MINED IN HAURAKI GULF

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIX, Issue 21963, 15 May 1941, Page 4

MINED IN HAURAKI GULF

Unit Of Flotilla Engaged In Sweeping Officer And Four Men Lost Three Others Injured (PJI.) WELLINGTON, May 14. The Government deeply regrets to announce the loss of his Majesty’s -Minesweeper Puriri, says a statement issued by the Hon. W. Nash. Puriri was commissioned as a minesweeper in the twenty-fifth (New Zealand) minesweeping flotilla as recently as April 19. She was engaged in mine clearance operations in Hauraki Gulf when, unfortunately, about 11 ajn. today, she struck a mine and sank immediately. The Government deeply regrets that one officer and four men are missing and must be presumed to have lost their lives. Two men who were injured and one who was bruised, have been brought into harbour in charge of a medical officer. The two injured men are now in hospital. The remaining five officers and 19 men have been saved and are uninjured. The Government is sure ’ that the population ot the Dominion will join with it in expressing deep sympathy with the relatives of the men lost in this the first casualty to a New Zealand warship. The relatives will derive comfort from the fact that these men lost their lives in the performance of their important and dangerous duty. Following is a list of casualties:— Missing (must be presumed te have lost their fives) Lieutenant Douglas William Blacklaws, R.N.B. (New Zealand). His wife is Mrs Ruth Alice Blacklaws, Heine Bay, Auckland. Able Seaman Leon Purkin. His mother is Mrs Mary Marioty, Te Hoe Hoe, Putaruru. Steward John Richardson. No next-of-kin.

Steward George Edward Ray Hobley. His wife is Mrs Dorothy Hobley, Auckland. Stoker Petty Officer Brandt August Mattson. His father is Mr Benjamin Mattson, Whenuapal, Auckland.

Seriously now in Hospital Able Seaman Harold Martin West. His father is Mr N. H. West, Napier. Injured, now in Hospital Able- Seaman Duncan Rex Stewart. His mother is Mrs Beatrice Stewart, Nelson. Sustained Bruises and has now gone to his home Able Seaman BJi.V.B. Norman Bernard Donning. His mother is Mrs Arabella A. Dunning, Wellington.