DIVISION IN ITALY

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 306, 22 September 1944, Page 4

DIVISION IN ITALY

Praise By Eighth Army Commander LETTER TO MR. FRASER A report on the progress of the New Zealand Division in Italy and its recent engagements has been received by the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, from Lieutenant-General Sir Oliver Leese, Commander of the Eighth Army, written a little over a mouth ago. The letter which Mr. Fraser read in the House of Representatives last night, was as follows :— “Dear Prime Minister, “When I had the pleasure of meeting you before the battle you said you would like news from time to time of your New Zealand Division. Much has happened since then. The Army has advanced in two main phases, from Cassino to Rome—7s miles —and' then from Rome to Florence —145 miles. Only by seeing the country, as you did, can one form an idea of the magnitude of our troops’ achievements in this advance against picked German formations balding positions long prepared. “Throughout, the part of the New Zealand Division' has been as prominent as its reputation and quality deserved. Bernard Freyberg has been, ds always, a tower of strength, lion-hearted, bold and determined —an inspiration to every man in the Division. “ “Their first task was the difficult and unaccustomed oiie of a holding role in the mountains, under the Tenth Corps. This led to the fWlow-up through the Atina Valley, in even harsher country, on our left flank. “In July, under the Thirteenth Corps, they had a hard task, culminating in their well-planned onslaught of Arezzo. They played a valuable part In seizing this position, vital to our further advance. Next they had much hill fighting under heavy shell and mortar fire, and withstood fierce counter-attacks. Finally they succeeded by determined assaults in forcing the Germans off the high ground which dominates the town. Throughout the advance on Florence their drive and steadfastness were noteworthy, and their final attack was the decisive factor in our success.

“I have said enough to show how grateful we all are to General Freyberg, his staff and the New Zealand Division, whose name in the Eighth Army never stood higher than today. Their people at home may justly be as proud of their part in this campaign as they were of their previous exploits in Greece, Crete and in the African cam--1 “You know how pleased I shall be if there is ever anything wc can do to help our New Zealanders and I _ trust you will let me know at any time of your special wishes. Yours ever, Oliver Leese.”