KING SPENDS A WEEK ON THE BRITISH FRONT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16310, 17 August 1916, Page 7

KING SPENDS A WEEK ON THE BRITISH FRONT.

MESSAGE OF APPRECIATION TO THE ARMIES.

SACRIFICES WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN IN VAIN.

By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable. (Received 7.20 p.m.) LONDON. August 15. The King, who has been on a visit to the British front in France, has reached London in excellent health. On his return he sent the following i; General Order to the Army in France," to Sir Douglas Eaig :- It has been a great pleasure and satisfaction to me to be with my armies during the past week, and to be able to judge of their splendid condition for war, the spirit of cheerful confidence animating all ranks, and the united and loyal co= operation extended to the chiefs and to one another Since my last visit to the front there has been almost unin= terrupted fighting on parts of our line. The offensive recently begun has been resolutely maintained by day and night. I had opportunities of visiting some of the scenes of the later desperate struggles, and appreciating the demands made on your courage and physical endurance in order to assail and capture positions prepared for two years, and stoutly defended to the last. I realised not only the splendid work done by those immediately in touch with the enemy, but also by the vast organisations behind the fighting line, honourable alike to the genius of the initiators and the heart and hand of the workers. Everywhere there was proof that all the men and women are playing their part. I rejoice to think that their noble efforts are heartily seconded by all classes at home. The happy relations of my armies with those of our French allies and between my troops and the inhabitants of the districts where they are quartered, and from whom they have received a cordial welcome ever since their first arrival in France, are equally noticeable. Do not think that I and your fellow=countrymen forget the heavy sacrifices the armies have made, and the bravery and endurance displayed during the past two years of bitter conflict. These sacrifices have not been in vain. The arms of the allies will never be laid down until their cause has triumphed. I return home more than ever proud of you. May God guide you to victory.