MIRACLE VOYAGE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 165, 8 October 1941, Page 2

MIRACLE VOYAGE

GROM CRETE IN FRAIL BOAT

.STILL MANY TROOPS IN HIDING

News of the fact that there were still many New Zealanders hiding in Crete after the evacuation was first brought to the mainland by a party of six soldiers —four New Zealanders and two Australians —who made what they describe as a miracle journey from the island in a Cretan fishing boat. The belief is held by men back from the Middle East that ;i lot of New Zealanders who are missing and not posted as prisoners of war are still at large in Crete.

The journey was made in an open boat just big enough to accommodate and six passengers, who had to use their coats as sails. It was extremely fortunate that they had a following wind for the whole of the two and a half day journey, and it was equally fortunate that they treated the boat gently. It was so rotten that, when two or three British soldiers waded out to pull them ashore when they reached Elgvpt, thev pulled the front of the boat clean off.

According to reports they brought back, the enemy is. not worrying very much about New Zealand and other Empire soldiers who are roaming free in the hills of Crete, as they apparently regard the island as a sufficient prison without taking official notice of "prisoners."

"They are being treated very well" stated one man, "and I think you will see more of them getting away as opportunity presents itself. The island is garrisoned chiefly with Austrians and young troops. More recently a! batch of 140 men came off Crete in small fishing boats and were picked up by the Navy."