SNOW IN ITALY

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25050, 14 November 1944, Page 6

SNOW IN ITALY

NEW ZEALAND TROOPS CONTRAST IN CONDITIONS (N.Z.E.F. Official War Correspondent) ITALY, Nov. 10 Snow is with us again. This morning we were awakened by the usual chiming of bells, with which a small near by village seems to be over-equipped, to find the whole countryside covered with a white mantle. The effect in this region of craggy mountains, cascading torrents and stone villages bristling with ancient towers, is indescribable. We spent some ten minutes contemplating its breathtaking beauty, and in that time we were disenchanted. Snow is beautiful on Christmas cp-rds—it is great sport when one can return to the cheeriul fireside of Chateau Tongariro—but here it is a different story. Trials of Last Winter

The fact is that this fall is seven weeks earlier than the first snow of last winter. We last saw the magic of a heavy snowfall around Castel l'rentano and Orsogna on January 1 of this 3^ r > and in the ensuing fortnight that clinging white blanket prpvoked _ a nightmare of supply problems, buried weapons and equipment, and sheer, piercing cold that will not be forgotten. This time, however, we are better off The division is resting, and most of the men have a roof overhead. I here have been few tents to collapse suddenly in the middle of a blizzard under the weight of a soggy _ white mass. Guns and tanks are safe in their parks under tarpaulins, and none had to dig those 25-pounders out to fire greetings at the Germans. The infantry are well, if not comfortably, esconsed in barracks and houses, instead of lying out in flooded weapon pits or stalking white-clad enemy patrols. Outlook for Division In the village opera house, a Kiwi concert party is preparing to entertain the men this afternoon and tonight. Meanwhile, drivers are hastily inoculating their vehicles with an anti-freeze mixture after checking the cooling systems for possiblo damage. Football practice is in full swing, and even today there will be some games on the fields which more nearly resemble snowslides There is no real reason lor anyone to feel cold, for always looming in the background is a programme of training and route marches, btill, this snow is well ahead of schedule, and there are cold, miserable days ahead. The New Zealand Division does not rest for long. RUSSIAN AWARD DOMINION SOLDIER FREE SOVIET TRAM RIDES (P,A.) CHRISTCHURCH, Monday A Russian decoration awarded to a New Zealand soldier has arrived in the Dominion from the Soviet "Union. It is the Soviet Medal for Valour, and was awarded to Second-Lieutenant J. Denvir, D.C.M., of Christchurch, who fought in Marshal Tito's Partisan forces in Yugoslavia and rose to the rank of brigadier. The medal was awarded on the recommendation of the Russian liaison officers attached to Marshal Tito's headquarters. It is believed to be only the second Russian decoration gained by a New Zealander in this war. The Order of Lenin was awarded to Group-Captain H. N. G. Ramsbottom-Isherwood, of Blenheim, who led the first Hurricane wing of the Royal Air Force 6ent to Russia. Information forwarded with the medal states that the insignia of the Medal for Valour has been conferred on Lieutenant Denvir by the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in recognition of distinguished service in the cause of the Allies. The Soviet Medal for Valour is probably one of the few medals in the world that entitles the holder to free tram rides. A small red booklet with stiff covers was enclosed with the medal and a translation of the contents made in Christchurch shows that it is a certificate authorising the holder to wear the medal as from April 1, 1944, and entitling him to a grant of 10 roubles a month and free passage on all tramways in all cities of the Soviet Union.

Presumably the grant and the free tram rides are made for life as another booklet with the medal contains five years' supply of coupons worth 10 roubles each, the money being payable at any savings bank in the Soviet Union. Bank officials in Christchurch were unable to give much information about Russian finances and currency when inquiries were made, but they believed Lieutenant Denvir would be able to draw the money without having to present the coupons at a Russian savings bank. COURAGE IN AIR RECENT DECORATIONS INSPIRING EXAMPLES SET (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Monday Citations in connection with recent awards to two airmen from the Auckland Province and one from Gisborne have been received. After the completion of a successful initial tour of operations in torpedo bombers, Flying-Officer William Alexander Eraser, D.F.C., D.F.M., of Auckland, has flown many sorties against enemy shipping, including a convoy on the Norwegian coast, and caused much damage, states the citation to the award of the D.F.C. During the period immediately after the invasion of Normandy ho participated in four attacks against enemy E boats and minesweeper formations, which caused heavy damage and broke up possible attacks on our convoys. His determination, fearlessness and devotion to duty have set a sterling example to all the air crew in his squadron. Pilot-Officer Wallace Arthur Tong, D.E.C., of Waharoa. earned his award by a series of attacks against important and heavily-defended targets. He has flown on operations against Milan, Genoa, Leghorn and the Anzio beachhead. He has also attacked important objectives in the Balkans and Germany. In April, 1944, he took part in an attack on the Manfred Weise armament works. In spite of considerable opposition over the target, the mission was successfully completed and an excellent photograph obtained. A month later, ho was detaifed to attack a vital railway bridge located at the foot of the Carpathian mountains. The attack was made by moon-, light, and entailed flying up narrow mountain defiles at lo\v level. After four runs over the target to ensure accuracy of aim, a 40001b bomb was released, and caused severe structural damage to the bridge. At all times, Pilot-Officer Tong has displayed great skill, courage and determination to complete his task whatever the difficulties or opposition encountered.

Warrant-Officer Frederick Edward Hall, D.F.C., of Gisborne, has participated in many attacks against heavily armed enemy shipping, the citation states. In July, 1944, lie took part in an attack against a convoy off Heligoland. Ho pressed home his attack on an escort vessel, flying so low over the target that a wing and tho rudder of his aircraft were damaged in contact with a _ cable on the ship. With great skill and coolness, WarrantOfficer Hall retained control and flew the damaged aircraft safely back to his base.