WELCOME HOME

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 10 February 1944, Page 4

WELCOME HOME

NEWS that a second big party of our men from the famous Second Division has arrived in New Zealand on leave from the Middle East will give great joy to their next-of-kin and friends and pleasure to everybody. Most of them have been away fighting for a long time and fully deserve a rest if it can be given without upsetting the Division and exposing their companions who arc left to undue risks. When the first furlough party came back there was an implied promise that the men of all three echelons would get a spell at home when opportunity offered.

Most of the Nelson men, numbering about 45, will arrive here to-morrow morning and they will doubtless receive as spontaneous a welcome from the folks at home as did the first furlough men. But it would be wrong and dangerous to regard their stay among us as anything more than extended leave. They are soldiers veterans of battle—and as long as the war lasts their valuable services on our behalf will be needed. Brigadier Inglis, a very experienced 2nd Division officer, has told us what is likely to happen if too many of the “old hands” are taken out of the frontline for too long. While it need not detract from the happiness of reunion neither the men nor those close to them should be tempted to think that the task which our servicemen went out to do is finished. Nelsonians will welcome their fighting men back among us. We admire their exploits, thrill with gratitude at what they have done for us and for the world, trust their stay will be most enjoyable and that, when the time comes, those who are physically fit will answer the call as soldiers and take up the tasks which then await them.