Second Echelon Ready For Blitzkreig

Northern Advocate, 16 August 1940, Page 2

Second Echelon Ready For Blitzkreig

i Front the Official War Correspondent attached to the N.Z. Forces in Great Britain). LONDON. August 15. As the Nazi threat to Britain's shores gathers volume and intensity, the New Zealand troops, fully equipped for immediate and. if need be, prolonged warfare. stand ready for any emergency as an integral part of the defence system of the Untied Kingdom. The New Zealand force would, in the event of invasion, receive orders to move at the shortest notice to its battle station. it would have moved so, and gladly, had the attack come a month ago. although! at that time it was hardh adequately prepared. That disability uo longer applies, as the advanced training during the past month has imparted a professional finish to the military efficiency of the New Zealanders, until now it is considered they are as ready for battle as the Anzacs were at the time of the Gallipoli landing', as ready, indeed .as they can be without actual experience of warfare. This appears to be the unanimous opinion of all ranks who served in the last war. Quiet Determination. The mood of the men is one of quiet determination. They are no more aggressive or belligerent than their fathers wore a general ion ago. They are at least equally keen to got on with tiie job accordingly, Altltough none wishes to see tins lovely old land invaded, nothing would please them better than to come to grips with the enemy, whether on our soil or his.