TERRITORIALS IN CAMP

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 9 December 1940, Page 3

TERRITORIALS IN CAMP

WOULD LIKE TO BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS LETTER TO MR ATMORE The n.c.o. s and men of the D Support Company of the Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast Regiment at present in camp at Burnham have sent a letter to Mr H. Atmore M.P. expressing their dismay at the decision to continue the camp over Christmas. The men have been keen in their work and for quite a long while have been looking forward to being home with their families and friends. A copy of the letter has been sent to “The Mail.” It is stated that the men “were practically one hundred per cent, in signing it.” The letter reads:— “As you are no doubt aware the men of the N.M.W.C. Regiment have had their period of training extended from 21st December, 1940, to 29th December, 1940. The majority of us are volunteers and when we came here in September we understood that we would be home for Christmas. We consider that m doing our work well we have carried out our part of the bargain. Besides causing acute disappointment this incomprehensible alteration has caused disorganisation to those who have arranged their holidays at Christmas. Christmas time is always a period of family reunion and festivity yet we are to be deprived of this. Further, it will be the last Christmas for those of us who have been and will be drawn in the overseas ballots. We would also like to draw your attention to the fact that most of the officers and n.c.o.’s have been in camp since July last. We understand that petitions of a similar nature have been forwarded to you, but we feel that, as men having their homes in Nelson itself, this petition would assume a more personal aspect. The disgust with which this extension of the period of training has been met may be judged by the number of signatures appearing below. We therefore implore you, Harry, to do everything in your power to ensure that we are home for Christmas.”