“Pip Emmas”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 395, 2 July 1928, Page 16

“Pip Emmas”

Signallers Hold First Reunion Since the War FROM NORTH AND SOUTH The “Pip Emmas” assembled in full force at Nairn's Tearooms, Karangahape Road, on Saturday evening. It was the first reunion of the Divisional Signalling Corps of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, the members of which were familiarly known to other branches of the Division as the “Pip Emmas.” THE Signalling Corps produced the first New Zealand V.C., Lieut. C. R. Bassett, during the Great War. The duties of the corps were extremely dangerous at times and it was responsible for the carriage of dispatches and the efficiency of the lines of communication. Often, during bombardments, the signallers had to make their way across shell-spattered country to repair the breaks in broken telephone lines. But it was not of deeds of bravery that the signallers talked on Saturday evening. In an atmosphere of tobacco smoke and good cheer men from the South greeted men from the North, whom they had not seen since they left France, and talked of the good times they had enjoyed together. Doings of old companions, which were many and quaint, were recalled by the various speakers, beginning at the time when the College Rifles joined up, soon after hostilities were declared. Wild and hilarious doings on shipboard, in Egypt, on Gallipoli, in France and in England were recalled to the accompaniment of batteries of laughter. It was generally agreed that no reunion had seen a more cheerful or spontaneous assembly. One of the most delightful features of the evening was a “stunt" during which several members present retailed the story of their lives in two minutes. The anecdotes contained amusing references, to “Fridav Easter,” “Skin” Masters, “Pork” Harty, “Gus” Broughton, “Eke” Bassett, “Bottley” Weir, “Dad” Lenihan, “Pins" Baker, “Gamma” Coutts, and dozens of other signallers. Professor Maxwell Walker, a visitor, retailed several amusing stories. An energetic committee consisting of Capt. W. F. Stilwell, M.C. (chairman), Messrs. G. Broughton, R. Bevins. G. Maud, L. Michaels, L. Coutts, J. M. Craig, D. Craig, J. Weir, L. Poff and N C Pierce (secretary) had made complete arrangements and their efforts no doubt made for the success of the evening. Capt. Stilwell presided and congratulated the big Southern contingent on its efforts to be present. He hoped that in future reunions would be held each year in succession at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. It was arranged to set up a committee to make this possible. Among the guests present were: Colonel Shera. representing the Engineers: Lieut.-Colonel T. H. Dawson, C.M.G . C.B E., representing the R.S.A.Lieut W. Nolan, R.N.V.R.. and Capt. Sinc’air Reed, of the Mounted Rifles. The following toast list was honoured: “Kindred Services,” propcsed by

Lieut W. F. Kent-Johnson, R.F.A., j responded to by Colonel Dawson and Lieut. Nolan; “Departed Comrades,” ‘The Old Company,” Capt. Stilwell. “Visiting Comrades,” Lieut. C. J. Poff M.M., response, Lieut. J. Sawers; “Absent Comrades.” Q.M.S. J. Weir. M.S M.. response Lieut. R. Ellis. M.M Messrs Harold Baxter. T. Tuohey R Wilson Lieut. Richardson, G. Maud and W. S "urnc’- cor. *-ibuted toward i the musical programme.