NEW ZEALAND STIRRED

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 50, 22 November 1941, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND STIRRED

Messages To Generals In Middle East BEST WISHES FOR SUCCESS

“New Zealand is deeply stirred by the news that our troops are on the march once more,” states the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, in a message he fias sent to the officer-commanding the New Zealand. Division in the Middle East, Major-General B. O. Freyberg, Mr. Fraser’s message continues: “The progress of the action in the days that lie ahead will be followed with intense interest and in the confident hope that the result will be worthy of the magnificent qualities of the New Zealand Division. On behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand I wish you and the officers and men under your command every success.” The following message has also been sent by Mr. Fraser to the Commander-., in-Chief of the British Forces in the, Middle East, General Sir Claude J. E.Auchinleck: “I wish to convey td. General Cunningham and yourself a message from the Government and people of New Zealand wishing every success in this vitally important campaign which is being followed with intense interest by the people of the British Commonwealth and their allies.”

DIVISION PRAISED

General Auchinleck’s Tribute

Men of the New Zealand Division.in the Middle East were inspected on October 30 by the British Commander in Chief, General Sir Claude J. E. Auchlnleck, who wrote later the same day to the officer commanding the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force overseas, Major-General B. 0. Frey-; berg, stating' how Impressed he whs with their appearance. General Auchinleck’s letter, a copy, of which has been received in Wellington, reads as follows: “I was very' glad indeed to have an opportunity of seeing so many of your men today. I was very much impressed with their appearance. It must be specially gratifying to you to know that you have such magnificent reserves training in this country to take their places in due course in your splendid New Zealand Division. The New Zealand Expeditionary Force has already done great work in the Middle East. I have the utmost confidence in their ability to earn fresh laurels in the future. I am very proud to have them under my command.”