The saddest of News Today

[Tony Morcom]

Everything that could be said has already been said. I have only just become aware of this incredibly sad news. RIP my friend.

[Doc Vernon]

Well Lads it looks as though we may not get to see the Funeral,i have just received this from Barbara of the Funeral Directors!
Unless I get one from one of the Girls !?
Am still awaiting a reply from Brenda!
That is such a pity!
Thank You

To
Doc Vernon

Dear Vernon



We do not keep copies of the live feeds of funerals.



Kind regards



Barbara McClenaghan

Office Director


Hope and Sons Limited

523 Andersons Bay Road, DX Box YX15033,

Dunedin, New Zealand


W: +64 3 455 5074 | F: +64 3 455 2357

E: barbara@hopeandsons.co.nz | Hope and Sons — Funeral Directors, Dunedin, New Zealand

[Captain Kong]

Sorry to hear that Vernon, thanks for trying. at least I have seen it and was very impressed.
Thanks again
Brian.

[Jacyn Wade]

Having been off the site far too long, I have only just returned and read the incredibly sad news of Lou's passing. Whilst difficult to add to what has already been said, I too shall miss Lou's presence here. I can only say that I have the deepest admiration and respect for his willingness to tell us of his experiences. My condolences to his family and shipmates. Thank you, Lou. I shall never forget.

Jacyn

[Captain Kong]

Here is his Memorial Card again Jacyn.
A great Man and a Great Loss.
Brian

[Gulliver]

I too have just caught up with the sad news of Lou's passing.How appropriate that it is today too in which we are commemorating Victory over Japan Day 70 Years Ago.
It is so humbling and distressing to see how so many FEPOW's suffered in S.E. Asia and survived to tell us all about it.
I never met Lou but was full of admiration for the way he was able to talk about most things of his ordeal,and I suppose quite naturally there were unsaid things which all of our war veterans could never say,but have kept them locked in their hearts.
I only ever met personally two survivors of Changi Prison in Singapore.They were a Dutch 2nd Mate and his lovely wife who became naturalized British citizens after the war,in honour of the stoicism and bravery of the way their fellow British inmates conducted themselves,both men and women and helped them get through their ordeals in the camps.

I was always amazed by how much Lou put into his life since then and how his family and descendants must love and be so very proud of him.
A special man indeed.
We salute you,our great shipmate.

Davey (Gulliver)

[Captain Kong]

Welcome home Davey.
Yes Lou was a lovely man, I met him at home in Dunedin with his family and had three days with him in Liverpool two years ago,.
It is sad that he missed the 70th Anniversary of VJ Day.
Cheers
Brian.

[Keith Tindell]

I would echo Brians sentiments. i also thought of Lou today, he would have been very proud. Lovely to see you back on site Davey, regards KT

[Captain Kong]

I have three friends who were very young children who were PoWs of the Japs, in fact the youngest was born in the prison Camp. Their father was working in Shanghai for an engineering company and had taken his family with him. when the Japs invaded and they were interned. Mother was pregnant and gave birth a few weeks later.
When I heard of the £10,000 compensation PoWs were getting from Japan, I applied for them and they each got the money. Lou also got the money but there was no way that could compensate him for the cruelty and starvation they had to endure.
Cheers
Brian.

[Jim Brady]

As said Davey welcome back aboard I hope your post is the first of many more to come.
Regards.
Jim.B.