FIRM CONFIDENCE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 153, 10 April 1941, Page 6

FIRM CONFIDENCE

THE NEW ZEALAND TROOPS. —« * . GENERAL FREYBERG’S^WIESSAGE.

EXAMPLE OF THEIR FATHERS. “I have never seen troops that impressed me more. . . . The honour of the New Zealand Division is in your keeping. Tt could not be in better bands.” These were words addressed to the New Zealand troops by MajorGeneral B. C. Freyberg, V.C., in a special order, dated March 11, on their sailing for Greece. The full text of the order, a copy of which has been received in New Zealand, 1 9 is as follows:

“Before leaving Egypt for the battlefront, I had planned to say a .last word to you. I find that- events have moved quickly and I am prevented from doing so. I therefore send this message to you in a sealed envelope to be opened on the transport after you have started on your .journey. In the course of the next few days,we may be fighting in defence of Greece, the birthplace of culture and of learning. We shall be meeting our real enemy—the l Germans—who have set out with the avowed object of smashing tho British Empire. It is clear, therefore, that wherever we fight them, wo shall be figliing not only for Greece, but also in defence of our own homes. “A word to you about your enemy. The German soldier is a brave fighter, So do not underestimate the difficulties that face ns. On the other hand, remember that this time ho is fighting with difficult communications, in country where he cannot use his strong armoured forces to their full advantage. Further, you should remember that your fathers of the Ist N.Z.E.F. defeated the Germans during the last war whenever they met them. I am certain that in this campaign in Greece the Germans will be meeting men who are fitter, stronger, and better trained than they are. I have never seen troops that impressed mo more. You can shoot, and you can march long distances without fatigue. By your resolute shooting and sniping, and by fierce patrolling by night you caji tame any enemy you may encouter. “A further word to you, many of whom, I realise, will bo facing the ordeal of battle for tho first time. Do not be caught unprepared. In war, conditions will always bo difficult, especially in the encounter battle; time .will be against you, there, will always be noise and confusion, orders may arrive late, nerves will be strained, you will be attacked from the air. All these factors and others must be expected on tho field of battle. But you have been trained physically to endure long marches and fatigue and you must steel yourselves to overcome the ordeal of the modern battlefield.

“One last word. You will be fighting in a foreign land, and the eyOs of many nations will be upon you. The honour of the New Zealand Division is in your keeping. It could not bo in better hands.”