Flat-Footed Sergeant Beats 100-Mile Record

Press, Volume C, Issue 29500, 29 April 1961, Page 10

Flat-Footed Sergeant Beats 100-Mile Record

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, April 28. Persistent Percy Retimana. a Maori sergeant, who has flat feet and is classified unfit for overseas service, was first to complete the gruelling 100-miles route march from Runciman to Paeroa tonight in the record time of 37 hours 37 minutes. This is one hour 23 minutes less than a reported record for a 100 miles’ march by a British Army unit. Only two of a party of 15 soldiers from Papakura camp completed the 100 miles without having lifts from accompanying transport. The other soldier to complete the route was LanceCorporal Trevor King, who hobbled to the finish despite great pain from a strained knee. He was 50 minutes 30 seconds behind Sergeant Retimana. “Appalling weather, with heavy rain during the night, badly affected most of the men.” said Major M. N. Velvin. commanding officer of the Northern District Construction Squadron. Royal New Zealand Engineers, to 1 which the marchers belonged Most of the soldiers completed between 50 and 60 miles on foot, two had gone about 80 miles, and two completed the route which was via Ohinewai, Morrinsville. and Te Aroha. Carrying packs and sub-

machine guns, the men had regular halts for meals, and they stopped for four hours during the night to change clothing after heavy rain. Sergeant Retimana. whose home is in Rotorua, grinned at the end of his march and said: "It wasn't too bad. but I wouldn't like to try it again.” Lance-Corporal King said: “1 just had to make it because Percy and I had a bet in which we had to pay a dozen bottles of beer if we didn't finish.”

Major L. George, who travelled with the marchers as umpire, said: "Considering the dreadful conditions, the party has done extremely well. Persistence and sheer guts enabled Retimana and King to complete the 100 miles.”