INCIDENTS IN GREECE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 139, 16 June 1941, Page 4

INCIDENTS IN GREECE

WANG' NUI SIGNALMAN'S EXPERIENCES

MAORIS GREAT FIGHTERS

Some of the incidents which occirrred in action before the witndrawal from Greece, and others during the retreat, to the coast an related by Signalman R. S. Gurr in a letter to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. (_ Gurr, London St. Prior to enlisting. •Signalman Gurr was a prominent member of the Aramoho Boating Club and also played full-hack for the Technical Old Boys' Rugby Club.

Signalman Gurr tells that Greece was a grand place and that the people were marvellous. “When v.e were coming through Athens to got out of Greece thousands of people lined the streets and clapped, cheered and threw flowers at our vehicles." ho

writes. “They were wonderful. God knows what the Huns would treat them like—we were all sorry for their welfare.

"I met Doug D'Arcy a Wanganui hoy) by accident over here—the occasion being when we both jumped into a shell hole to evade the Huns, who were machine-gunning us from the air. After having to duck into trenches and shell holes, etc., during bombing and machine-gun raids, I have decided that. I would hate to shoot another rabbit, because my feeling is definitely sympathetic toward them.

“I lost my paybook in Greece, so f cannot, draw my credit until I reach New Zealand. All my personal belongings were lost, too. and I eaino away with nothing. Hale Williams stopped one while I was with him not serious—and he is getting along quite well. “Received a letter from a member of the Aramoho Boating Club on Anzac Day. It was a great contrast to think that. 26 years later the Anzacs were in action again. We are all proud to be in them because wo gave the Huns a good thrashing while it lasted—just mowed them down. “The Maoris were grand fighters. A party of them were surrounded - no way out—so their officers led them in haka with bayonets fixed and the Huns fled from them. “I am not to divulge where we are now situated, but we are resting in a safe place, getting plenty of leave. There are only two things annoying us—flies and intense heat."