TROOPS ON LEAVE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24334, 26 June 1940, Page 6

TROOPS ON LEAVE

SECOND ECHELON SIGHT-SEEING IN BRITAIN ORGANISED HOSPITALITY MEN IN GOOD HEART (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 25. The following cabled despatch was received from London to-day from the official war correspondent attached to the New Zealand forces overseas, Mr J. H. Hall:— “ The streets of London are bright with New Zealand puggarees and shoulder patches as the troops of the Second Echelon began their first leave in Britain this week. All the men get 48 hours’ leave, exclusive of travelling time, to visit relatives anywhere in Englcnd and Scotland. Those without relatives or not wishing in the meantime to visit them will come to London. “The New Zealand War Services Association, which has been formed by New Zealanders in Britain, will extend hospitality to soldiers on leave and entertain them in the camps. The association hrs hired the Adelphi Theatre, adjoining New Zealand House, as a canteen, rest room, accommodation bureau and information centre. All day long the troops made free at this centre, rnd were deeply grateful for what their fellow-New Zealanders were doing for them. Entertainment Concessions “Numerous sight-seeing and entertainment concessions are available to our soldiers through the War Services Association. For example, half-guinea theatre seats are obtainable for. 3s 6d, special bus and river trips are being arranged, and contacts have been made which are leading to offers of private hospitality. “Londoners of the older generation are quick to recognise the peaked hat, which recalled vivid memories of the Great War and the highly favourable reputation established by the New Zealand troops then. “ The members of the Maori Battalion, who were on one of the earliest leave trains, were a psrticular focus of interest. The Maoris already have made headlines here by reason of their Guards-like smartness on parade ana the almost mechanical precision of their rifle drill. “The troops of the Second Echelon are now thoroughly settled. Next week, when the last of them return from their first British leave, advanced training will ’begin in earnest. The health of the men is good, and their first experience of rationing has not been greatly disturbing, in spite of its contrast with the high living on board some of the transports. Four Deaths on Voyage “The latter half of, the journey was unhappily marred by three, and probably four, deaths. At a port of call Captain W. R. Creeser, Army Service Corps, died of illness, and Private N. S. Traynor, of the infantry, died from the effects of an accidental fall on leave. Both were buried ashore. . “ Sergeant D. Peterson, of the First General Hospital, is believed to have been lost overboard at night while the convoy was lying at the same port. The cry of “ Man overboard! ” was raised, and Sergeant J. D. Ormond went in with a lifeline, but could find no trace of the missing man. A very strong tide was running past the stern of the ship and out of the berthing basin at the time. “ Sergeant Ormond was publicly commended by the officer commanding the troops in the transport concerned. “On June 11 Gunner W. Francis, of the Artillery Regiment, died, and was buried at sea next day.”