GREAT FIGHTERS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 165, 15 July 1941, Page 6

GREAT FIGHTERS

INDIAN SOLDIERS

HEROISM IN ERITREA

CALCUTTA. June 15.

It has been a matter for pride in India that her army played a notable part in producing the Italian debacle in Eritrea. That after its fine performance at Sidi Barrani. on the Libyan border, in December, it was selected to transfer to the peculiarly difficult Eritrean campaign then developing, was an honour due to its North-West Frontier experience.

Xo other troops in the Empire were belter qualified to outfight a trained and numerous foe in a hard tropica! mountainous terrain such as that in which stands Keren. Between the Indian and other Imperial forces engaged in these arduous operations collaboration is known to have been admirably intimate.

The King was quick to congratulato India's soldiers. In a cable to the Viceroy, he said that the victory in the face of heavy odds had added fresh laurels to India's military renown; words that were appreciated throughout India. The Punjab and Bengal Legislative Assemblies sent their congrat illations to all ranks of the Imperial Forces. The Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab associated himself with the general joy at the success of India's soldiers.

Some of the fiercest fighting in the Middle East took place at Keren, where British and Indian units endured and triumphed side by side. The Commander-in-chief in" India has received from the Chief of the Imperial General Staff and from General Sir Archibald Wavell messages of warm appreciation of the part played by Indian troops. Here is one of many incidents:

To facilitate the attack, certain of our forward elements were temporarily withdrawn so that enemy forward positions could be shelled! The message of recall was not received by two Indian soldiers, who were manning a machine-pun post. These twu remained in their position fur is hours, and during that timo. quite unaided, repulsed a fierce enemy counter-attack. After two days they were found by a patrol of their own comrade-;. Asked whv thev had not retired, they replied simply: "We did not have orders to retire, so we stayed."

If you look around this place" they added, "you will find our ammunition has not been wasted." When found, they had completely exhausted their food and water' and had only one belt of ammunition left.