VICEREGAL MESSAGES

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 103, 3 May 1945, Page 8

VICEREGAL MESSAGES

WARM CONGRATULATIONS

The following telegrams were sent by his Excellency the Governor-General on receipt of the news of the unconditional surrender of the German forces in Italy and western Austria:— To Field-Marshal Sir Harold Alexander: I send you most sincere congratulations on the crushing defeat you have inflicted on the enemy, resulting in the final surrender of all German forces in Italy and a considerable portion of Austria. Your inspiring leadership throughout the past years has made history and has culminated, as we were all confident it would, in an overwhelming victory, the tidings of which will bring relief and joy throughout the Empire. To Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Freyberg: To you and all ranks, past and present, of the Second New Zealand Division, I express my profound admiration for the magnificent part you have all played since the beginning of the war and in the final total defeat of the German forces in Italy. When Britain was menaced by invasion, in Greece, Crete, North Africa, and in Italy, you have always been in the forefront of the battle, and in each phase you have added lustre to the name of AnzacThe news of your recent splendid victory has brought much relief and great joy to every home in New Zealand My best wishes to you all.