VICTORY PARADE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21009, 4 February 1943, Page 3

VICTORY PARADE

FORCES IN TRIPOLI THANKSGIVING SERVICE IMPRESSIVE GATHERING (N.Z.E.F. Official War Correspondent.) (9 a.m.) TRIPOLI. Feb. 1 Beneath the tall grey walls of Tripoli’s ancient castle, the New Zealanders stood yesterday with troops and airmen from almost every part oi the English-speaking 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 1400-mile advance was represented in a hollow square formed up across the broad Piazza Castello, a few yards from the harbour’s edge Never have the New Zealanders in the Middle East marched in a more impressive parade or on a more colourful parade ground. They were commanded by Brigadier Kippenberger. Before them, English and Dominions chaplains stood on the lower steps of the stone stairway that climbs from the square up the castle 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, black berets. South African Engineers, and Scottish pipe bandsmen in full dress uniform, was the Mediterranean coast. Behind them and beyond, farther lines of British troops. To their left were rows of green palms and modern buildings of Libya’s capital. 1

Crowds of Arabs and the largest number of Italian civilians to appeal' since our occupation of the town crowded the windows and side streets to watch the first English church service in their city square. They heard old hymns sung bv a chorus of 1000 voices echo across .the still morning air. Thev saw thousands of heads bowed in prayer.

Speaking to his forces and “to our 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 and those of Drake as he sailed into Cadiz rang out over the square. it is an historic point from which the Germans retreated only a week ago. In slow clear tones. General Montgomery spoke a oraver of remembrance for the fallen men of his army. From the saluting base set in a line of palms along the waterfront drive, General Montgomery watched the march past. With him were senior staff officers.