GREAT HEROISM

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 126, 30 April 1941, Page 7

GREAT HEROISM

“A CREDIT SIDE.” CASUALTIES UNAVOIDABLE. LONDON, April 29. The acting-Prinie Minister of Australia (.Mr Eadclen) announced to-day that when the full story of the Greek operation is told there will bo no need to be ashamed. “There is a credit ws well as a debit side,” lie said. ‘‘The evacuation of Greece is proceeding, and Imperial Forces are conducting themselves with great heroism in the. face of heavy enemy pressure. Many of our troops have now left Greece after stubbornly contesting the enemy’s advance even to the last few inches of Greek soil.

“Unfortunately, we cannot hope to p.void casualties, and we must be prepared,” Mr Fadden added. “The nation will be told the full story at the earliest possible moment. Meanwhile, I know Australia will wait with courage and resolution.” The Commander of the Cambridge area commented to-day that not only tho Greek army but the civil population had set a magnificent example. Because of this Greece had few refugees. They had displayed splendid staying-power. Chester Wilmott, the representative of the Australian Broadcasting Commission,- to-day explained why the Greeks failed to hold the enemy when the Yugoslav resistance ceased. He said that lack of efficient transport prevented them dovetailing in with the Anzacs. He had seen Greek artillery drawn by ox-carts which could travel at a ra.tc of only 3 miles an hour, while the British troops had efficient transport. , , After the Germans had penetrated the Mon astir Gap they cut the railwayline. placing the Yugoslav forces in a hopeless position.