AIRMAN SAFE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23773, 28 September 1940, Page 13

AIRMAN SAFE

INTERNED IN SWEDEN EARLIER REPORTED MISSING SERVING WITH FLEET AIR ARM Advice that Acting-Loading Airman Bi uce Ronnie Laing, Fleet Air Arm, j and late of H.M.S. Lcander, who was previously reported missing on Avar service, is interned in Sweden, was received last evening by liis mother, Mrs. Martha Laing, of 30 Pali Road, Epsom. Mrs. Laing was informed on "Wednesday that her son was missing by the commander of his station in England, who cabled direct to her. The further gratifying news that he was safe came by telegram from the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones. Incidentally the Minister's message expressed "much regret" and-eoncludod: "The Prime Minister desires me to convey to you on behalf of the Goveirnment his sincere regrets." These expressions of sympathy, which happily wore not needed, apparently were due to the fact that the Xew Zealand authorities had not been advised that Acting-Leading Airman Laing was missing, and were unaware that his relatives had been so informed.

A brother of Acting-Leading Airman Laing last night made a donation of £lO to the London relief fund as a thank-offering for his safety, "I promised myself that I would do so if he weie found alive," he said, "and .1 am keeping my promise. Our father was reported lost at sea just at the end of the last war, after he had been missing for three weeks, so you can understand our toolings this time."