THE EIGHTH ARMY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21067, 12 April 1943, Page 3

THE EIGHTH ARMY

SECRET OF SUCCESSES “BAND OF BROTHERS” LESSONS FROM REVERSES (Noon) NEW YORK, April 11. “The Eighth Army is a band of brothers who, in the disasters in Greece Crete and Tobruk and General Rommel’s advance against Alexandria learned to perfection the lessons of comradeship, co-operation, and mutual help.” The New York Sun’s correspondent, Mr. Gault MacGowan, was told this when he visited the Eighth Army seeking the answer of the secret of General Montgomery’s successes “In the membership of the glorious Eighth Army there is no red tape, no rivalry, and no snobbishness, but perfect understanding between the New Zealanders British, Scots, Indians, South Africans, and now Americans.” the correspondent was told. “When we hit. we hit hard and not in penny packets. ‘Monty’ is the idol of us all. He has the biggest fanmail of any army commander. Mothers and sweethearts write to him tor news of their loved ones. He writes personally to the soldiers. His letters become cherished souvenirs. _ He also visits them in the front lines, encouraging and inspiring them. When he wants an extra effort it is given whole-heartedly.”