DUTCH HOSPITAL SHIP

Camp News, Volume 2, Issue 79, 27 June 1941, Page 4

DUTCH HOSPITAL SHIP

New Zealand Personnel •* SERVICE FROM MIDDLE ■ EAST w , The New Zealand personnel appointed to act as liaison staff on the hospital ship Oranje, which has been placed at the disposal of the British Government by the Netherlands Indies Government, was announced last evening by the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones. his staff has now arrived in Australia ready to begin duty as soon as the Oranje is commissioned. It comprises a doctor, -Lieutenant-Colonel R. Wilson, N.Z.M.C., a chaplain, the Rev. J. T. Holland, N.Z. Chaplains Department, Sister E. A. Porteous,’.and Staff 1 Nurse V. B. Hutchison, of the N.Z. Army Nursing Service, the latter being a masseuse. In addition, there is a

staff of 10 n.c.o.’s and men who will perform duties such as pay and records, stores, and medical orderlies. •

'. "As has already been announced in the Press,” . said Mr. Jones, "the Netherlands Indies . Government has very generously placed at the disposal of the British Government the magnificent ship Oranje for use ns a hospital ship, specially for service between the Middle East and Australia and New Zealand.” The ship has'been converted, and will be operated at the expense of the Netherlands Indies Government, and will, as much as possible, be man ned by a Netherlands z crew and hospitai staff. ’

“Both Australia and New Zealand will, however, supply certain personnel who will act as a liaison staff, to deal mainly with administrative ' matters affecting the sick and wounded of the respective countries..

•‘The Oranje will undoubtedly make a splendid hospital ship, and our men should be.Aery comfortable and well looked after.” concluded Mr. Jones.