N.Z. Troops Fron U.K. Now In Middle East

Northern Advocate, 12 March 1941, Page 5

N.Z. Troops Fron U.K. Now In Middle East

[Per Press Association. Copyright .] WELLINGTON, This Day. THE PRIME MINISTER (MR. FRASER), ANNOUNCED IN 1 THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THIS AFTERNOON THAT A CONTINGENT OF NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIAN (TROOPS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM ARRIVED IN THE MIDDLE EAST SOME TIME AGO.

“These troops have there joined other New Zealand and Australian units,” said Mr. Fraser, “and this accession further consolidates the Dominion forces.

“The New Zealand Government was warmly appreciative of the reception and treatment accorded those New Zealand soldiers who were previously domiciled in the Motherland,” continued Mr. Fraser.

“Made to Feel at Home.”

“I was glad to know that during the period they were in the United Kingdom they not only rendered valuable service in the defence of Britain but they were really made to feel at home.

“The time they spent there was fully occupied in training, and the experience gained, including association with British troops, would prove invaluable.

“They were entrusted with an important post under the Dover

command to meet any onslaughts by invaders, and New Zealand was conscious of the honour conferred by this confidence in her soldier sons.” Official Appreciation. Mr Fraser referred to the tributes to New Zealand troops by Mr Churchill, General Sir Alan Brooke and General Sir John Dill, adding that when the troops sailed from the United Kingdom he had received a message from the Secretary for State for the Dominions (Lord Cranbourne), conveying the official appreciation of His Majesty’s Government for the help New Zealand troops had rendered in the common cause during their service in the United Kingdom. “We send them every good wish,” said Lord Cranbourne. “They will, we know, ably carry on the splendid traditions of the New Zealand forces and win fresh laurels for their arms.” Notable Reunion. Mr Fraser replied, thanking Lord Cranbourne for his message, and stating: “We share with you the conviction that in their new sphere of activities the New Zealand soldiers will worthily uphold their traditions.” Mr Fraser said that the safe convoy of the troops to ,the Middle East from Britain had been an undertaking calling for skill and courage, and it strengthened our faith in the efficiency and sea power of the British navy.

The reunion of the New Zealanders with their fellows in the Middle East was a notable event, and the concentration would place at the disposal of commanding officers a highly-trained and well-equipped force.

Ready for Action,

“There has been in the past some comment about the non-employment of New Zealand troops in major actions in the Middle East,” said Mr Fraser.

“Wherever and whenever they were called upon they were not only available, but on every occasion they rendered service of outstanding value to the triumph of the united forces. “And now, with the completion of the formation, our well-trained troops are ready fully to share the response to any call, and successfully to withstand any challenge from the destroyers of democratic rights and liberties.”