J-Force Men Enjoyed Life In Japan; Many Joining Regular Army

Wanganui Chronicle, 17 August 1948, Page 6

J-Force Men Enjoyed Life In Japan; Many Joining Regular Army

(P.A.) Auckland, Aug. 16. “A lot of men were very sorry to leave Japan and, if it had been decided to retain the force there, we have had plenty of volunteers,” said the commander of J-Force. Brigadier L. Potter, C.8.E., D 5.0., when he arrived at Auckland in the liner Westralia. with the second draft of troops from Japan. He said that service life had so impressed many of the men that they had decided to join the regular Army. About 250 applications had been received and about 200 would be accepted. Some very good types of men had applied. Facilities were excellent for troops in Japan, said Brigadier Potter. They were the best he had seen anywhere in the world and were a great improvement on what were available during the early days of the occupation. The (men had very good barracks and the new hospital and medical service was of a very high standard- There had been no epidemics and the health of the troops was extraordinarily good. Brigadier Potter paid a special tribute to the Maori members of the force. They had excelled themselves in guard duties, drill and other work and had been a credit to New Zealand. He said they had been welcomed wherever they went. There had been no monotony in service life in Japan in the last year, said Brigadier Potter. • With the withdrawal of the English and Indian troops, New Zealanders’ duties had increased. They had a large area under their control, more varied duties than previously and new leave schedules. The men had been too busy to become bored, he said. The last two large drafts were expected to leave Japan for New Zealand about the middle of September and the rear party would remain until about the middle of November.

Asked if he had noticed any change in the Japanese outlook during the occupation period. Brigadier Potter said it was difficult to gauge the Japanese opinion because the democratic system they now had imposed on them by regulation.