4921 Private Andrew James Paterson 1917-28/6/1942. "presumed killed"

Andrew Paterson went missing during a hectic time when New Zealand forces, surrounded by German troops and facing disaster, broke out from their positions at Minqar Qaim.  After making a surprise attack on the enemy, the 19th Battalion loaded their wounded into trucks and then packed themselves aboard or hung on to the outside of any vehicle that could move.

The dark of night and the dust of the desert provided cover for the retreating kiwis and when dawn broke on June 29 they were crossing the empty desert on their way to Allied lines.  As night fell on the 29th the New Zealanders set up their defences and took stock.  One of the many men unaccounted for was Andrew Paterson.

His family must have waited hopefully for the telegram informing them that he was a prisoner of war.  That telegram never arrived.

For the Empire's Cause.

PATERSON. — Presumed killed in action in the Battle of Minquar Quaim. June 28, 1942, after missing for three years nine months, 4921 Private Andrew John Paterson, of Nineteenth Wellington Rifle Battalion, dearly-beloved son of Mr and Mrs A. J. Paterson, and loved brother of Ernest, Edward, Jean, and Ellen, 186 Main south road (late of West Avenue); in his twenty-fifth year. "He gave his best, his all."

PATERSON. — Presumed killed in action in the Western Desert, June 28, 1942, 4921 Private Andrew John Paterson, loved grandson of Mrs and the late Mr Andrew Paterson, 69 Harbour Terrace; in his twenty-fifth year.  -Evening Star, 21/3/1946.