NEW G.O.C.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 180, 1 August 1941, Page 8

NEW G.O.C.

ISRS£t» —. , BRIGADIER PUTTICK

SPLENDID RECORD

SERVICE IN TWO WARS

fßy Telcßrnph. —Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON*, this day. The appointment of Brigadier Edward Puttick, D.5.0., as Chief of the General Staff in succession to Major-General Sir John Duipan, is announced by the Minister of Defence, the Hon. I". Jones.

"In appointing Brigadier Puttiek Chief of the General Staff.' said Mr. Jones, "the Government has selected the most outstanding officer of the New Zealand regular forces, with an excellent record in two wars. He has filled a number of administrative army posts here in Xew Zealand, and his training includes an Imperial Defence College course in London.

"Since leaving the Dominion as Officer in Command of the First Echelon in January. 19-10, Brigadier Puttick has played a notable part in the building up of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force to its present high standard of finality and performance. He has been' spoken of in terms of the highest commendation by the Commander of the Xew Zealand Forces Overseas, MajorGeneral B. C. Freyberg, V.C.

"As Commander of the 4th Brigade, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, he fought with distinction in the engagements on Mt. Olympus, while the final rearguard action of the 4th Brigade group near Marathon has been described as an achievement worthy of the highest traditions of the British Army. "When General Freyberg was placed in command of all the Allied forces in Crete Brigadier Puttick assumed temporary command of the New Zealand Forces serving there. His experience in Greece and Crete will," concluded Mr. Jones, "be of the utmost value in bringing the military training in New Zealand into line with overseas /leeds and latest practice, and the appointment of a New Zealand officer serving with our own Expeditionary Force will, I am sure, be well received, not only in military circles, but also by all the people of the Dominion. "Brigadier Puttick will be leaving for New Zealand almost immediately."