SEDDON SHIELD DISTRICT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 11 November 1942, Page 6

SEDDON SHIELD DISTRICT

REUNION DINNER IN CAIRO MEN WHO HAVE WON HONOURS Cairo, 24th Sept. For some time Dame Rumour was very busy in the Kiwi lines regarding a heavy invasion to be made on Cairo by a large force of troops, who, having been in exile for a considerable time, had decided it was high time to get together and talk of the old home towns, Seddon Shields, and other things. So on the 21st September, 1942, in the Fleurant Restaurant, Cairo, there gathered together soldiers from the Westland, Buller, Nelson, and Marlborough districts serving in the Middle East, at a dinner presided over by the padre, the Rev. D. D. Thorpe, of Hokitika. About 100 guests were present, representing the various districts, and they did full justice to the good things provided, thanks to the excellent arrangements made by Sergt. Jim Hartshorne and Corpl. Ces. Williams, of Hokitika. During the evening mention was made of the honours won by the men of the Seddon Shield districts in the Armed Forces, and the following names were mentioned: Lieut.-Col. D. Fountain, M.C. (Westport), Major Sawyers, M.C. (Westport), Lieut. W. B. Thomas, M.C. and bar (Nelson), Lieut. Kirk, D.C.M., Sergt. P. McConchie, D.C.M.

(Nelson), Sergeant J. D. Hinton, V.C. (Greymouth), Sergt. A. C. Hulme, V.C. (Nelson), Sergt. J. Tainui, M.M. and bar (Arahura), Sergt. Spillman, M.M. (Greymouth), and Driver C. Bruning, M.M. (Westport). Those mentioned in despatches were: W. 0.2 H. Grooby, Corporals McKegnie and F. Scott, and Privates D. C. Shaw and G. Brown. Air Force awards mentioned were: Des. Scott, D.F.C.. Frank Denton, D.F.C., Allan Deere. D.F.C. and bar, and Colin C. Beck, D.F.C. It was also mentioned that Capt. C. Upham, V.C., while not a West Coaster, won his award for gallantry while serving in a West Coast-Nelson-Marlborough company. During the evening the following toasts were honoured: “The King,” proposed by Padre Thorpe, who also proposed the toast, “West Coasters.” which was replied to by Phil Martin, of Greymouth; “Absent Friends,” proposed by Sergt. Phil. McConchie, D.C.M.; “The Ladies,” proposed by Leo. Phillips, and replied to by Gordon Fraser. Owing to the division being “Elsewhere,” the attendance was somewhat limited, and some apologies were received, including from Capt. I. D. Thompson, N.Z.M.C., Lieut. Denis Chapman (Nelson), P.O. Bob Chapman, Capt. F. G. Butt (Marlborough), George Phillips, Abe Pearson, and Tim Douthett. Gunner Rodden spoke on behalf of the Coasters in the Artillery units unable to be present.