The Cruel Toll Of War

Only a year ago (in July, 1942) we published these two pictures side by side —the two aviator sons of Mrs. J. E.

Bentley, a resident of Auckland, and formerly of Fiji. Both were then completing their training in England. Now, both lads are “missing.”

Pilot-Officer Robert Waldron Bentley, on the left, was 23. He was a navigator on a Stirling in the 75th British (NZ)

Squadron, and he was reported missing in air operations on May 5. He was prominent as an athlete, especially as a cricketer.

Pilot-Officer Murray Waldron Bentley, also an athlete, was born in Levuka, 21 years ago. He became a Hurricane pilot in England in 1942; and in January, 1943, he was reported missing after air opera tions in the Middle East.

Mr. H. T. Allan, of Wau, TNG, who returned from the Middle East recently, after distinguished service, has been promoted and transferred to the New Guinea Force. Other former residents of New Guinea who also are doing useful work somewhere on that front are Messrs. Ted McMullen, W. Mossman, James Joyes, E. P. Hitchcock and Bill Watson. Some have been awarded high rank and decorations.