KING’S TRIBUTE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 267, 22 August 1945, Page 4

KING’S TRIBUTE

EXPLOITS OF ARMED FORCES. ALL SHARE JOY OF VICTORY (N.Z. Press Association —Copyright.) (Rec. 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 21. King George went to Westminster to-day to receive Parliament’s . congratulations on Japan’s surren- ' der and on the overthrow of all the King’s enemies. The ceremony took place in the Royal Gallery. Crowds from Buckingham Palace down to the Birdcage Walk to Westminster gave the King a great reception. He drove with the Queen and the Princesses in a closed car. The ceremony was carried out with all the traditional pomp. The King, replying to the addresses, said that the war against Japan had been fought far from the British Isles. He was proud that the British people had contributed fully to victory, and they should pay tribute to the armed forces to whose courage, endurance and sacrifice their debt was immeasurable. The British Fleet, including Canadian, Australian and New Zealand naval units had fought its way in comradeship with the American Navy to the heart of the Japanese Empire. The British East Indies Fleet had driven the enemy from the Indian Ocean, and had powerfully supported the armies in Burma. British Commonwealth and Empire ju'mies had steadfastly endured the dangers and hardships of tropical warfare, serving together in a spirit of brotherhood which would prevail through the years to come. The King said he thought it proper particularly to pay tribute to the forces from British India and East and Wesi Africa who, under conditions of almost unbearable severity, had liberated Burma in a brilliant campaign in which the medical and nursing services had added a glorious page to their splendid record throughout the war. Historic Victories. The King said that the R.A.F., with the Dominion, Indian and Allied air forces, had won historic victories. “Just as our hearts ,go out to those few whose spirit and achievement first sustained us in the Battle of Britain, sp also we pay tribute to those who, with power grown to match their bravery, have taken their place in the last or'eat offensive of the Allies. The perils of the wartime oceans did not deter the Merchant Navy and the fishing fleets from carrying out their tasks, without 'which the military effort would have failed for lack of supplies, and the people at home would have starved. , The King especially paid tribute to British women in industry, in the services and in their homes. “I am especially'glad to acknowledge the unfailing support in men, materials and food given during the war by all parts of my Commonwealth and Empire; They have suffered and struggled with us, and with us they share the joy of victory. We salute the gi'eat company of nations, large and small, who contributed to the limit of their power to the restoration of peace on earth.” When the King concluded there was a rumble of applause, spontaneous in nature and exceptional at 1 lie conclusion of a Royal address. Then Mr Attlee rose and called for three cheers for their Majesties and their Royal Highnesses.