FIRST BLOW

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 163, 12 July 1943, Page 3

FIRST BLOW

ENEMY IN OWN LAND Admiral Cunningham's Message To Naval Forces Rec. 12.30 p.m. RUGBY, July 11. "We are about to embark on the most momentous enterprise of the war—striking for the first time at the enemy in his own land." Thus Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham began the historic message which he sent on Friday to all ships taking part in the Sicilian operation. "Success means the opening of a second front with all that it implies, and the first move towards the rapid and decisive defeat of our enemies.

Our object is clear, and our primary duty is to place this vast expedition ashore in the minimum time and subsequently to maintain our military and air forces as they drive relentlessly forward into enemy territory. "In the light of this duty great risks must and are to be accepted/ The safety of our own ships and all distracting considerations are to be relegated to second place or disregarded as the accomplishment of our primary duty may require. "On every commanding officer, every officer and rating lies the personal duty of ensuring that no flinching in determination or failure of effort on their own part will hamper this great enterprise. "I rest confident in the resolution, skill and endurance of you all to whom this momentous enterprise is entrusted." Over 2000 Vessels Involved More than 2000 vessels were involved in the Sicilian landing operations, an agency correspondent with the Allied Force Command reveals. He further quotes the tribute paid by General Eisenhower to the work of the Allied navies in the landings, General Eisenhower said: "In the Sicilian operation the United States Navy and the Royal Navy again proved that even while engaged in operations covering the Seven Seas they can plan and successfully execute vast 'and intricate movements in support of land operations and can do this despite obstacles of distance, weather and enemy opposition. Their comrades of the air and ground forces unite in an enthusiastic and grateful 'well done.'" Speaking of the vast naval armada the correspondent continues: "It was a stupendous task to take these great convoys through one of the narrowest channels to their destination so that each ship should arrive at its scheduled landing beach at the right minute. The weather made the tasks even more gruelling for the personnel of the landing craft. "It was an outstanding performance to get such a force ashore without any real mishap. "An American naval force covered the landing of the American troops and on the beaches where the latter landed there was a very heavy swell, but their assault troops were all put ashore to time. It is now confirmed that no contact was made with enemy surface vessels. The only thing seen by our- ships was a small group of Italian U-boats, which promptly made off at hjgh speed when they saw the Allied navies."