KING IN FRANCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17249, 17 August 1916, Page 7

KING IN FRANCE.

MESSAGE TO THE ARMY.

LOYAL CO-OPERATION EVERY-

WHERE.

NATION PLAYING ITS PART,

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.

(Received August 16, 6.20 ;p.m.) LONDON, August 15. Tho King’s General Order ,to the Army in France has been sent to Sir Douglas Haig:— ' “It, has been a great pleasure and satisfaction to bo with my armies. During the past week I have been ablo to judge the splendid condition for war, tlio spirit of cheerful confidence animating nil ranks, united m loyal co-operation with the chiefs and one another. Sinco my last visit at tho front \here has been almost uninterrupted fighting on parts oi our line. The offensive, recently began, has been resolutely maintained day and night- . . “ I had opportunities of visiting somo of the scenes of tho later desperate struggles, and of appreciating the demands mado ou your courage and physical endurance in order to assail and capture positions prepared during two years and stoutly defended to the last. I realised not only tho splendid work done immediately in touch with tho enemy, but also the vast organisations behind tho fighting lino, honourable alike to the gonius of tho initiators and tho heart and hand of the. workers. Everywhere there is proof that all men and women are playing their part. I rejoice to think that your nolile efforts are heartily seconded by all classes

“ Tho bappv relations of my armies with those of our French Allies are equally noticeable, between my troops end the inhabitants of the districts where they hare been quartered and from whom they liavo received a cordial welcome every since their first arrival in Franco. “Do not chink that I and your fellow-countrymen forget the heavy sacrifices tho armies have made or tho bravery and endurance displayed in two years of bitter conflict. These sacrifices have not been ill vain. The arms of the Allies will .never be laid down until their cause has triumphed, and when you return home we will be more than ever proud of you. May God guide you to victory.”

UNDER FIRE.

THE GREETING OF THE

ANZACS

KING UNEXPECTEDLY MEETS

POZIERES HEROES

(Received August 16, 7.10 p.m.)

LONDON, August 15

Mr Philio Gibbs writes The King visited all parts of the front. All tho traffic and turmoil of war surged about him. and an endless procession of tlie Empire’s manhood, passed him ou tho roads, not in review order but men going to do the work of war. The King has taken certain risks and has gone well within tlio range of the enemy’s guns. Ho stood among the wreckage and ruin of war, where tho ground is the graveyard of gallant men. The King’s prescuco in tho danger zone stirred the troops greatly . Tho King and Sir Douglas Haig mot President Poincairc, General Joffro and Goncral Focb on Saturday and attended divino service among the troops on Sunday. Ho visited the King and Queen of tho Belgians on Monday. 'lho essential character of the. visit was its informality and the absence of ceremony. He inspected the men s billets without an escortThe King passed a thousand Australians assembled round their own headquarters. They made a great demonstration of loyalty. Tho King, addressing General Birdwood. expressed his high appreciation of their magnificent work .4 little later, quite unexpectedly, there came down the road a large body of Anzacs from Pozieres in full kit, ‘all with tho dirt and dust of battle upon them. They were whistling and singing, when “Hullo boys, shouted an officer, “here’s the King! They halted, flung off hats and cheered tremendously. It was a fine, stirring scone, and better for its unexpectedness.

RETURN TO LONDON, Reuter’s Telegrams. (Received August 16. 10.50 p.m.) LONDON, August 16. The King returned to London yesterday in excellent health.