No More Armed Service For Rangitane Prisoners

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 109, 9 May 1941, Page 3

No More Armed Service For Rangitane Prisoners

Because of an undertaking given to t the enemy that they would not again lake up arms against Germany or her c Allies, those members of tho armed s forces who wore released after their r capture from the Rangitane are not to c be given the option to continue to serve v in a combatant capacity. c Advice to this effect was recoived c from the naval authorities by Mr. t

Clclund Millar, of Invercargill, who was one ol those ideas d on parole by the elie-inv after the Rangitane was sunk by raiders in the Pacifi.-. Mr. Millar was on his way to England to train with the .licet Air" Arm. The com munis at i'-n received by Mr. Millar is as follows: ‘ As a result of consideration by his Majesty's Governments in the United Kingdom and in Xcw Zealand, it has been decided that the members of tho armed forces who wero rclascd by the enemy on giving an undertaking such as you gave after your capture from tho Rangitane are not to bo given the option to continue to serve in a combatant capacity." The Naval Board has decided to release tlio Fleet Air Arm ratings from their undertaking for service in the Royal Navy, and they will therefore be discharged from the service on April 30, 1941, or as soon thereafter as practicable. The men affected are given the option of continuing in tho naval service in shore establishments in a manner not requiring them to bear arms against the eneui3 r . The personnel released from the raider are being asked whether they desire to bo considered for such noncombatant employment, if it can be made available.