New Zealanders’ Part In London’s Rejoicing

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 110, 11 May 1945, Page 5

New Zealanders’ Part In London’s Rejoicing

LONDON, May 9. Tile sight of Sergeant Jack Hinton, V.C., holding a large Union Jack which he acquired in Trafalgar Square and, followed by hundreds, marching all the way from the Square to the Fernleaf Club in Knightsbridge, where packed crowds stood outside cheering for the King, Mr. Churchill and anybody else they could think of, will remain one of the brighter memories of VE Day in London for many New Zealanders. Surrounded by New Zealanders and followed by civilians and men and women in all types of uniform, Sergeant Hinton, who only recently returned from being a prisoner of war, thoroughly enjoyed himself, and so did the crowd. Both at the Fernleaf Club and the New Zealand Forces Club short services were held, and they were crowded to hear Mr. Churchill’s speech. The services were taken by Major S. C. Read. The first was in the morning at the Fernleaf Club, and the second in the afternoon in the main hall of the New Zealand Forces Club. The High Commissioner, Mr. Jordan, read the lesson and later paid a very warm tribute to voluntary workers who had given their time and leisure in the past five years. Messrs Holland and Doidge also spoke. EX-PRISONERS CALM At the New Zealand repatriation centre in Kent returned men took the news of victory very calmly, for in one respect they had already had their VE Day. A visit to the centre was paid by Sir Patrick Duff, the newly-appoint-ed High Commissioner for Great Britain in New Zealand, with Lady Duff, accompanied by Dr. R. M. Campbell who is official secretary at New Zealand House. Sir Patrick and Lady Duff and MajorGeneral Kippenberger sat on the beds of sick men in hospital at Haines and with them listened to Mr. Churchill’s broadcast. 4 ‘l wish the parents and relatives of the men in New Zealand could have been with us at the centre,” said Sir Patrick Duff later. “It would have given the men a comfortable feeling of reassurance. Everything possible is being done for the men, and there is no red tape and no parades and the least that is possible in the way of regimentation.” Sir Patrick and Lady Duff expect to arrive in New Zealand early in July via America. Over 1700 New Zealanders are now being handled at the repatriation centre, and many of them are on leave. Just over 200 men are in the New Zealand hospital, while a further 90 are being cared for in a British hospital, since na more can be accommodated at Haines.