NEW ARMY CHIEF

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 206, 1 August 1941, Page 5

NEW ARMY CHIEF

BRIGADIER PUTTICK. outstanding” officer . (INA.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 1. The appointment of Brigadier Edward Puttick as Chief of the General Staff in succession to Major-General Sir John Duigan was announced to-day by the Minister of Defence (Mr Jones). “in appointing Brigadier Patrick,” said the Minister, “the Government lias selected the most outstanding officer ol the New Zealand Regular Forces, with an excellent record in two wars. He has filled a number of administrative Army posts here iti New Zealand, and his training includes an imperial Defence College course in London. ”

Mr Jones added that since leaving the Dominion in command of the First Echelon Brigadier Puttick had played a notable part in building up the New Zealand Expeditionary Force to its present high standard of quality and performance, and he had been spoken of in the highest terms by Major-General Fre.vberg.

.-vs commander ot the Fourth Brigade. N.Z.E.F., he fought with distinction in the engagements on Mount Olympus, while the final rearguard action ol the Fourth Brigade near M-ara-tbon had been described as an achievement worthy of the highest traditions of tile British Armv.

When General Freyberg was placed in temporary command ot the Allied. Forces in Crete, Brigadier Puttick assumed temporary command of the New Zealand Forces serving there.

Tln> Minister said Brigadier Puttick's experiences in Greece and Crete would be invaluable, bringing the training in New Zealand into line with the latest overseas needs and practice, and he was sure the appointment of a New Zealand officer would be popular, both in military circles and with the public.

Brigadier Puttick will leave for New Zealand almost immediately.