Drama When Small Parties of N.Z.'ers Escape From Greece

Northern Advocate, 8 May 1941, Page 6

Drama When Small Parties of N.Z.'ers Escape From Greece

(N.Z.E.F. Official News Service) CAIRO, May 6. COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP AND THE DETERMINATION h DISPLAYED BY SMALL PARTIES THAT ESCAPED SUCCESSFULLY FROM BEACHES WHERE NAZIS WERE IN CONTROL BEFORE THE EVACUATION OF THE NEW ZEALAND FORCES FROM GREECE WAS COMPLETE, WILL FILL THE HEARTS OF THOSE AT HOME WITH PRIDE IN THE RESOURCEFULNESS AND DARING OF THEIR SOLDIERS.

While the organised withdrawals from the Greek shore were a triumph, it is only natural that they should be overshadowed for sheer drama by the adventures of little groups of men who refused to surrender and, after hair-breadth escapes, were picked up by the ever vigilant navy from small boats.

“Threw Down Your Arms.” “We were waiting in the bush for nightfall when we heard the sound of an engine, which at first resembled that oi another- Nazi raider, but soon could be distinguished as that of a truck,” said a machine-gunner, relating the stirring experiences of a band of men.

him a little later bombing a bay behind us. How many alarms we had during the day I cannot recall, but none came near enough to spot us. Took To The Oars.

“About midday we were forced to take the oars. Infantrymen, cavalrymen and machine-gunners, all strangers a few days before, were now discussing cur chances of success and cheering one another with good natured chaff. The hours dragged on, but we never gave up hope, although the island we were steering for never seemed to ge any closer. Between the spells of rowing we dozed fitfully. The boat was leaking and we had to bail frequently. “Shortly after 11 p.m. our dull senses were aroused to alert wakefulness by the hum of turbines and we rested on the oars, listening as the craft came nearer. In about 10 minutes we could make out the shapes of three destroyers ploughing towards us. “We had no doubt as to what flag they flew; only one navy was in these waters. We used our flash lamp with renewed hope. The boats circled round, ever getting nearer, a manoeuvre which we found out later on was employed to make sure we were not a decoy. They were taking no risks, too, for their guns were trained on us. The Navy’s Here “As we heard a hearty British hail we were safe at last. We scrambled up a netting on the side of the nearest destroyer and were soon drinking scalding hot cocoa and seeing (,'the smiling faces of sailors who could not do enough for us. A little later our rescuer went in towards the land and picked up another 200, and as dawn arrived was forced to give up the search and head for port. “We can never feel thankful enough to the marvellous British Navy, which more than justified all the faith we had in it.”

A sergeant and a corporal went out to investigate. Before them was a brand new German car, in v/hich stood an officer in a blue uniform with a revolver in his hand.” “Throw down your arms,” cried the Nazi officer. One glance at him and the N.C.O.’s wheeled about and dived into the lane where the others were standing. Two revolver shots rang out, followed by bursts of machine-gun fire. The sergeant told them that the Nazis had broken through and at the same time the German officer turned a tommy gun on them as he spied them in the lane.

Through Cactus Bushes. Instead of surrendering, in less,time than they realised they were in full flight through vineyards, bursting through cactus hedges unconscious of the sharp pain inflicted by the thorns. About half a mile away the little group collected and found they numbered 22, including three officers. A decision was made to strike for the coast.

There followed a tortuous journey through vineyards, sneaking along hedges and diving into ditches as German machines flew overhead, and finally plunging thrpugh a thick swamp for two and a half hours with water at times up to their waists. “We reached the coast about a mile above a port to hear the sound of guns and learn from Greeks that the Germans were there,” added the ma-chine-gunner. “With the aid of an interpreter we learned of a fishing village some miles up the coast where we might be able to get a boat, and we had someonne to show us the way. We discarded all surplus gear and set out.

Boats Waiting-

“As we drew near an officer and two men went ahead, while the rest crouched under the lee of a shingle bank anxiously awaiting their return. About half an hour later one returned to lead us silently to the shore, where we found three boats waiting. Only two of us knew anything about sailing, so those in the biggest boat led the way with the others keeping within hailing distance. "A sergeant who came from Bluff, where lie had worked on oyster beds, took the tiller setting a course by the stars. Progress was laboured, as the men were not using heavy oars and the largest boat lost contact with the other two. SOS In Mist. “At about half past three in the morning we heard the hum of turbines and our spirits soared. With the aid of a torch shielded by a steel helmet we endeavoured to attract the attention of boats by the SOS, but a thick mist lay over the bay and we were not successful. “Dawn was now fast approaching and we had to seek shelter, as Nazi aeroplanes would not hesitate to bomb and machine-gun us if we were found. We set a course for land and as day broke stepped ashore, wet and weary, beached our boats and concealed ourselves in scrub along the shores of the bay where we slept from sheer exhaustion.

“Soon, however, we were awakened by planes and not long after another boat turned up containing six more New Zealanders, who had escaped from a port controlled by the Huns. Long' Day Passes. “Never have I known so long a day to pass as we crouched there hiding from aeroplanes and German troops that passed along the road above our hiding place. During the afternoon peasants brought us food and water and their kindness was unbounded. Much as we appreciated it, we lived in constant dread that they would betray us r—they came and went. “We decided to make an attempt to reach Crete. Three boats set out again with makeshift sails and what food and water there was divided up, but the smaller boats forged ahead and were again lost. We carried on with the arrival of daylight and as the day drew on a burning sun shone from a cloudless sky on our open boat. “Our spirits were high until about 9 a.m. We heard an ominous drone in the sky and all save the man at the tiller crouched in the bottom of the boat, hoping we would be mistaken for a Greek fishing craft, as we were parallel to the coast about two miles off. Our luck was with us, as we heard