Anniversary Of El Alamein

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 15118, 29 October 1949, Page 3

Anniversary Of El Alamein

Messages Received By Governor-General Associations With N.Z. Forces (P.A.) Wellington, Oct. 28. In accordance with the practice of former years, His Excellency the Governor-General, Sir Bernard Freyberg, V.C., sent messages of greetings and goodwill to troops who fought alongside the New Zealand division at the Battle of El Alamein. The following are some of the replies which His Excellency has received: —

From Field Marshal Viscount Montgomery: “On Friday next we will be celebrating in London the seventh anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein. On behalf of all those who will be present that night I send our warm regards to you and all New Zealand fighting men and nursing sisters who fought with us in that great battle. We wish you all good luck in the future.” From the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, General Sir William Slim: “On behalf of all ranks, men and women, of the British Army, I send you and all ranks of the New Zealand forces of the Middle East and the people of New Zealand our thanks for your very kind greetings and good wishes, which are warmly reciprocated.” From His Excellency Field Marshal Viscount Alexander: “Many thanks for your message. On the eve of the anniversary of the great victory, I send my affectionate good wishes to all my old comrades of your great command. Best of luck.” From the Governor-General of South Africa; “Thank you for your message of greetings to veterans of El Alamein. On behalf of those South Africans who fought at El Alamein, I desire to reciprocate the greetings and the message of affection of their friends in the New Zealand forces.”

From General Sir Leslie Morshead: “Very grateful for Your Excellency’s kind message and warmly reciprocate your good wishes.” From the Governor-General of Australia: “All ranks of the Australian armed forces warmly reciprocate the affectionate greetings and good wishes of their New Zealand comrades on the anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein. The happy relations long existing between the New Zealand and Australian forces are strengthened and renewed by your message of goodwill.” From the Governor-General of India: “Your greetings are much appreciated. All ranks in the Indian Armv who fought alongside the New Zealand forces at El Alamein remember them on the anniversary and view with pride India’s association with the New Zealand forces in that turning point of the war.”