SOLEMN PARADE

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 111, 4 February 1943, Page 5

SOLEMN PARADE

Historic Scene In Tripoli

(Official War Correspondent, N.Z.E.F.) TRIPOLI, January 31.

Beneath the tall grey walls of Tripoli’s ancient castle, New Zealanders stood today with troops and airmen from almost every part of the Englishspeaking world in the first combined parade of English, Scottish and Dominions units since our advance through Libya began almost three months ago. It was the Eighth Army’s service of thanksgiving for our victory and of remembrance for those who died in gaining it. Almost every section of General Montgomery’s force that made this 1-100-mile advance was represented in tlie hollow square which formed up this morning across the broad Piazza Castello, a few yards from Hie harbour's edge. Never have New Zealanders in tlie Middle East, ma relied in a more impressive parade or on a more colourful parade ground. They were commanded by Brigadier Kippenberger. Before (hem English and Dominions chaplains stood on tlie lower steps of a stone stairway that climbs from the square up tlie cat-lie wall and the bastions of St. George and St. James, from which the Union Jack now flies. To their right. beyond the lines of English tank troops in brown and black berets, South African engineers, and Scottish pipe bandsmen in full dress uniform, was the Mediterranean coast. Behind them and beyond further lines of British troops to the left there were rows of green palms and the modern buildings of Libya’s capital. “To Our Homes.

Crowds of Arabs and tlie largest number of Italian civilians to appear since our the town crowded windows and side streets to watch tlie first English church service in their city square. They heard old hymns, sung by a chorus of thousands of voices, echo across the still morning air. They saw thousands of heads bowed in prayer.

Speaking io his forces and ir homes,” General Montgomery said, “Grant to my country and for the benefit of Europe in general a great and glorious victory”—the words of Nelson on the eve of Trafalgar ami those of Drake as he sailed into Cadiz rang out over the square, this historic point from which the Germans retreated only a week ago. In slow, clear tones General Montgomery spoke a prayer of remembrance for the fallen men of his army. From the saluting base set in a line of palms along (he walerfront drive General Montgomery watched the parade march past.