MR HOLLAND’S TRIBUTE

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28269, 6 May 1957, Page 8

MR HOLLAND’S TRIBUTE

“Notable Citizen Soldier”

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 5.

The Prime Minister (Mr Holland) tonight expressed his deep personal regret at the death of Major-General Sir Howard Kippenberger.

“Sir Howard Kippenberger was perhaps the most notable of the citizen soldiers of high rank New Zealand produced during the Second World War,” he said. He had also served the nation well as editor in-chief of the official war histories after the war. As such he was responsible for producing chronicles of war which were unsurpassed. His untimely passing would be mourned by thousands who were his comrades during the war, and by a community which had the deepest respect for his talents, his uprightness and his record. He would be sadly missed, said Mr Holland. Before the last war, Mr Holland said, Sir Howard Kippenberger had become established as a member of the legal profession. His hobby then was the study of military history, and the preparation of himself for the trial he knew lay ahead of New Zealand. “He was the beloved ‘Kip’ of the Second New Zealand Division, a title which indicates more than anything else the high place he occupied in the affections of the soldiers he commanded,” Mr Holland said.

Since the present Goyernment assumed office, there had been many occasions on v u 'ch he had consulted with Sir .oward Kippenberger on m ers affecting New Zealand’s defence, said Mr Holland. “These consultations took place not only because Sir Howard Kippenberger was for many years president of the Returned Services’ Association, but also because he was a man Who could be relied on for disinterested, honest advice from his deep knowledge of defence problems and of his fellow men.” Mr Holland extended his deepest sympathy to Lady Kippenberger and her family.