ITALIANS ASKED FOR IT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIII, Issue 193, 15 July 1943, Page 5

ITALIANS ASKED FOR IT

“NOW WILL GET IT.” LONDON. July 14. “The time has now come to carry tho war into Italy and into tho Continent of Europe. The Italian overseas empire lias been exterminated, and we will now deal with the home country,” declared General Montgomery in a message to the British Forces under his command before the invasion of Sicily. He added: “To the Eighth Army has been given the great honour of representing the British Empire in the Allied force which is now to carry out this task: On our left will be our American allies, and together we will set about the Italians in their own country in no uncertain way. They came into this war to suit themselves and must take the consequences. They asked for it and now they will get it. “The task in front of us is not easy, but it is not so difficult as many we have had in the past and have overcome successfully. In all our operations we have always had the close support of the Royal Navy and the R.A.F. Because of that support we have always succeeded. In this operation the combined effort of the three Fighting Services is being applied in tremendous strength. Nothing will be able to stand against it. “I want all of you, my soldiers, to know I have complete confidence - in the successful outcome of this operation. Therefore, with faith in God and with enthusiasm for our cause and for the day of battle, let us enter this contest with stout hearts and determination to conquer. The eyes of our families, and in fact the whole Empire, will be on us. Once the battle starts we will see they get good news and plenty of it. “To each one of you, whatever be your rank or employment, I would say good luck and good hunting in the home country of Italy.”