REPATRIATED MEN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 10 March 1944, Page 2

REPATRIATED MEN

Rlill CROSS COMMISSION S REPORT Wellington, This Day The latest reports from the Red Cross Commissioner of the Joint Council of the Order of St. John and the New Zealand Red Cross Society in the Middle East cover the months of October and November, 1943. On account of the movement of troops to the advanced base in Italy, the commissioner Major Tweedy, had to pay personal attention to the arrangement for full supplies of stores to be sent to the new forward areas for hospital sites One thousand and fifty cases of Red Cross supplies were dispatched and every case reached its destination.

The commissioner was able to meet all the repatriated prisoners of war and the usual care and attention were given to all men. Those who were unfortunate in still being on the casualty lists were given special care during the train journey to hospital, and also on the homeward-bound steamer.

During the stay in Egypt 0 f the repatriated personnel, everything possible was done to see that al] the men were given proper facilities to enable them to spend their leisure in a satisfactory manner. Tickets or tokens were issued to enable them to obtain free transpor tation; and theatres, sporting clubs (such as the Ghezira Sporting Club) provided pleasurable functions, and all men visiting such receptions were well looked after and entertained.

The commissioner also told of the an preciation our repatriated prisoners of •war showed to the arrangements which were made for their reception in Egypt and in view of all the kindness extend ed to them they felt that something tangible should be given to the joint council for the work undertaken on them behalf during their imprisonment The sum of nearly £2OOO was donated by them as a gesture of thanks