AFTER the end of the Second World War in September, 1945, the Bega District News reported on the servicemen returning home and those who would never return.
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LIBERATED prisoners of war Bill Whyman, Doug Blomfield and Andy Bland are expected in Sydney on Saturday by the steamer Arawa.
Bill Whyman's sisters have gone to meet him, and Mrs Bland has been in Sydney for some time.
Dick Grant, liberated prisoner of war, arrived in Sydney on Tuesday.
His brother Os and his fiancee, Miss Olive Ubrihien, have gone to Sydney to see him.
Private Adam Smith, youngest brother of Mrs Harold Britten, died in a prisoner of war camp, Singapore, two years ago.
His wife, formerly Miss Williams of Kameruka, now residing at Guilford, received the sad news from the Minister for War.
Adam, when at Bega, was a great lover of horses and a successful competitor with ponies at the district shows. He was born at Rocky Hall.
There are now only three survivors of the Smith family - Mrs Britten, Mr Herb Smith (Parramatta), and Mr Vin Smith, who is foreman of Hutton's bacon factory, Sydney. Mrs Smith is a daughter of Mr Peter Williams, for many years at Kameruka.
Private Travis of Narooma is among liberated prisoners of war returning.
Mrs P Collins, Bega, has received a letter from Manilla (sic) from her son, Private Austin Kay, liberated prisoner of war. Austin states he was flown from Tokyo to Ohio, 800 miles, and then to Manilla, another 800 miles.
It was the first time he had flown. Jacky Moffitt and Sam Ward also of Bega, were in the same camp with him at Manilla, and he expected to leave for Australia within a few days.
Flying Officer Garth Rood is on his way home from England. Garth, who trained at the Empire School in Canada, has been awarded the Defence Medal and the Atlantic Star.
We understand that Private Donny Wilson of Quaama died while prisoner of war with the Japanese.
Private Alwyn (Frizzy) McDonald, who recently returned after four years in a German prison camp, states that after reading and hearing of how prisoners were treated by the Japanese, his enforced stay in Germany was a holiday in comparison.
The food, he states, was on the light side, but the Red Cross parcels were a great help.
Private KLR Stafford of Cooma, grandson of Mr Win Stafford of Wallagoot, is among liberated prisoners of war.
Liberated prisoner of war Dick Grant and Miss Ubrihien were married in Goulburn last week.
He and his bride were entertained at a family gathering at the home of Mr and Mrs Dave Reeve on Saturday.
