Cretan Asks For Old Trousers and Shoes

Northern Advocate, 7 December 1946, Page 5

Cretan Asks For Old Trousers and Shoes

“If you have an old pair of trousers or a pair of shoes, would you please send them to me?” That sentence tells the sad story of the' people of Crete, who are still suffering tremendous hardships as a result of the German plunder . of their country during the war. It is the regretful plea of a resident of Klima to a Ngunguru soldier whom he assisted after the fall of the island in June five years ago. That soldier is Mr G. R. Carr, who served with the 2nd NZEF and who escaped into the hills after the Germans had taken prisoner the bulk of the British survivors of the battle. The Cretan and his family deprived themselves to succour Mr Carr and his party of fellow soldiers in distress. In forwarding the letter for publication, Mr Carr hopes that Northlanders who went through the Crete campaign will make some endeavour to reciprocate the kindness that those people showed to Anzacs and British troops in those days of travail.

The Cretan tells of how the Germans burned his home and of how he and his children hove been left in the street.

. He emphasises that his request for clothing and footwear is compelled by his great need.