Inspired Leadership For Pacific Division

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 67, 23 March 1944, Page 7

Inspired Leadership For Pacific Division

n.z. pacific headquarters February 25. “Well, gentlemen, that is our plan, will realise that it is subject to modifications to meet any special eventualities, but in the conditions ai: ticiputed, we think we can carry out our scheme and get on with the job w-3 j are going to Nissan to do. If there is any more you want me to tell you now, i or during tho operation, you have only to ask.” Correspondents from these countries grouped round a Nissan battle map nodded their appreciation of the commanding officer’s helpfulness, thanked him for an hour’s facile interpretation of the invasion tactics and then moved off to join the convoy about to sail into action. In their first interview with Major-General H. E. Barrowdough, D. 8.0., M.C., who was commanding the Nissan landing force, the corespondents found a man whose calm *ogic, unassuming air and friendly cooperation left a deep impression. As the General had unfolded the steps he proposed to take to gain possession of the island’s vital points, to extend his control, wipe out opposition, he had rovealed an uncanny appreciation of the tactics of combined air, sea and laud operations that one would barely have expected from the first impression of his mild peaceful features, the rather slim figure and the kindly blue eyes. At tho table of his wooden-floored tent on a Solomons Island, General Barrowelough looks more the barrister of his civilian life than an able and respected divisional commander. Though suntanned and showing the light lines of a man of fifty years, his face is restful and judicial rather than stern and dynamic. Greying hair appears better suited to the dignity of a Supreme Court wig than to tbe rugged utility of war’s steel helmet. That disarming smile, tho genuino welcome to visitors, the willing tolerance of their questions and viewpoints, the cordial j invitation to a chair and to a smoke, j are the hallmark of a man of peace. Yet this oflicer now evolving a cold calculated means to wipe out as many Japs as show an inclination to interfere with his mission to Nissan is a proved soldier of the highest ability. Twenty-six years ago, when a battalion commander in France, he led his troops to tho capture of the German fortress of Le Quesuoi, scaling, every man, a single thirty-foot ladder and charging a wide moat to win, tho surrender of the garrison of six hundred. “It wasn’t much of a show,” the General apologised to the correspondent; “tho Germans were tired and defeated just before the Armistice. I remember, however, how I handed back to the German Major in charge tho sword ho handed mo in surrender. 1 understood that for one officer to take another s sword was not tho thing to do. “But,” the General added significantly, “if I get my hands on a Jap sword in this war, I shall not be so chivalrous.” General Barrowelough is a hard man to get to talk on his military career, how he won the D. 5.0., tho M.C. and the Croix do Guero (with palmes) in tho last war. a bar to the D.S.O. and tho Greek Military Medal (first class) in this. General Barrowelough’* analytical mind, capable of contending with a mass of detail, is nevertheless one that sticks determinedly to a decision onco the pros and cons have convinced him of its wisdom. But ho is no dictator. He appreciates and uses to the utmost the advice and opinions of his staff and commanding officers. No matter what crisis required solution, this man is always calm, decisive, unruffled. His gift of perfect aplomb in the moat trying conditions is one many envy but few eau equal. Favourite tropical garb is a short-sleevod bush jacket giving an everlasting coolness, tidiness and cleanness to its wearer. Men wuo have work with the General know that his temperament, as calm as his outward appearance, was the outstanding feature of his brilliant leadership during the critical days in Greece and the fiery uncertainty of Sidi Rezegli. They know, too, that this quality is the one which is bringing success to the Third New Zealand Division in the island warfare of the Pacific.

Because General Barrowelough missed the final victorious Allied drive in Libya through his recall to help in the defence of the Dominion when Japan entered tho war, he was not present at the time of tho groat El Alamein push. A pity, this, because the General’s first experience of active warfare was earned at that self-same line away back in the first year of the last war, when lie was charged with tho El Alamein defences against the Bonoussi rising. But there is another auspicious coincidence in that the G.O.C.’s first European engagement in the 1916 French battles occurred on September 15th, the very date on which tho first party of his 1943 division moved forward to tackle the enemy on Vella Lavella. There is no doubt, on the evidence of the campaigns tho Pacific Division has already been through, that the General’s victorious encounters of the last war will be repeated in this. To what does General Barrowelough owe his high military repute? * Btratcgic and tactical genius- are part and parcel of his being, but these are not the only qualities required of a successful leader. Ho has the attribute of approachability that all man appreciate. No old-fashioned rules and regulations bind his dealings with troops under his command. Sometimes his consideration for his men is revealed in a practical act of understanding and sympathy and help. Always it is uppermost in his mind. The General has earned tho confidence that comes from full knowledgo of his officers and men, and from his friendship and trust in them. When this man of the people returns with his victorious troops, from Avar to peace, it will be said of him: “He had a job to do. He did it.”