RETURNING SOLDIERS

Southland Times, Issue 17966, 6 March 1917, Page 5

RETURNING SOLDIERS

53S OFFICERS AND MEN ARRIVE. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, March 5. A hospital ship arrived last night with 538 officers and men. Two days out from England she-picked up a lifeboat containing twelve men from the steamer Brookwood, sunk five days earlier by a German submarine. On February 13 Private F. T. Bowell, of the Medical Corps, whose parents reside in Auckland, died and was buried at sea. The returned soldiers were officially welcomed this morning. Sir James Alien presented four medals won by members of the Expeditionary Force, Gunner R. Fleming, of Devonport, being only one of the quartette alive.

WELCOME AT AUCKLAND. TRIBUTE TO DOCTORS AND NURSES. AUCKLAND, March 5. The hospital ship brought 22 officers and 510 of other ranks, including 45 cot cases, none of whom are officers, and none are regarded as specially serious. The beneficial effects of the voyage are apparent. At the commencement there were nearly 100 lying down cases. The destinations of tile men are as follows;—

Auckland —Total number, 169; cot cases, IJ.

Wellington—lßs and 15. Christchurch —83 and 5. Dunedin —95 and 14. The Mayor, Mr Gunson, welcomed the men on behalf of the city.

In the .course of a speech Sir Jas. Allen paid a warm tribute to the work of Colonel Collins, Medical Officer Commanding the Hospital Ship, and his staff. It was a matter for gratification that the staffs of the hospital ships had given their services bo ungrudgingly. A special meed of praise was due to the nurses who had undertaken risks and braved dangers. It was splendid to think that New Zealand men always wished to be in New Zealand hospitals, on New Zealand hospital ships, and tended by New Zealand nurses.

PRESENTATION OF MEDALS. DISTINCTION WON ON THE FIELD. AUCKLAND, March 5. Four medals won In the field were presented by Sir Jas. Allen to-day. Three of the heroes have not lived to receive their medals, and in those cases the decorations were presented to their fathers. Lieut. Gavin D. Alexander, killed in action, gained the D.C.M., while a Sergeant in the Divisional Signalling Co. He was represented by his father, Mr E. H. Alexander, of Epsom, E. A. Bedggood, of Kaihu, was given the Military Medal won by his son, L.Corpornl W. W. C. Bedggood. S. L, G. Rimmer, of Mt Eden, received the Military Medal on behalf of his son, Sergt. W, C. Rimmer. Gunner R. J. Fleming, of Devonport, was the only one to personally receive the decoration of a Military Medal.