LOSES AMONG N.Z, TROOPS

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23319, 3 May 1941, Page 10

LOSES AMONG N.Z, TROOPS

General Freyberg Gives Estimate LAST OF DIVISION EVACUATED FROM GREECE fp A ) WELLINGTON, May 2. The Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) received the following cablegram from Major-General B. C. Freyberg, Officer Commanding the New Zealand Division this morning: “After a month’s most difficult fighting we have just arrived at Crete, having evacuated the last of the New Zealand division from the southern extremity of Greece. Except for stragglers, which are inevitable m such a campaign, I car. assure the Government that the division has been kept intact and our losses have not been excessive. “It is impossible to get the full figures until a great deal of sorting out has been done, but I estimate our losses at between 100 and 200 killed, 500 to 600 wounded, and approximately 800 missing. At the moment these can only be taken as a very rough estimate. “The division has carried out a very difficult role and has done excellently. The readiness and fortitude of all ranks under very trying times have been commended by everyone and fully justified the high opinion formed of the quality of our forces. “lam not in a position to send any detailed account, which will follow later. The troops are all in good heart. Full allowance must be made for lack of communications during the operations, as I was cut off from nil fable communication.”

Major-General Freyberg’s message was immediately acknowledged by Mr Fraser as follows: “Your message of Ap|jl- 30 will greafly- relieve and inspire the whole Dominion, The decision to help Greece, with all its hazards, has been nobly sustained and supported by the amazing achievements of your men. “Whatever the future may bring our souls are strengthened by the fact that this step was taken, with all its known" dangers arid risks; Nations which make and carry-out such'decisions-will face whatever may come and conquer. It is on such an achievement that the foundations, of nur future are being laid, and it is this knowledge which sustains and. strengthens our inspiration . .to be free. „ v;, ■ “To you personally, and to your officers and men, I extend the heartfelt gratitude and congratulations of the 'Government, the War Cabinet, and the people’of “the Dominion for the truly magnificent stand you. made in face of overwhelming odds. The Dominion has never- been more proud of its men ;; than to-day.”

GENERAL FREYBERG