Mystery flag travelled with troops

WAR MEMORABILIA: Dinga Bell found the Union Jack signed by World War I soldiers at the local RSA. PHOTO/ STUART MUNRO 240415WCSMFLAG1

A flag signed by World War I soldiers returning to Wanganui in 1916 needs a caring new home.

Wanganui RSA patron and Malaya veteran Dinga Bell found the flag at the RSA some years ago and took it home to save it from being thrown out. He pulled it out again ahead of Anzac Day and is now looking for a new home for it.

"A few years ago they were clearing out everything. I picked up this flag and tried to get some information on it," Mr Bell said. The flag came off a troop ship bringing Wanganui soldiers home from the war. It's a Union Jack with WRSA 1916 [Wanganui Returned Services Association] embroidered in the centre of the flag. "It's had a lot of names written on it, probably in fountain pen," Mr Bell said. The pen markings have since been embroidered over.

"I don't know who did it."

The flag is now torn and some of the stitching is coming apart. Many of the names are familiar to Mr Bell but there is little other information. He was not sure which ship it came from.

"All I know is that it was bringing troops that were wounded home to New Zealand."

Mr Bell said there may be people who have more information about its origin or the people represented on the flag.