Finschhafen, TNG

Lutheran Wedding at Finschhafen, TNG

rbe best man at the wedding of one with whom he had shared the gruelling experience of being pris oner-of-war under a sadistic enemy was the priviledge of Dr. Theo. G. Braun, popular medical officer of the Lutheran Mission, Finschhafen. on June 11, when Miss Helen Sanders, B.Sc., University of Minnesota, and X-ray technician at the Lutheran Mission Hosnital, Finschhafen was married to the Rev. John Smith Hafermann, of Amele Lutheran Mission, near Madang. The ceremonv took place at the Lutheran Mission Hospital Chapel, Finschhafen.

The bridegroom comes from Urbana, Illinois, and is an old-Territorian having remained at his post when the Japanese invaded Madang. He was taken pris oner, and suffered great privations in ntemment. He and Dr. Braun were to gether in prison camps, and experienced me terrific bombing when the ship in vhich they were being transferred to mother camp was strafed. Of the 162 latholic and Lutheran missionaries aboard, 69 died of wounds on the voyage ome dying later on. Only Dr. & Mrs! h-aun escaped injury.

Several hundred Europeans and native mtheran devotees attended the ceremony ’hose present included American officers f the 609 QM Graves Registration Com any; Mrs. J. R. Keenan, wife of the ssistant District Officer; and Mr and trs. T. G. Cover.

The reception was held at the Euro san Medical Staff dining-room, Mrs raun receiving the guests. Mr. Hafer ann will continue his mission duties ; Amele, Madang, where his charming ■ide will take up medical work.