LONELY SOLDIER

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23322, 4 October 1945, Page 6

LONELY SOLDIER

No Relatives In Dominion (N.Z.P.A.) AUCKLAND, Oct. 3. Qualifying for the title of New' Zealand’s loneliest soldier at the moment is Irish-born Maurice Anthony Hogan, formerly a private in the 24th Battalion and a former prisoner of war, who returned to Auckland on Monday. On his arrival from Wellington, Private Hogan, who knows no one in the city except a few soldier friends, w’atched other soldiers met by excited relatives and friends. He was wondering where he could find a lodging to spend his leave when he was discovered by Lieutenant-Colonel Swan, commandant of the transit camp, who found him quarters. Private Hogan arrived in New Zealand shortly before the outbreak of war, and left with the Fourth Reinforcement, being captured at Sidi Rezegh. His one idea at the moment is to spend his leave to the best possible advantage. He then intends to look for a job and save enough money to bring his mother from Ireland to join him. To-day Private Hogan has at least 50 potential friends all anxious to help him. Moreover, he has had the offer of a good job in a boot factory. Almost as soon as the story telling of his plight was published offers of friendship were received at a newspaper office and at the office of the Army officer who befriended him. Several of those who telephoned were bereaved mothers who had lost sons in Hogan’s old battalion. This morning Hogan was busy' making a round of calls on those offering him friendship and accommodation.