TROOPS TO GO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23512, 24 November 1939, Page 6

TROOPS TO GO

SERVICE OVERSEAS EMINENT LEADER GENERAL FREYBERG, Y.C TRAINING OF MEN STAFF CHIEF'S TASK [by telegraph—press association] WELLINGTON, Thursday The despatch of the first echelon for service overseas, the appointment by His Majesty the King of Major-General B. C. Freyberg, V.C., C.8., C.M.G., D.5.0., LL.D., to take command of the Now Zealand forces overseas, and the retention of Major-General J.. E. Duigan's services within the Dominion were the subjects of a statement by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, to-day. At the Government's special request Major-General Duigan is to romain in New Zealand to devote full attention to the vitally important work of raising and training men. Troops proceeding overseas will embark after satisfactory completion of their training, as and when transport is available. Mr. Savage also stressed particularly that the force would not sail without adequate naval escort. At some period before they are sent abroad the ipen will be given leave to visit their homes. Consultations with Britain "All the factors involved have been given the fullest consideration, ' said Mr. Savage, "and the steps now being taken have been the subject of consul/ tations with the United Kingdom Government. The public will recall that immediately the Government had been advised that war had broken out with Germany it offered Britain its fullest assurance of all possible support and at the same time offered to give the fullest consideration to any suggestion of the British Government as to the method by which New Zealand could best assist the common cause. "In due course and in accordance with our request, the British Government made a number of suggestions regarding New Zealand's co-operation, and these were carefully examined by the Defence Council and the Cabinet. The suggestions made by the Old Country were accepted and the undertakings are being carried out. Response to Appeal "On September 9. six days after the outbreak of war, the Government announced the decision to raise a special military force of volunteers for service within or beyond New Zealand. The response to- this appeal was most gratifying and provided conclusive evidence of the patriotic zeal of the Dominion's manhood," continued Mr. Savage. "On the day recruiting opened the actual number of men called for was exceeded. In making an offer to raise and train a force for service in the general task of defending the British Commonwealth it was stated this force would be despatched overseas when required and when it was considered practicable to send it. "The first echelon of the special force lias been undergoing intensive training since October G. A further step toward providing the force offered was taken on November 8, when officers selected for service with the second echelon were assembled and commenced training. The next step will be the concentration of 11011 - commissioned officers for service with this echelon. Despatch When Trained "Following upon advice now received the Government is able to announce its decision to despatch the first echelon overseas when the men have completed »their New Zealand training, and when suitable shipping facilities and naval escort arrangements have been made," the Prime Minister continued. "On completion of the embarkation of the first echelon the men of the second echelon will then be called upon to join their officers and non-commissioned officers for training. Already a large number of enrolments for the second echelon have been made and further enlistments are being and will continue to be received. The fact that Major-General Freyberg was available for service overseas has enabled the Government to retain MajorGeneral Duigan in command in New Zealand to continue the work of organising and training, for which he has shown such marked ability. Very Valuable Services "I would like to take this opportunity," continued Mr. Savage, "of stating that the Government is warmly appreciative of Major-General Duigan's services. In recent months his advice and untiring efforts have been of the utmost value, and it has been his duty to plan and organise the mobilisation and training of the New Zealand forces—a task for which his personal qualities and wide experience have specially fitted him. His training in military engineering, in particular, has enabled him to undertake most successfully the mechanisation of the army, a development which is so vital a feature of modern warfare. Debt to Major-General Duigan "Because of its confidence in MajorGeneral Duigan, and because of his intimate knowledge of our defence problem and our men, the Government extended his services for a further year after the expiration of his term in March Inst, and he has now been asked to continue his work here. The people of the Dominion owe a great deal to the untiring efforts lie and his staff have made and are making to render this country safe and build up a fighting force worthy of the best traditions of the Dominion. Little Comment Needed "The appointment of Major-General Freyberg needs little comment from me. He received his education here in Wellington, and his first military service was with the 6th Hnuraki Regiment (Auckland). General Freyberg's name is known throughout the Dominion as that of a New Zealand hero of the last war. He was awarded the D.S.O. at the landing at Gallipoli for swimming ashore at Buiair towing a raft with flares. For further feats of gallantry he was later awarded a first and second bar to his D.5.0."

A review of Major-General Frevberg's great military career appears on page 9.