CRUCIAL BATTLE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 85, 11 April 1945, Page 6

CRUCIAL BATTLE

THE WAR IN ITALY MESSAGE TO N.Z. TROOPS P.A. WELLINGTON, this day. As reported in to-day's cable news, the New Zealand Division is in action again on the Italian front and a message to all men under his command has been sent to Lieuten-ant-General Sir Bernard Freyberg, said the acting-Prime Minister, Mr. Nash, in a statement to-day. This message, which was published in Orders before the Division went into action, was as follows: — "The news of the day is good—the coming news is better—the day for destroying the enemy is at hand. Every day is bringing new triumphs for the United Nations and everywhere the prospect of their complete victorj' grows clearer—nearer, and more substantial. Although operations may yet be hard and difficult, and may still last some time in Germany and Japan, the armies of the British Commonwealth, the United States, and Russia and other United Nations are gradually overwhelming the forces of the enemy. The New Zealand Division is now entering a battle which probably will be the most crucial of the arduous campaign in Italy. "The people and Government of New Zealand will tensely watch your operations with the greatest confidence. Time and again the New Zealand Division has proved that its mettle is at the highest level of quality as a fighting force. You will do it again. Be yourselves once more and there can be no doubt of a victorious result. Godspeed to you all."