Sudden Death Of Captain

G. V. Langdale

A MAN who was popular and highly respected in the Central Pacific, Captain Geoffrey V. Langdale (usually called “Bunna” Langdale) was drowned in the lagoon at Canton Island international air-station, on the night of May 30.

It is not known how he got into the water. He was master of the Western Pacific High Commission shin, “Maureen,” which was lying off Canton Island, and it is presumed he fell accidentally from the vessel, and injured himself. Although crippled—he lost both his legs, some years ago, as the result of coral poisoning— he was a good swimmer.

He was a member of an old Fiji family and was in his middle forties. His parents were the late Captain Fred L. Langdale, of Wakaya, and Mrs. Langdale (formerly Miss L. Morris). He was for some years a member of the staff of the Government yacht, “Pioneer.”

After leave in Australia, Mr. V. Pearson, manager of Rabaul branch of Colyer Wat son (NG) Ltd., returned at the end of May with his wife and family.

A successful cocktail party was held on May 31, in the Sisters’ Mess at the Euro pean Hospital, Namanula, Rabaul. NG, to introduce Matron Stock to Rabaul resi dents. Matron Stock arrived in Rabaul recently to take over control of the hospi tal during Matron Hanlon’s leave in Aus tralia. Matron Hanlon departed in the May “Bulolo.” 'Sister Betty Henry, also from Namanula went on leave in the same vessel. Sister Henry was the first woman to set foot in Rabaul after the Australian re-occupation. She helped establish the Army hospital and with the rest of the staff spent a busy time in assisting re leased prisoners-of-war back <o health.