PRO PATRIA

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 196, 22 December 1941, Page 5

PRO PATRIA

THE SUPREME SACRIFICE

MOUNTING DISTRICT LIST

The greatest price of war is the toll of young lives, exacted from all homes, rich and poor alike. In the Whakatane district the grim realism of the tremendous struggle in which the Empire is taking such a prominent part, is being brought home as the Libyan campaign advances. Once again we extend to those bereaved the sincere deepest sympathy, and in printing from time to time the following lists will seek the co-operation of persons other than those directly concerned to assist in the compilation. Lieut James G. Cutler Born in Christchurch, twenty-five years ago Lieut J. G. (Jim) Cutler who died in action in Libya, came to Whakatane with his parents, Mr and Mrs F. B. Cutler as an infant. He passed through the local primary and secondary schools, and in his last year w T as Dux, at the High School. Leaving when sixteen years years of age, he first entered his father's hardware business, but shortly after went to Auckland for wider experience. Whilst there he became interested in law and decided to take up the profession. Two vears ago lie obtained -his L.L.B. and .joined the firm of Oliphant and Munro. In the early part of the present war he entered camp and gained his commission. He left with the Fifth Reinforcements just on a year ago for Egypt. As an officer and as a man he won the respect and admiration of his men, and was regarded by those in authority as a man who had a promising soldier's career ahead of him. Prior to leaving he married the only daughter of Mir and Mrs W. Hollard of Kaponga. Private John Walker Eldest son of Mr and Mrs J. R. Walker, of Thornton, Pte J. Walker who made the supreme sacrifice in the Libyan campaign was the eldest of three brothers, the other two of whom arc both serving in Fiji. He was twenty-five years old and was born at Eltham, Taranaki. He was educated at the Thornton school and prior to his going to the war was, a keen member of the Rangitaiki Rifle Club. He was known 011 the Plains for his excellent marksman-] ship. Popular socially and in the lield of sport he was also a junior member of the Rangitaiki Rugby football team and took an active interest in the game. He went overseas with the Fifth Reinforcements and went through the preparatory period of hard training which preceded the present drive against the Axis forces in Libya. His death in action will be deeply regretted by a wide circle of friends. Pte A. W. E. (Mick) Armstrong The youngest of seven sons of Miami Mrs S. Armstrong, of Landing Road, Pte A . W. E. (Mick) Armstrong was aged 25 when he was reported to have fallen in action in Libya. "Mick," as he was known to his wide circle of friends, left with the Fifth Echelon and was a Signaller in the Headquarters Company of the 21st Battalion. He was born and educated at Hastings having been in Whakatane about ten before enlisting. Included in his education was a term at the R.uakura farm school. At the time of his departure he w 7 as employed at Messrs Armstrong and Coy's garage and his chcery nature earned him popularity with his fellow men. He was a keen athlete making cricket, tennis and rowing his chief pas-

times. Pte W. H. Stubbs Born at Te Awamutu 22 years ago, Pte Walter Henry Stubbs- Avho gave his life in Libya spent most of his life in Wliakatane where he received all his education. His parents are Mr and Mrs H. E. Stubbs. of Hawera Street. Pte Stubbs enlisted at the outbreak of war but was rejected on account of his age. However, he lost no time when he attained his majority and left with the 3rd Echelon as a member of 2-ltli Auckland Battalion. At the time of his enlistment he was employed by the local branch of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co. Ltd. with whom he had been for over two years proving an efficient and popular staff member. He was a keen member of the Rowing Club and was prominent in the Rugby circle. One brother, F. H. Stubbs, left with the First Echelon while another is serving with the R.N.Z.A.F. at Witiram.