RETURNING TROOPS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25940, 5 September 1945, Page 4

RETURNING TROOPS

ARRIVING TO-NIGHT

TWO SPECIAL TRAINS

LONG-SERVICE PERSONNEL

A large draft of returning servicemen from the Middle East will reach Dunedin by two special trains from the north tnis evening. This information is contained in an official statement issued by Headquarters, Area XI last evening The draft comprises approximately 320 for Otago, and 260 for South Otago and Southland. Arriving at Lyttelton this morning, the draft will proceed south in two special trains, the first of which, bringing troops for destinations south of Dunedin is expected here at 6.32 p.m., and the second, on which will be troops for stations on the main line from Oamaru to Dunedin, at 9.5 p.m. About 20, whose homes are in Central Otago, wili travel on the second train, and will go on to their homes later. The train for the south will remain at Dunedin until 6.50 p.m., and the troops will be provided with light refreshments by the Otago Provincial Patriotic Council.

Reception Arrangements

The arrangements for the reception of the troops are similar to those made for the last large draft to come to Dunedin. Relatives of men travelling by the first train to southern destinations will be premitted on the south end of the main platform, entering by the south end gates or the overbridge near the Early Settlers’ Hall. At 8 p.m., an hour before the scheduled time of arrival of the second troop train, the station will be cleared and the public will not again be admitted until after the arrival of the second troop train. Enclosures for next-of-kin of troops detraining at Dunedin will be provided—one at the north end gates for residents of the northern part of the city; one at the main vestibule for residents of the central portion of the city and the hill suburbs; one at the south end gates for residents of the city ana outer suburbs in the south; and one beneath the over-bridge at the Mosgiel dock, with entrance by way of a small gate, for next-of-kin of Central Otago, Queenstown and Arrowtown soldiers. All enclosures, including an outer enclosure which will embrace the whole of Anzac Square, will be picketed, and next-of-kin will be requested to produce telegrams received from army sources or the soldiers as evidence of their bona tides. , „, . . In order that all next-of-kin may be kept in touch with the progress of the special trains, arrangements have been made for the train-running schedules to be broadcast at intervals during the day from Station 4YA. Any alterations will be advised in this manner as soon as such information is received. Transport of returning servicemen and their next-of-kin to their homes has been arranged through the local E.P.S. organisation. Local receptions have been arranged by West Harbour and Mosgiel Boroughs, and troops for St. Leonards, Maia and Ravensbourne will detrain at Ravensbourne. Mosgiel and Taieri troops are travelling by the first train, and will deetrain at Mosgiel, where transport to their homes will be provided. Composition of Draft

The draft which is to reach Lyttelton this morning is made up of long-service personnel of the sth, 6th and 7th Reinforcements from the Middle East, returned under the replacement scheme. There are approximately 3740 in the draft, including 338 officers. A feature of the draft is that a number of overseas brides and New Zealand women service personnel married overseas returned on the ship with their husbands. There were 31 women on the ship and 14 travelled with their husbands. A total of 161 with the draft have been decorated or mentioned in despatches. There are five with the D. 5.0., 20 with the M.C., 7 with the M.8.E., 10 with the D.C.M., 29 with the M.M., and four with the 8.E.M., while 103 have been mentioned in despatches.

The list of Otago, Southland and South Canterbury members of the draft will be found on page 7.