N.Z. MEN SAFE IN ENGLAND

Southland Times, Issue 24055, 20 February 1940, Page 4

N.Z. MEN SAFE IN ENGLAND

GUNNERS ON DORIC STAR THOUGHT TO HAVE BEEN IN ALTMARCK (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, February 19. Cables stating that they had arrived in England and were well were received today from all three members of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve gun crew of the Doric Star. They were among the nine New Zealanders believed to have been imprisoned on board the German auxiliary Altmarck after their capture by the Graf Spee. The cables were all sent from Edinburgh. “Arrived safe and well” or “Well, arrived in Edinburgh,” were the texts of the messages. Other cables giving similar information were also received from the Admiralty. The gunners were: G. J. Lynch, aged 19, son of Mrs E. W. Lynch, of Onehunga, R. J. Craig, son of Mr N. R. Craig, of Mount Eden, W. J. Wheeler, of Dunedin.

Mr J. Watt, of Massey road, Mangere, also received a cable from his son, J. Watt, who was refrigeration engineer in the Doric Star. His cable was sent from Leith, probably a harbourage for the Cossack after her return. The gunners are now on leave and will soon return to New Zealand. DUNEDIN BOY ON DORIC STAR (United Press Association) DUNEDIN, February 19. “Arrived safe and well” was the text of a cable received this morning by the parents of William Wheeler, a Dunedin boy who was a member of the gun crew of the Doric Star, which was sunk by the Graf Spee last December and who had since been a prisoner on the Altmarck. Mrs Wheeler also received an official message from the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) announcing her son’s safety and stating that the youth will return to New Zealand at the first opportunity.