I have already published a story about Andrew Paterson, but I hope this one gives a better idea of the conditions in which he disappeared and was probably killed in action.
Minqar Qaim is nothing but a position in the desert of North Africa. In it, in late June 1942, New Zealand forces were trapped by a fast-moving and aggressive German force commanded by Erwin Rommel. The kiwis faced a choice - escape or capture. They chose escape but had the difficult task of leaving their wounded as well provided for as possible and hoping the Germans would be kind.
The breakout on the night of the 28th used every vehicle that would move. Orders were not to stop for any reason. At some time on that night, Andrew Paterson went missing without trace. A letter written to his family describing the night can be found here.
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, 21/3/1945.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
PATERSON — Mr and Mrs A. J. Paterson, Ernest, Edward, Jean, and Ellen desire to thank relatives and many kind friends and neighbours for telegrams, letters, cards, and floral tributes received by them for the sad loss of their loved one, Private Andrew John Paterson. Kindly accept this as a personal acknowledgment. -Evening Star, 30/3/1945.
IN MEMORIAM
PATERSON. — In loving memory of our dearly-loved son, Pte. Andrew John Paterson (4921), killed in Battle Minquar Quaim, June 28. 1942. “ Cherished are the memories.”
We lost a son with a heart of gold, Who was more to us than wealth untold;
Unseen by this world, he stands by our side, And whispers: “Don’t worry, death cannot divide.’’
Bravely he lived, and bravely he died, Let this brief epitaph suffice.
He would not wish for words of praise, Who gladly paid so high a price.
He deemed his life a little thing To offer for so great an end.
And we are proud that we can say, He was our son, and everyone’s friend.
So sadly missed and longed for always by his sorrowing mother and father.
“Lest we forget.”
In loving memory of all who gave their lives that we might live.
PATERSON. — In loving memory of our dear brother, Pte. Andrew John, who was killed on June 28, Battle Minquar Quaim.
Although your friends have forgotten you, Andrew, dear,
We at home will never.
Your beautiful memory is with us ever.
Oh, how we loved and missed you so,
A wonderful brother, so kind, and true;
We never gave up hoping through the years that were long,
How we pictured your safe return.
The shock was great, the pain severe,
To part with one we loved so dear.
When we see the boys returning,
Our hearts do throb with pain;
For there always comes that longing
For you to be home again.
— Sadly missed by his loving sister, Ellen, brother-in-law, Bill.
PATERSON. — In loving memory of our dear brother, Andrew, who was killed in the Battle of Minquar Quaim, June 28, 1942.
He sleeps beside his comrades, In a grave to us unknown;
But his name is written in letters of love
In the hearts of us at home.
— Inserted by his loving brother, Ernie, sister-in-law, Ethel.
PATERSON. — In fond and loving memory of our dear brother, Andrew John, killed in action, Battle Minquar Quaim, June 28, 1942.
Memories grow sweeter as years travel on
Longing for a face and a smile that have gone.
We think of his sayings, and remember his smile,
And think he is not lost, just gone for a while.
— Inserted by his ever-loving (twin) sister, Jean, and brother-in-law, Archie, and wee Ellen.
PATERSON. — In fond and cherished memory of Pte. Andrew John Paterson, 4921, presumed killed in action, Minquar Quaim, June 28, 1942. — Inserted by his loving brother and sister-in-law, Ted and Ann. .
PATERSON. — In affectionate remembrance of Pte. Andrew John Paterson, presumed killed in action, June 28, 1942.
Fond memories linger every day, Remembrance keeps you near.
— Inserted by his loving grandma and Aunt Mary.
PATERSON. — In affectionate remembrance of 4921 Pte. Andrew John Paterson, presumed killed in action at Minquai Quaim, on June 28, 1942.
Time passes on, but memory stays;
Loved and remembered by us always.
— Inserted by his Uncle Bill and aunts.
PATERSON .“In loving memory of our dear nephew and cousin, Andrew, who paid the supreme sacrifice in Egypt on June 28, 1942.
He shall not grow old, as we who are left.
Age shall not weary him, nor the years condemn.
Inserted by the Pryde family, Shortland street. -Evening Star, 28/6/1946.
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