500 Sick, Wounded Back From Battle Fronts
(P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Nearly 500 men who had served in the Middle East and Italy, and who are now suffering from wounds or sickness, returned to New Zealand recently, and were given an official welcome on behalf of the Government and people. They included Captain Matarepua Wikiriwhi.’ who gained the unusual distinction of winning the D.S.O. as a Second Lieutenant for an exploit at Takrouna Heights. Later, in Italy, he led an advance unit into Cassino. The Acting-Prime Minister (Hon. D. G. Sullivan) thanked all three services for the immense service they had rendered to the country and the cause of the Allied Nations. The Minister for Defence (Hon. F. Jones) said it was gratifying to see such a large number of Maoris among the returned men. They had fought gallantly alongside the pakehas in various campaigns. Mr. Leadly, representing the R.S.A., paid a tribute from old Diggers to the new, and Mr. Hapi Love addressed a short welcome in Maori.
The Minister for Rehabilitation (Major C. F. Skinner) also spoke, and Lieutenant-Colonel W. P. O. Gordon, Officer Commanding troops on the hospital ship, replied to the welcome.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NA19440429.2.93
Bibliographic details
Northern Advocate, 29 April 1944, Page 7
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196500 Sick, Wounded Back From Battle Fronts Northern Advocate, 29 April 1944, Page 7
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