SHOCK AND GRIEF

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 39, 14 August 1940, Page 10

SHOCK AND GRIEF

PRECIOUS GIFTS LOST

MR. CHURCHILL'S TRIBUTE

"CLOSE THE RANKS"

(British Official Wireless.)

(Received August 14, 10.50 a.m.) RUGBY, August 13.

Mr. Churchill referred in the House of Commons to the death of the Australian Cabinet Ministers and high officers in an aeroplane accident. "We have all been shocked and grieved," he said, "by the news of the lamentable and untimely loss which Australia and, indeed, the whole Empire and its cause have suffered. The sudden removal of these able and resolute men from the centre and summit of the war direction in Australia has inflicted an injury upon us which I can be at no pains to conceal." "In Brigadier Street, Mr. Fairbalrn, Sir Henry Gullett, and General Sir Brudenell White Australia has been robbed of some of her best and ablest sons at a moment when the gifts they had to offer were most precious. The House will wish to extend sympathy to their families and friends and to Mr. Menzies, whose burden is already heavy, and in so doing we shall give voice to the sorrow which in so many lands will be felt by all to whom the cause of freedom is dear. "In this hour of battle there will be one other thought equally spontaneous and equally widespread—to close the ranks and carry on." A message of sympathy has been telegraphed by Mr. Churchill to Mr. Menzies in connection with the disastrous air accident. The message concluded: "We know how sorely you in Australia will miss them. The loss is ours, too, for we have learnt by personal acquaintance and by our knowledge of what they have achieved how great has been their contribution, not only to Australia but also to the whole Empire."