First Tumut P.O.W. From Jap. Hands

9 October 1945 The Tumut and Adelong Times

Sergt. Jim Oliver arrived back in Tumut by yesterday's train, accompanied by his wife, who had gone to Sydney to meet him after he had disembarked from the Oranje, the ship which brought home another 700 ex-prisoners of war freed from Japanese hands in Singapore.

There was a big crowd waiting at the Station to welcome him home and the Tumut Town Band was also present and rendered appropriate music. 

Though thin and tired after his 3½ years in captivity, Sergt. Oliver feels very well.     

After the welcome handshakes and exchanged greetings the fleet of cars which had gone to the station, led by the lorry with the Band boys, formed a procession to town, where further music was rendered by the Band in Wynyard Street.

After partaking of morning tea Sergt. Oliver was driven by Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Crouch (his wife's parents) to their home at “'Nimbo,'' where he will spend his leave.

Also arrived by yesterday's train was a British ex-prisoner of war, Pte. J. King, who was released in Japan.

He was captured at Hong Kong.

Pte. King is the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Symons at East Blowering. 

Other Tumut soldiers freed from Jap. hands and who have arrived in Australia are Hal Hall, of Tomorroma; Norman Burbury of Wyangle; Johnny Pearce and Kinlock Byrne, of Bombowlee.   

Mr, and Mrs. M. R. Burbury motored to Sydney last week to meet their son Norman, who is expected to arrive in Tumut with his parents at noon today. 

Adjutant Fred. Harris, son of Colonel and Mrs. G. H. L. Harris, is expected to arrive in Sydney by 'plane today. 

Incidentally, his arrival will coincide with his wife's birthday. 

Parents and relatives of returning ex- p.o.w.'s are requested to notify Mr. A. C. Macadam, secretary of the local Repatriation Committee, as to when their soldiers are expected to arrive in Tumut, so that suitable welcomes can be arranged.