KING'S SPEECH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23770, 25 September 1940, Page 10

KING'S SPEECH

EMPIRE BROADCAST FAITH IN VICTORY NATION ON GUARD SPIRIT OP THE PEOPLE B.v Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Briiish Wireless LONDON, Sept. ".'I His Majesty the King broadcast this evening from an underground shelter in Buckingham Palace during an air raid warning. The King, in his broadcast, which was, heard by the whole, world, said :

"It is just over a year now since the war began. The British peoples entered it with open eyes, recognising how formidable were the forces against them, but confident in the justice of their cause. "Now, after a year, let us consider together where we stand. Much has happened sinoe September, 1939. Great nations have fallen in the battle that at the time was so far away we could only just hear its rumbling. "Now at our very doors the armies of invasion are massed across the Channel, only 20 miles from our shores. Air fleets of the enemy launch their attacks day and night against our cities. We stand in the front lines to champion those liberties and traditions that are our heritage. "As wo brace ourselves for tlio battle there is much to encourage us. Wo have with us brave contingents from the forces of our Allies. We have behind us the goodwill of all who love freedom. Our friends in America have shown us this in many ways, not the least by their gifts for the relief of suffering. Struggle of the Family "In this war, nearer home, in the British ' Commonwealth itself, the struggle of tlie Mother Country has been made the struggle of the whole family. From every part of it men and material are coming in an increasing flow, and there is an eager desire to share in the sacrifices which will bring us victory. "In this battle for Britain, London, the mighty capital of the Empire, occupies the forefront. Others of our cities are being subjected to barbarous attacks. Our sympathy goes out to them all, but it is London that is, for the time being, bearing the' brunt of the enemy's spite. "I am speaking now from Buckingham Palace, with its honourable scars, to Londoners first of all, although, of course, my words apply equally to all British cities, towns and hamlets who are enduring the same dangers. Inspiration of Courage

"The Queen and I have seen many places here which have been most heavily bombed, and many of our people have suffered, and are suffering most. Our hearts are with them to-night. Their courage and cheerfulness, their faith in their country's cause and final victory, are an inspiration to the rest to persevere.

"To the men and women who carry on the work of the A.R.P. services I should like to say a special word of gratitude. The devotion of these civilian workers, firemen, salvage men and many others, in t.he face of grave and constant danger, has won new renown for the British name. These men and women are worthy partners of our armed forces and our police—of the Navy, once more, as so often before, our sure shield, and Merchant Navy, of the Army and the Home Guard, alert and eager to repel any invader, and of the Air Force, whose exploits are the wonder of the world;

"To-night, indeed, wo are a nation on guard, and in the line. Each task, each hit of duty done, however simple and domestic, is part of our war work. It takes rank with the sailors' duty, the soldiers' and the airmen's duty. Men and women in factories, or on railways, who work on, regardless of danger, although sirens have sounded, maintaining all the services and necessities of common life, and keeping the fighting line supplied with weapons, earn their place among the heroes of this war. New Award for Gallantry

"No loss honour is duo to all those who, night after night, uncomplainingly, endure discomfort, hardship and peril in their homes and shelters. "Many and glorious are the deeds of gallantry done during these perilous but famous days, and in order that they should be worthily and promptly recognised, I have decided to create at once a new mark of honour for men and women in all walks of civilian life.

"I propose to give my name to a new distinction, which will consist of the George Cross, ranking next to the Victoria Cross, and the George Medal for wider distribution. "A City of Unity" "As wo look around us we see on every side, that, in the hour of her trial, the mother city is proving herself to be built as a city of unity in itself. It is not walls that make a city, but the people who live within. The walls of London may be battered, but the spirit of Londoners stands resolute and undismayed. "As iu London, so througlfout Britain. Buildings rich in beauty and historic interest may be wantonly attacked, and humbler houses no less dear and familiar may bo destroyed, but "There'll Always Bo An England' to stand before the world as the symbol and citadel of freedom, and to bo our own dear homo. Loss of Ghildron "And hero I would liko to tell sorrowing parents how deeply wo griove for them in the loss of their young ones in a ship, torpodoed without warning, in mid-Atlantic. Surely the world could have no clearer proof of the wickedness against which wo light than this foul deed. "Wo live in grim times, and they may be grimmer yet. The winter lies before us, cold and dark, but let us bo of good cheer. After winter comes spring, and after our present trials will assuredly como victory and release from these evil things. "Let us then put our trust, as I do, in. God and in the unconquerable spirit of the British peoplos." BRITISH CASUALTIES (Received Soptcmber 24, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 23 Tho 47th casualty list issued by the War Office contains tho names of 136, including three officers and 32 other ranks killed and one offioer and 65 other ranks wounded.