THE SECOND ECHELON

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23052, 21 June 1940, Page 8

THE SECOND ECHELON

Arrival in Great Britain

PRIME MINISTER’S ANNOUNCEMENT The safe arrival in Great Britain of the 2nd Echelon of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force was announced in a broadcast shortly after midnight by the Prime Minister (the Hon. P. Fraser). “After so many anxious weeks of waiting we learn with relief and glad hearts that the 2nd Echelon has arrived safe in port,” said Mr Fraser. “It is with pride and thanksgiving' in these tragic days that the people will learn that it is at a port in the Homeland Great Britain, that the contingent of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force, which left in May, and the 2nd Australian Imperial Force, have disembarked. “The troops are reported to be all well and in high spirits, and we know that they will be pleased to be on the soil of the Motherland in her great need. “During the voyage the convoy called at Cape Town, Freetown, and Sierra Leone, and once more the British Navy in command of the seas inspires us with the assurance that there can be only one outcome of this titanic struggle. To the men of the Fleet the heartfelt thanks of our people will be added to the myriad thanks they have already received for their splendid co-operation in protecting the ships of the convoy and the lives so precious to us. “I feel I must express my joy at receiving the news of the safe arrival of our splendid men, who will represent us in this epic struggle. I offer on behalf of the nation my heartiest congratulations to their relatives and friends on their safe arrival at the beginning of the fight for the Motherland, commonwealth and freedom.” An account of the departure of the 2nd Echelon from New Zealand is printed on pages 10 and 11.