OWAKA
Welcome to Servicemen. — There was a large attendance of residents at the Owaka Hall on Saturday last to welcome home Private Fred Wratten and Squadron Leader Sarle Brough, D.F.C. Private Wratten, who was a prisoner of war in Italy, escaped from the prison camp and made his way to Switzerland, where he remained for a considerable period until he was recently repatriated. Squadron Leader Brough, who has been in the R.N.Z.A.F. for approximately four years, saw considerable service over Malta, Germany, and elsewhere. Speeches of welcome were made by Mr W. Mudie, president of the Owaka R.S.A., Mr H. A. Sell, on behalf of the residents of Pounawea, where Private Wratten resides; the Rev. Mr Latta on behalf of the local churches, and Dr H. N. Johnson for the residents of Owaka. As Private Wratten had been unable to receive parcels from the Red Cross during his sojourn in the prisoner of war camp and in Switzerland, Miss Winnerbeck, on behalf of the local Ladies’ Red Cross Committee, made a special presentation to him. Mr T. Maginness, president of the Patriotic Committee, added words of welcome to the guests of the evening, and presented each man with the usual monetary gift. Both Private Wratten and Squadron Leader Brough, who were accorded musical honours, replied. Supper was served and dancing was enjoyed until midnight. -Otago Daily Times, 5/4/1945.
Frederick Wratten was captured in North Africa, probably during the battle for Sidi Rezegh, at the end of 1941. he was initially imprisoned at Vercelli, Italy.
Frederick Wratten's escape from an Italian PoW camp and arrival in Switzerland was announced in 1943, so it is reasonable to assume that he, and 34 other New Zealand servicemen, made use of the opportunity offered by Italy's surrender to make themselves scarce in the brief period before German forces took over. Frederick was announced to be safe in Switzerland in October, 1943.
Personal
Mr and Mrs J. F. Wratten, of Pounawea, have been informed that their son, Private F. J. Wratten, who was interned in Switzerland, is now with the Allies in the Mediterranean theatre. -Evening Star, 12/10/1944.
UNUSUAL CHARGE.
Charged with unlawfully interfering with and attempting to enter a motor car, the property of Dr John Fulton, Albert Raymond Lawrie (22) pleaded guilty, and Frederick James Wratten (27) not guilty. Mr C. H. Stevens appeared for both accused.
Constable J. McI. Heard said that when on patrol in King Edward street just after midnight last night he saw two men in the vicinity of a parked car. One subsequently entered the car and the other went towards the rear. As witness approached, the man stepped out of the car, and when asked what they were doing, both had replied that they were “having a look at it.” Taken to the South Dunedin station, Laurie had first given a false name and, after correcting this, had refused to give his address. Wratten had given his name and address. They were then taken to the Central station and charged.
Wratten, in evidence said that he had been drinking and knew little of what was going on. He had a bottle of liquor with him and went to the back of the car to drink it. Mr Stevens contended that it would be stretching the point considerably to convict Wratten. There had been no arrangement or suggestion between the men regarding converting the car. The Magistrate said that it had been suggested that the object of the accused was to enter the car for the purpose of consuming liquor, but there might have been a more sinister purpose. Lawrie would be fined £5, in default seven days’ imprisonment, and the charge against Wratten was dismissed. -Evening Star, 27/1/1947.
Deaths
WRATTEN — On September 27. 1947, at Dunedin, 32927, Private Frederick James Wratten, late of 2nd N.Z.EF., loved eldest son of James and Caroline Wratten, of Pounawea; in his twenty-eighth year. Deeply mourned. — The Funeral will leave our Chapel, 326 George street. To-day (Monday), the 29th inst., at the conclusion of a service commencing at 1.45 p.m.. for the Anderson’s Bay Cemetery. — R. McLean and Son, funeral directors. -Otago Daily Times, 29/9/1947.
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