J. FORCE TROOPS REACH AUCKLAND

Grey River Argus, 11 August 1948, Page 2

J. FORCE TROOPS REACH AUCKLAND

AUCKLAND, August 10. P’raise for vastly-improved conditions for New Zealand troops in Japan and also the conditions on the troopship was expressed by 566 mem bers of J-Force, who disembarked just before noon from the Duntroon They were commanded by Majo. Langevad. All the troops spoke highly of the leavd centres and the rooa in Japan. • While the majority seemed to ne pleased to be back, a number said they would not have objected to iemaining away longer. The troops were welcomed in tne stream by Brigadier R. S. Park, the Mayor, Mr J. A C. Allum, the town clerk, Mr T. W. Ashby, and Mr W. T. Anderton M.P., representing tne Government. t . Several hundred citizens greeted the troops on disembarking. The main body of 440 left byspecial train this afternoon for tne southern centres. MARRIAGES IN JAPAN » Four members of the J Force have brought their wives. With the exception of one couple, all the romances originated in Japan. Captain N. Dowsett, of Dunedin the senior medical officer of health married Nurse M. Head, of Auckland Captain J. Brown-Bennie, of Dunedin, married Corporal M. Kearney of Invercargill. Second Lieutenan N O Mangin Dunedin married nurs« A. R. Bemrosc, of Invercargill, and Corporal A. G. Wynard, married Private E. Weils, of Invercargill. Another bride, who was former'’’ Charge Sister A. Airey, of Grev; mouth, arrived, but her husband Captain D. D. Hunter, formerly of Runanva. as quartermaster of tne Sixth General Hospital, cannot return until the last draft.

West Coast Members Of J. Force To Return on Monday The Australian troopship, tile Huddart Parker liner, Westralia. is exoected to arrive at Auckland, about Monday next, August 16, from Kure, with a further draft of New Zealand members of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force. The New Zealand personnel travelling on the liner comprise 534, including officers other ranks, and members of the N.Z. W.A.A.C. Nine West Coast servicemen will arrive with the draft, their names and next-of-kin are:— Lieut. Jack Rathbun, Mrs S. Rathbun, 124 High Street, Greymouth (m). Sgt. Reginald Thomas Benyon, Mr T. J. Benyon, Seddon Street, Kumara- (f.). Spr. Malvin William Connolly, Miss H. E. Rowley, Harihari, (fiancee). Pte. Walter Edward Ellis, Mrs E. A. Ellis, 179 Sewell Street, Hokitika (m.). Pte. Brian John Haussmann, Mrs L. M. Haussmann, 14 Brittan Street, Hokitika (m.).- . Dvr. Stephen William Hunt, Mr M. H. Hunt, Main Street, Reefton, (m.). Fte. George Render, Mrs A. Render, 40 Cobden Street, Westport (m.). Pte. Gordon Francis Searle, Mrs K. L. Searle Harihari, (m.). Pte. Peter Kenneth Musgrove Gore, Mr W. G. Porter, Dick Street Reefton (f.).