"GREAT FEATS”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21550, 1 November 1944, Page 2

"GREAT FEATS”

THE N.Z. DIVISION GENERAL LEESE’S TRIBUTE DEEPEST ASMIRATION (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 1. The following is a copy of a telegram received by the Prime Minister, fixe Rt. lion. P. Fraser, from Lieut.-General-Sir Bernard Freybcrg:— “Following is the text of a letter I cceived from the Eighth Army Commander. General Sir Oliver Leesc, on ihe eve of their departure from the line of the first quota of the Fourth • iEnforcements and I felt it would be fitting to publish it on the day after .ney arrive home: “‘I hop; ycu will extend to the .ZOO men oi Lew Zealand who are returning to their homes to-morrow my .sincere congratulations and grateful thanks for all they have done. Would you say a word from me to remind them of the great feats the New Zealand Division has performed in this war. By its operations in Greece, Crete and the Western Desert, in all

oi which the division played a. great part, time was gained to enable the British arms to be gradually built up for the victory at El Alamein. Since then the Second New Zealand Division has been in the forefront of all the battles of the Eighth Army right through from El Alamein to Arezzo. “ ‘Personally, my close connection with the division in this great advance of over 2000 miles has given me the deepest admiration and affection for the fighting forces of New Zealand. All ranks, I hope, will be home with pride in their long connection _ with the Eighth Army. It is these ties of commonwealth which after the war do so much to hold the Empire together. ! hope these New Zealanders will carry back with them into their homes the thanks and congratulations of the Eighth Army.’

General Freyberg continued:. “I wish to add my deep appreciation of the great achievements of the Fourth Reinforcements. Many of them have seen more service than the men of any other contingent, taking part in the battles in Greece and Crete, the hard fighting in the Western Desert and Tunisia and finally in the battles in Italy. Our grateful thanks goes with them. All ranks of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force wish them God speed and good luck.”