FORCE FOR JAPAN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 9, 11 January 1946, Page 4

FORCE FOR JAPAN

APPLICATIONS RECEIVED IN WANGANUI NO DEFINITE INFORMATION Nearly 50 applications f(sr service with the New Zealand Force to go to Japan have been received at Army Office, Wanganui, headquarters for Area 6, which extends from Otaki to Wanganui, and includes the Main Trunk district.

The applications are said to be coming forward sparingly, but steadily. Some are from returned men of World War 11, but others are from young men who were unable to serve with the 2nd N.Z.E.F. because they were under age. Names received at Army Office are being recorded for future reference. They wdl be considered when a policy is decided on for the disposition of this force and the conditions of service fixea

Maoris are also showing an interest in the proposed force, several having already submitted applications. Approximately 70 applications for service with the J force have been received at the army area office for Otago, says a Press Association message from Dunedin. Applicants include men from both wars, also ex-air force personnel, both air crew and ground staff. According to army informants, the keenest graup comprises men who, because of medical gracing and age were unable to serve in the recent war.

It is felt in some quarters that the difficulty in obtaining definite information about the force may have held back men who would otherwise have applied for inclusion. Even those whose names have been recorded kw the Army authorities cannot be sure of inclusion, for they have not been medically examined, and age limits and the eligibility of married men have yet to be stated. As was stated by the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) at the end of September, the group from Italy is composed of single men of the 13th, 14th and 15th Reinforcements in the Second Division. He also stated that it would be necessary for certain officers, non-commissioned officers and other key men to be drawn from the other Second N.Z.E.F. units for the occupation force. Letters which have been received in New Zealand recent* ly have indicated -that the latter action caused a certain amount of dissatisfaction as some officers with mor e than lour years’ service have been compulsorily posted to the force.

When he made his announcement last year, Mr. Fraser said it was intended to relieve the brigade group at the end of six months by volunteers from New Zealand.

The force is due to leave for Japan in February.