RED CROSS ACTIVITIES IN MIDDLE EAST

Southland Times, Issue 24869, 8 October 1942, Page 3

RED CROSS ACTIVITIES IN MIDDLE EAST

Comforts For Wounded Men A further report of the activities of the New Zealand Red Cross Commissioner in the Middle East (Major W. G. Tweedy) gives a full outline of what is being achieved in that important area. Since the recent hostilities began the Commissioner has had a considerable amount of additional work to do, but, as he states, all the helpers, both voluntary and other, rose to the occasion, and at the time of making the report (July 15), he stated that “since the Division has been in action there have been large numbers of casualties, and our men have been admitted to British hospitals in all areas.” These extra patients called for additional travelling. As each man was visited, he received the following articles: Towel, soap, writing pad, envelopes, pencil, 20 cigarettes, tooth brush, tooth paste or powder, razor and razor blades, shaving brush, shaving soap, comb, handkerchief, mirror and matches. These articles were really necessary as some of the men had only die clothes they stood up in, and the gift, which was from the Sick and Wounded Fund, was greatly appreciated by the recipients. The same treatment was accorded to all New Zealanders, irrespective of where they were located. So as to be sure the men were not forgotten, the commissioner arranged for a member of the staff to visit Alexandria, where all men pass through, and the gifts were made to the men as they were transferred from the desert to the vehicles taking them to the hospital. I As most of our units were withdrawn from Syria and other places in that vicinity, it was found necessary to transfer the Red Cross details also. Care was taken, however, to see that those New Zealanders who were left behind were not forgotten, and the commissioner arranged with the officer commanding the hospital to have the chaplains make weekly issues to all patients. The arrangement was still in force at the date of the report and was working most satisfactorily. Further adidtional supplies are being sent from time to time as necessity arises. It was hoped that the commissioner would be able to make a personal visit to the No. 3 hospital in that area as soon as conditions allowed. During the recent campaign, all kinds of available foodstuffs were sent to the field units for distribution, and the action was very much appreciated. This is a new departure and the receipt by the sick and wounded, so near to the field of operations, of these gifts will no doubt let the men know their wants are being taken care of as near to the field of action as is possible.