Auckland Star, 7 October 1944 NIGHT LEAVE BAN HIGH COMMAND ORDER N.Z. FORCES CLUB IN ROME Following complaints that other ranks on leave were not allowed to stay at the New Zealand Forces Club in Rome overnight, and the recent statement by the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, that the restriction on overnight leave had been issued by the commander of the Allied forces in Italy after consultation with the civic and Vatican authorities, a report on the club has been received from Brigadier A. S. Falconer, overseas commissioner of the National Patriotic Fund Board in the Middle East. The club—a unit of the Second N.Z.E.F. and not a patriotic fund board undertaking—was under the personal direction of Lieutenant- General Sir Bernard Freyberg, V.C.. stated the brigadiers report. Though it was the intention of the general to have accommodation available for all ranks—the Albergo Quirinale housing the present club had been chosen for the purpose—the High Command issued an instruction that no military personnel, other than commissioned officers, members of the womens services or troops on duty were to be permitted to stay in Rome overnight. General Freyberg was not successful in his efforts to the order cancelled. The Dominion troops, who were at the front some four hours away from Rome, were given leave from early in the morning till very late at night, and were thus able to spend a full day in the city. Tours were organised and meals and amenities were available at the club.
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 12:18:52 +0000
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