"With the death in Wellington recently of Private Terence Robson, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Robson, Waitara, one of the most thrilling war careers of any New Zealand soldier has been concluded. Captured four times, Private Robson escaped three times from captivity - the third time crossing the border to Switzerland, from where he travelled to Marseilles, which was then under Allied domination. His death was largely due to privations suffered in this war—altogether, he was wounded in 27 places. Private Robson left with the Third Echelon in August. 1940, and served in the Greek campaign, where he fell into German hands. When Italy capitulated, he was in Camp 107, from where he escaped, to make his way across the mountains in Yugoslavia. While at large in Italy he acted for some time as interpreter for the Italian rebel forces. In Yugoslavia, as a member of the guerilla forces, he continued to fight, until, finding themselves without food or ammunition, he and some other British soldiers decided to return to the Allied lines. The party were once again captured by German troops. From the train which was conveying them to Germany, Private Robson again escaped and reached Switzerland, from where he was taken to Marseilles and placed aboard a ship for Australia. Five days out of Melbourne, after a journey of nearly three months, he collapsed as a result of the privations and the hardships he had endured. He was admitted to the Haidelberg Hospital. Melbourne, where he was visited by his mother, who was permitted to accompany him to New Zealand. Born at Stratford, 32 years ago, Private Robson was educated at the Ngaere primary school and the Stratford District High School. Upon leaving school, he took up farming, and was employed on many stations throughout the Dominion, on one occasion obtaining a position at Waiotira. where he remained for a period. Full military honours were accorded at his funeral which took place at Taranaki recently. Private Robson’s brother is Mr. C. Robson, of Whangarei."
NORTHERN ADVOCATE, 9 MARCH 1945, PAGE 6
