The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-03-28
WAR-SCARRtO SOLDIERS
RETURN TO THEIR SHIP
Many MANNED New Zealand
Fighters.

Newport News. Va. March al
Sightless giants tottering through the
unending darkness like infants Grip
pied and prematurely aged men. hus-
handless women and fatherless chill
dren arriving here yesterday on the
British steamer Reumerua. from Lon
don to Auckland, New Zealand. bear
mute attest TO the horrors of war.
Tales Of horror and suffering which
words will not describe are told by
some Of the men. Despite this. all
bear their fate with a grim resigna-
tion and state they would he willing
to do the same thing again If neces-
sary. They are going back to their
homes in New Zealand. Many Will
he a burden to themselves and their
families. but all are brave men--they
gave their all for their country
One young giant. handsome as an
Apollo. was being led about by an
older man when seen on the streets
yesterday. At a distance his face
looked haggard and drawn, as II
cropping for something he could not
see. A closer examination showed
both eyes gone. The expression Of
resigned helplessness was pitiable
Yet he bore himself erect and even
managed TO smile when addressed by
his companion Gas, German gas"
whispered the elderly man In reply
TO a question.
Fell 1000 Feet: TAve~.
Another, a Young officer In the Roy
al Flying corps told of crashing to
the earth in fall Of II 600 feet.
His escape was miraculous; he prob
ably will limp the remainder OF his
life. None of his companions. not
even nc himself can account for his
escape from death. He visited the
Atlantic Coast Aeronautical station.
The purr OF the engines sets mo
tingling." he said, II am going back
as soon as I am able" This officer.
who with a captain of cavalry, was
being piloted about by Lieutenant II
NJ (Buck) Gallop. United States Re-
serve Signal corps. talked interesting
ly Of life at the front.
Three nurses. who went To the front
early in the war with the Australian
contingent. owned the city the mo-
mcnt they landed Dressed in sober
grey uniform with capes lined with
red. these quiet faced sisters OF mercy
have seen more suffering than any
ten men on the ship. The, can tell
tales OF long lines OF moaning men.
lying helpless on white cots in pase
hospital or all night vigils nv the side
Of wounded and dying youth away
from his home probably for the first
time. Or wild night rides on the field
ambulance In an attempt to comfort
the dying in their last moments
Some Are Honor Men
notwithstanding this however.
they are bright and cheerful I'VE
have to be-" one of them explained
with wistful little smile Horrors
and suffering bring their reward In q
measure. though In the party are
men wearing the Victoria Cross, the
military medal and the little gold YER
ficle stripes on the left sleeve the last
afgnifying by their number the num-
Der OF engagements in which the wear
ar was wounded All the soldiers on
the Reumerua will be held in service
twelve months after reaching New
Zealand. What disposition the Brit
ish government then will make of
them remains to be seen. One Of the
officers, the captain OF cavalry men
toned above. was wounded and has
recovered sufficiently to be ready for
active service again