N.Z. MEN FROM GREECE

Grey River Argus, 21 May 1941, Page 6

N.Z. MEN FROM GREECE

MARCH PAST MR FRASER Dominion’s Admiration EXPRESSED BY PRIME MINISTER. (Received May 20, 11.10 p.rn.). [From N.Z.E.F. Official News \ Service.] CAIRO, May 20. As they marched past Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, their Prime Minister, in their parade on Sunday morning, each man of the New Zealand Divisional troops in Egypt felt a thrill of pride, realising that his great effort in Greece was receiving recognition from their Prime Minister, who represented their own people home in New Zealand. Mr. Fraser, in his turn, was proud to be the representative of the people who produced such a fine body of fighting men. These men had faced tremendous odds. They had been up against it and had found themselves.

In simple words, Mr Fraser thanked them sincerely for the splendid part they had taken in the battle which the British Commonwealth was fighting. Three rousing cheers for Mr. Fraser were given by all of the men on parade. This was the first parade that the troops had since their return, and their soldierly bearing, discipline, and precision impressed all present. The early morning light and a gusty wind reminded many old soldiers present of similar parades held in this country during the Great War.

Initiative, self reliance, co-opera-tion, discipline and belief in the cause for which they were fighting, said Mr. Fraser, were factors which helped to make their performance so splendid. The people at home had been very anxious, and, while they mourned the loss of the fine lads who fell, and their hearts went out in sympathy to the bereaved parents and other relatives, they were thankful that the casualties had not been a's heavy as feared. On behalf of the people and Government of New Zealand, he expressed the highest admiration for their magnificent achievements, and for their many deeds of courage and daring. It was no exaggeration to say that no soldiers could possibly have done better than they had done. History recorded no finer nor more stirring episodes than those in which they had figured so gallantly and effectively during the marvellous retreat. When the New Zealand men fought the rearguard action which covered the British forces in Greece.

Everybody in New Zealand, he said, wa's proud of them. The Dominion’s heartfelt thanks were theirs. They had fought for New Zealand, the finest country on earth, as well as for the British Commonwealth and the cause of human freedom. They knew that triumph for democracy meant not only the preservation of the freedom enjoyed by the people of New Zealand and the maintenance of the existing high standards of social opportunities, but even still finer possibilities in the future for the people as a whole. Both General Wavell and General Freyberg had expressed to him their highest admiration for the fine work of the New Zealand Division in Greece.

Mr. Fraser attended a church service. the officiating padre being the Rev. Keith Watson.

Stopping at times, talking to small groups of the men, and hearing their stories of the Greek campaign. Mr. Fraser visited various parts of ’the camp where the men are stationed. Everywhere he heard the same story that the men felt that they had the measure of the Nazi enemies, and were looking forward to another chance of meeting them.

The men, in their turn, plied Mr. Fraser with questions about New Zealand, as to how things were going in their own country. Mr. Fraser was able to tell them the latest news, and to give them information about various topics in which they were interested. It was a very human, democratic visit, and helped the New Zealand soldiers tn feel that they were being kept in touch with their own country,. Before passing on to each small gathering, Mr. Fraser shook hands with every man, and had a word for him, to be finally cheered as he entered his car.

After lunch with the senior officers of the camp, the Prime Minister proceeded To a large prison camp where the guard was furnished by New Zealanders who had taken part, in the Greek campaign. Here he briefly addressed the men, and repeated his message from the people to the troops. There are Italian and German prisoners confined in this camp.

A second visit to a large hospital was undertaken to see men he had been unable to see on the first occasion. For each he had a kindly word and inquiry. Administration stores and laboratories were also inspected. Mr. Fraser expressed the opinion that they were all of a uniformly high standard. He said that it spoke volumes for the nurses and doctors of the N.Z.E.F. hospitals that he had not heard a single complaint from any patient. On the contrary, there was the highest, praise from ail patients, some of whom were from Australian and British forces. The Kiwi Club, which is conducted by voluntary workers for the benefit of patients in this particular hospital, was next visited. There he was able to see very fine work being done for men in this institution. He met ladies who are working there and thanked them on behalf of the people of New Zealand for their services to New Zealand soldiers. Mr. Fraser and party had tea with the men. Mr. Fraser had already met representatives of the press at a conference at the British Embassy. He addressed them and answered questions with particular reference to New Zealand. Through a long, tiring day, Mr. Fraser showed himself to be imbued with endless energy, and everywhere he went he impressed by his cheerful good humour and his desire to meet as many soldiers as he could.