THE STAND AT TOBRUK

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 8, 21 October 1941, Page 6

THE STAND AT TOBRUK

MESSAGE TO BRITISH TROOPS.; PRAISE BY CHIEF OF STAFF. LONDON, October 19.

The Chief of the Imperial General Staff (General Sir John Dill), in a message broadcast in the British Broadcasting Corporation’s “Tribute to Tobruk” programme, said: “I welcome this opportunity of speaking to you officers and men of the Tobruk garrison. I have long wanted to congratulate you all, from your commander and his principal staff officer to the youngest soldier, who may have done his first patrol last night. You have done and are doing great work. We are proud of you. “We at home hear daily with pride of the exploits of your fighting patrols, your artillery and your tanks. We realise the trying conditions under which you live, work, play, and fight. We know something of what your sandstorms mean, and we know the constant vigilance your special task demands.

“We can hear your cheerful grouses as you labour to make your defences as perfect as they now are. Like you, we applaud the determination and gallantry of the seafaring men who keep you supplied. Though this is a war of movement, garrisons have none the less a vital part to play. To mention only one, Malta, sitting tight and defying attacks, has helped to keep the Mediterranean open for us. /,f ln the same way, you of the Tobruk garrison s have been a bulwark of the defence of Egypt. You have withstood enemy assault from the air, you have repulsed attacks on he ground and used every opportunity to “By your fortitude you have won the admiration of your countrymen. By your skill in defence and offensive you have set an example t,o the Army. Good luck to you all and God bless y oU ”._British Official Wireless.