Grim Air Raid Reminder NO MORE JUST CAUSE, KING TELLS ARMY

Northern Advocate, 6 September 1939, Page 8

Grim Air Raid Reminder

NO MORE JUST CAUSE, KING TELLS ARMY

LONDON, September 5. The King' has sent the following message to the Navy.—

“Once again the Royal Navy has assumed the protection of the Empire on the seas of the world, and I would like to assure you of my conviction that, whatever the future has in store, the conduct and courage of its personnel will bring added lustre to its long history. “It was my high privilege to serve with them when they were last on

active service. “My thoughts will always bo with them now.”

To The Army.

In a message to the Army, His Majesty states. — “In all its long- and. glorious history, the British Army has never been called to take the field for a cause more just than that which is ours today.

“It has never entered ; upon a campaign the issues of which are more grave or more vital for the future of our race, and, indeed, for all civilisation.

“I know well that you I'ealise what is at stake, and that in the struggle ahead every man. of my armies will play his part gallantly and with devotion.

“It is my earnest prayer that God will have you in His keeping, and grant success to your arms.”

The Minister of War, Mr Hore Belisha, has replied, “On behalf of every soldier of whatever rank.” R.A.F.’s Inspiring Tradition.

The King has also sent a message to the Royal Air Force as follows. — “The Royal Air Force has behind it a tradition no less inspiring than those of the older services, and, in the campaign which we are compelled to undertake, you will resume responsibilities far greater than those which your service had to shoulder in the last war.

“One of the gravest of these will be the safeguarding of these islands from the menace of the air. “I assure all ranks of the Royal Air JTcrce of my supreme confidence in your skill, courage and ability to meet whatever calls may be made upon you.”