libya is contained in the following letter from Private T. M. Brown to the Ngatea branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. The Ngatea Women’s Division each month send two gift parcels, made up from gifts donated by members, to soldiers from the Hauraki Plains serving with the Armed Forces. The letter reads as under:—

“According to the ‘book of rules’ on letter writing I do believe that my introduction of this letter is most decidedly incorrect, and if such is so, please do forgive me for that breach. As is obvious to you all, per mail is the only means of extending my most grateful and sincere thanks to all of the Ngatea branch. Such thanks, extended, not solely for receiving this unexpected but most welcome Christmas gift, but also for the fact of knowing.that although thousands of miles are between us, we are not forgotten by former friends and acquaintances of bygone years. Not Forgotten “Although I must know personally a number of the members of the Ngatea branch I fully imagined that being many years since I last resided in your district mine was by now a well-forgotten name. Learning that such was not the case was indeed a pleasant surprise. “I may also add, and on further* reading you will agree that your parcel could not have possibly arrived at a more opportune moment. Where I am at present and a little further afield in the battle zone parcels are considered by all as being a rare luxury. After being in Libya for a month fighting in the campaign ’twas more than welcame to retire here for a spell.

“As you may guess battle rations are not what we would term ‘fattening food’ but what robbed me and also a number of mates of all our surplus poundage was a six-day. stretch as prisoners of war in the hands of the enemy. An exceptionally lean time was had by all. Not a Decent Meal “During that week all the food that was given us per man would barely equal one decent meal in New Zealand. However, I do not intend that to appeal to you as.a, complaint, as such incidents must be expected when one is engaged in-actual warfare.

, “Well, after the sixth day the opportunity of escaping presented itself and I seized it with both hands, or rather both feet, and trusting in the hope that nothing hit me. Everything eventuated even more favourable than I had ever anticipated and a couple of days later I arrived back here unscathed but with very acute hunger spasms. “That was a few days ago and since then I have been perpetually hungry. Yes, at present my food consumption would almost satisfy a regiment. Maybe this will give you some idea as to just how welcome your parcel really was.

“I hope this last paragraph hasn’t appeared too boring’ but I merely cited that little experience just to show you all the very favourable time of my receiving the parcel. It could never have been appreciated more. “In conclusion, ladies, I thank you once again for your unselfishness and hope the day is not far distant when this madness, war, and the worry it causes you all back there will cease.