AFTER the end of World War II in September 1945, the Bega District News reported on the servicemen returning home and those who would never return.
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LIBERATED prisoner of war Bill Whyman received a warm welcome from old club mates and others at Tathra beach last Sunday.
Mrs CO Williams, of Newtown, Bega, has received the sad news from the Minister for Army of the death of her brother, NX274452 Private William Thomas Smith, who died of illness while prisoner of war with the Japanese on 20th November, 1943, and conveying the Minister's profound sympathy.
Private Smith who was 23 years of age, was a native of Bega, a son of the late Mr and Mrs Alf Smith, and before the war he was with his brother on Mr Coman's dairy at Candelo.
Mrs A Alcock, of Bemboka, has been notified by the Minister for the Army that her son, Tom, is officially listed as missing believed dead. Tom was one of a group of five Bega and district boys who enlisted together and became attached to the ill-starred 2/22 battalion, which was captured at Rabaul, and now it seems that he has shared the fate of three of his mates from Bega in the lost Japanese prison ship, Montevideo Maru.
The only survivor of the five mates is ex-gunner Max Hazelgrove who had a miraculous escape after being shot and bayoneted by the Japanese. The anti-aircraft unit to which the boys were attached was credited with having brought down the first enemy plane on Australian territory.
Mr GR Grealy, late RAAF, one time of Merimbula, has been appointed field representative to the AMP Society and Bankers and Traders Insurance Companies in the Cootamundra district.
Mr J Seater, of Bega, received the following sad message from the Minister for the Army on Tuesday: "It is with deep regret that I have to inform you that NX28414 Gunner Liege Louvaine Seater, previously reported missing, believe deceased, is now reported missing and for official purposes presumed to be dead, July 1942, and I desire to convey to you the profound sympathy of the Minister for the Army".
Private Koerber of Pambula, returned prisoner of war, passed through Bega on Wednesday. With him was POW Burton of Merimbula, who is a cousin of POW Austin Kay.
Liberated prisoners of war Field and G Edwards, were welcomed home on Saturday.
Invitations are out for the marriage of liberated prisoner of war Wilfrid Plumb and Miss Peg Black, daughter of Mr and Mrs W Black, to take place at St John's Church, Bega, on Monday evening, November 5.
