An Old Soldier Fades Away

After 24 years' service with the New Zealand Army, Warrant Officer "Red" Mathie retired last month, "Red" fought overseas during the Second World War and was taken prisoner of war. He has been Regimental Sergeant Major to the now defunct Nelson-Marlborough–West Coast Regiment for the last five years. On his retirement, regimental comrades and staff at Area 9 gathered to wish him and his wife, Betty, all the best. And that's where we got this pic.

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"Red" and Betty receive a presentation from Major J.W.Beaumont

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The crazy hat contest drew this entry from Lyn Fawcett

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Three other mad hatterss "Tiger" Upton, Jack Cameron and Keith Wells.

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Denny Morriss had this chic chapeau

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Neil Goodman, president of the regiment's sergeants' mess, presents "Red" with the usual retirement tankard