SOLDIER’S POCKET-BOOK

Taranaki Daily News, 9 June 1932, Page 5

SOLDIER’S POCKET-BOOK

LOST ON BATTLEFIELD.

RETURN AFTER 16 YEARS.

A pocket-book, containing a Bible, a marriage certificate, and a photograph, which was lost in the Battle of the Somme in 1916 by a New Zealand solidier, has just been returned 'to its owner.

The pocket-book belonged to Mr. L. F. McDonald, who left New Zealand in October, 1915, with the 2nd Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade. In the Somme activities the pocket-book was lost, and was evidently found by an English soldier. A letter was received, recently by the postmistress at Ward, Marlborough,* from Mr. G. Martin, of Anchor Road, Langton, England, asking for information concerning Mr. McDonald’s whereabouts.

Mr. McDonald’s marriage certificate showed that lie had been married at Ward. Mr. Martin said he had written to Ward some years ago, but had received no reply. Mr. McDonald, who was believed by tho correspondent to have been killed, was located by the postal authorities at his homo at Frankton- Junction, and the long-lost property, which was in excellent order, was restored to him on Monday. The Bible had been given to Mr. McDonald by his wife. They were married just before lie left New Zealand- Mr. McDonald returned to New Zealand in March, 1919.