PRO PATRIA

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 49, 19 February 1943, Page 5

PRO PATRIA

PTE. H. E. THORBURN After a long period of indecision during which he was posted) as missing, the War Office' hias now officially listed l Pte Herbert Edward' Thorburn as killed in action. Pte Thorburn who was 23 years of age at the time of his death was born at Opotiki but came to this town when only a few years old. He was educated at the Whakatane Convent School ajid on leaving became apprenticed to the "Bay of Plenty Press" then under the management of Mr E. W. Beckett. When" the "Beacon'' took over 'Herb' as he was popularly known continued' his! contract with the new firm and had almost served! his time when he decided to' enlist for service overseas. He entered camp and traiined with the Fifth Reinforcements, but owing to a last minute iltness, as the ships were abouit to sail he was detained! ashore and spent several' months) convalescing after a serious operation. Re-entering camp he finally sailed' with the Seventh,, and arrived in Egypt some eighteen months ago. Hi's general character and efficiency brought about his selection! for special training in a demonstration squad which underwent a course of 'snap drill' in Syria. At the time of Rommel's break through to El' Alartiein, all available troops were ruslhed back to Egypt and l Pte Tliorburrii's Company was "in the van of the violent counter attacks which) were launched! by General Montgomery. It was during thiis confused fighting that he was posted as missing. For nine months nothing further was heard of him until his death) was officially presumed and his parents notified'. In civilian life 'Herb' was a particularly popular young man taking an active part in Foot-, ball, Cricket, Tennis and Rowing. He made a host of friends by whom! he will be sadly missed. The Directors and Staff of the "Beacon" join with others from the town and district in extending their sympathy to his family, now resident in AuckliandL