SURRENDER IN TUNISIA

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24270, 30 May 1944, Page 3

SURRENDER IN TUNISIA

WORK OF NEW ZEALAND SIGNALS UNIT

(N.Z.E.F. Official News Service) SOUTHERN ITALY, May 15. One of the greatest days in the history of the New Zealand Divisional Signals was in May in Tunisia last year, and on the first anniversary the story of what happened may now be told. The day before the surrender, New Zealand operators detailed to listen for items of interest on the air heard the Italian Ist Army' endeavouring, to establish communication with the British. On behalf of corps headquarters, the New Zealand section opened a link, and the enemy replied immediately with a message signed “Field-Marshal Messe, of Italy.’’ The Allies were asked to cease fire, and the enemy named a rendezvous where two envoys would await General Freyberg. The first message from the New Zealand set originated from Genera) Freyberg, who stated his terms of unconditional surrender. When the sets went over to speech, the enemy operator spoke with a rich American accent. Early next morning the Italians sent an urgent message for an attack by French colonial troops to be stopped. When they were told that the envoys were going to corps headquarters, the reply was: “That’s good news. That’s very good news. Thanks a lot.” Later in the morning Marshal Messe sent a message: “As French coloured troops continue to attack, and as you’ll not wait to discuss terms with the envoys,. I have no other choice than unconditional surrender.” This message was sent to headquarters immediately, but crossed a message from General Freyberg giving a truce until midday; which was sent off a few minutes after the New Zealanders received the enemy’s surrender.