FRIENDLY SWEDES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 October 1943, Page 2

FRIENDLY SWEDES

CHEERS FOR HOME-GOING BRITISH PRISONERS AT DEPARTURE OF SHIPS FROM GOTHENBURG. RECEPTION ARRANGEMENTS IN BRITAIN. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) GOTHENBURG, October 22. Never will the 4500 British repatriated prisoners of war forget their departure in three ships for Britain and home. Loudspeakers on the jetty relayed Swedish songs from Stockholm radio, and newsboys hurled Swedish newspapers aboard. An abundance of paper streamers was surprisingly hurled from the ships, and cheers with the Swedes were exchanged as the ships drew out. The great hospital ship, the Atlantis, had the quietest departure, for she carried those seriously wounded. The Crown Princess of Sweden, a sister of Lord Louis Mountbatten, visited the men aboard the Atlantis. An earlier London message states that the liners left at about dawn. Two liners carrying Germans left simultaneously for Germany. Few recent events have given more pleasure in Britain than the impending return of 5000 prisoners of war, specially wounded, from Germany (states a Press Association special correspondent). Arrangements for their -reception include their sending free telegrams to relations as soon as they arrive at a British port. The .wounded will be sent to a special hospital. It is understood that no New Zealanders will be arriving in Britain, and that they are going to the Middle East Their exact number is not yet known in London.