AUCKLAND TROOPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23959, 8 May 1941, Page 8

AUCKLAND TROOPS

SEVERAL OFFICERS A MAJOR-GENERAL'S SON SPHERES IN CIVILIAN LIFE Advice received by the parents of Private J. 0. Comer states that he was killed in action on April 20. He enlisted on June 17, 1940, and was attached to a machine-gun unit as a despatch-rider. He was well known in Rugby circles in the Thames district, and took an active interest in all branches of sport. Gunner W. R. Clarke, who was 24 years of age, was educated at the Papakura District School. He was a member of the Papakura senior Rugby League team and a keen supporter of the Papakura Greyhound Racing Club. Before bis enlistment lie was employed as a grocer's assistant. Former Teacher Lieutenant E. H. Blow, who is aged ;52, and was educated at the Auckland Grammar School and the Auckland University College, where he graduated in arts, was formerly a teacher at the Whangarei High School. At the outbreak of war he was attending a Paris university, taking a course in Trench, but crossed immediately to England and enlisted with the New Zealand antitank unit. While living in Auckland he played Rugby football for the Teachers' Training College senior team, and was later for three years a member of the Technical Old Roys' senior team in the Auckland Rugby Union competition.

Lieutenant G. N. Richardson is the youngest son of Lady Richardson and the late Major-General Sir George Richardson. He volunteered shortly after the outbreak of war, and was posted to an anti-tank unit. Interest in Territorials Second-Lieutenant E. C. Foot, aged 25, was educated at the Auckland Grammar School and later entered business with his father, Mr. E. G. Foot, of Vauxhall Road, Devonport. He took a keen interest in Territorial I'orce activities, and on his entry into the Expeditionary Force quickly gained promotion to commissioned rank. He was married shortly before he sailed from New Zealand. Gunner X. Mackay, aged 33, left New Zealand with the forces toward the end of last year. Before his military service he was employed on the staff of the Auckland City Council. Private F. C. Bagtiall lias been wounded by a gunshot in the thigh, according to a telegram received by his father. He enlisted shortly after the outbreak of war and was attached to an infantry unit. The last letter received by his father was posted in Athens on April 6. Private Bagnall is a director of the North Auckland Times Company.