25th February 1943 was the date in history of the POW Japanese Riot at Featherston Camp. sadly many died, and also one of NZ Soldiers died, Private Walter Pelvin, he is buried in his home town, Geraldine, but there is also a memorial at the Layby, Messines Way. Featherston for him, near the Japanese Memorial Garden. I have read that there is to be a Wreath Laying Service on the Anniversary, and if by chance, Winsome reads this, I intend being there, especially to visit the Memorial for Private Walter Pelvin. When ever I am down that way I always stop at the layby to see his Memorial, so he is not forgotten.. Its 74 years this February since the incident. Adele Featherston WW1 Soldiers researcher plus! -- Adele Pentony-Graham Carterton Cemetery Clareville Researcher Carterton Researcher. and Featherston. WW1. Cemetery.
There was very little in the press at the time on the riot. Only a couple of lines. They media sure kept it quiet. I laid a poppy for him. Two and counting! Maybe this memorial will be covered with poppies this month. http://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/search/?n=496685 Press 5 March 1943 Page 6 SOLDIER DIES FROM WOUNDS INJURY IN PRISONER-OF-WAR CAMP. March 4. Private W. A. Pelvin died recently from wounds received at a prisoner-of-war camp. He was 34 years of age and his next of kin is his wife, Mrs I. J. Pelvin of Geraldine. Private Walter PELVIN No. 496685 HD N.Z.T.S. Died 28.2.1943 as a result of injuries during the disturbance at the POW Camp, Featherston on 25 February 1943. http://winsomegriffin.com/Pelvin/WalterAllanPelvin.html > 496685 Private Walter Allan Pelvin died at Greytown Hospital on 28th Feb. > 1943, aged 34. Accidental death. Died from wounds from a richochet. Wattie > was born at Waimate. Son of Arthur Ernest Pelvin, and of Rose Anne Pelvin > (nee Humphries), of Totara Valley, near Geraldine. Buried at Geraldine on > Tuesday March 2nd at 2 p.m. The funeral left the residence of J.A. > Willoughby, Talbot St., Geraldine. > He married Ivy Josephine Willoughby in 1938. Their daughter, Patricia > Anne "Patsy" Pelvin was born on 29th March 1939. Nearly 4 when her father > died. >