FINE TRIBUTE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 187, 9 August 1941, Page 5

FINE TRIBUTE

TO N.Z. DIVISION GEN. WAVELL'S MESSAGE XPxom the Official War Correspondent with the N.Z.E.F.) CAIRO, July 20. "As fine a fighting formation as ever went into battle for the British Empire and the cause of freedom" Was the fine tribute paid to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force by General Wavell in reply to a farewell letter from Major-General B. C. FreyV.C., prior to General Wavell'si Departure for India. w ln his letter to General Wavell, Major-General Freyberg said he was anxious to send a personal message on behalf of all ranks of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. "We served together here in the Middle East for 18 months," wrote general Freyberg. "You have seen us grow in numbers and in efficiency «fd have helped us to the full extent J" your power. From the senior commanders down through the divilatest reinforcements we w re a genuine sense of personal An at y° ur departure." All felt proud to have served under General Wavell's command, we letter continued. All realised, , 'Jv 0, General Wavell's interest in we New Zealand troops had been a close and personal one. "ith all our hearts we wish you a safe voyage and success in your new and great undertaking," the letter Concludeel. .Before his signature General Freyoerg wrote the Maori words: "Kia Ora Katoa." 'I very deeply appreciate the mesffKe from the New Zealand Expedi i y n3r y Force," General W?""!! EJ'ote- "I have seen the New Zea .•-Pa Division grow under you fron • magnificent body of men into as s®e a fighting formation as evei n t»u lnto battle for the British Em •«£ an d the cause of freedom. * * am sorry that its first engage '' 's*Ms should have been under sue! AfTv t conditions, but the stern tes 01 those conditions showed the grea

qualities of leaders of men even more than success could have done. I isend you and the New Zealand Ex-j peditionary Force my grateful thanks and my confident wishes for your success in the future. I shall always be proud to have had you under my command."