Minesweeper Lost in Hauraki Gulf

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 114, 15 May 1941, Page 7

Minesweeper Lost in Hauraki Gulf

Struck Mine and Sank Immediately OFFICER AND FOUR MEN LOSX Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, May 14. The Acting Prime Alinister (Hon. W. Nash) made the folowing announcement to-day:— “The Government deeply regret to announce the loss of his Majesty's ship Puriri. Commissioned as a minesweeper in the 20th (New Zealand) minesweeping flotilla as recently as April 19 last the Puriri was engaged in mine clearance operations in the liauraki Gulf when unfortunately at about II a.m. to-day she struck a mine and sank immediately. “The Government deeply regret that one officer and four men are missing and must be presumed to have lost their lives. Two men were injured und one bruised and they have been brought into harbour in charge of a medical officer. The two injured men are now in hospital. The remaining live officers and 19 men have been saved and are uninjured. “The Government are sure the whole population of the Dominion will join with them in expressing deep sympathy with the relatives of the lost officer and men in this the first casualty to a New Zealand warship. The relatives will, however, derive comfort from the fact that this officer and these men lost their lives in the performance of their important and dangerous duty."

Following is the list of casualties. Missing and must be presumed to have lost tlieir lives: LIEUTENANT DOUGLAS WILLIAAI BLACKLAWS, R.N.R. New (Zealand); wife, Mrs. Ruth Aline Blacklaws, Herne Bay, Auckland. ABLE SEAAIAN LEON PURKIN; mother, Mrs. Alary Marioty, To Hoe Hoe, Putaruru. STEWARD JOHN RICHARDSON; no next-of-kin. STEWARD GEORGE EDWARD ROY HOBLEY; wife, Mrs. Dorothy Hobley, Auckland STOKER PETTY OFFICER BARNDT AUGUST MATTSON; lather, Mr. Benjamin Mattson, AVhenuspai, Auckland.

Seriously Inqured and npw in Hoepitai ABLE SEAMAN HAROLD MARTIN WEST; father, Mr. N. H. West, Napier. Injured, now in Hospital ABLE SEAMAN DUNCAN BEX STEWART; mother, Mrs. Beatrice Stewart, Nelson. Sustained Bruises and has now gone to his home: ABLE SEAMAN K.N.V.R. NORMAN BERNARD DUNNING; mother, Mrs. Arabella A. Dunning, Wellington.