NOW IN ITALY

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24749, 24 November 1943, Page 2

NOW IN ITALY

DOMINION TROOPS WITH EIGHTH ARMY FREYBERG'S MESSAGE READY FOR NEXT ROLE (P-A.) WELLINGTON. Tuesday The presence of New Zealand troops in Italy was announced to-day by the deputy-Prime Minister, the Hon. W. Nash, who said he hoped to be able to release further news soon For the time being, he was unable to say any more than that the New Zealand Division had rejoined the Eighth Army in Italy, where it had received a very warm welcome from General Sir Bernard Montgomery and his staff. Mr. Nash added that LieutenantGeneral Sir Bernard Freyberg, Y.C., was in constant touch with the Government, and had informed him that the journey across the Mediterranean, now dominated by the Allied Navy and Air Forces, was an uneventful and smooth voyage under ideal conditions, which were greatly enjoyed by all ranks. Club for the Men A new and modern building and small restaurant had been taken over in the city in which the division was based, as a New Zealand Forces Club for men on leave. A management team had come from Cairo, as had supplies of New Zealand goods.

The general concluded by saying: "Now that the final phase of the war against Germany appears in sight, there is a feeling of exhilaration in the air. After their rest in Egypt and a period of training, all ranks are ready for our next role, whatever it may be." Division's Next Role

"As soon as circumstances permit," said Mr. Nash, "news will be released as to tlie ro!c assigned to our division in the Italian campaign. Meanwhile, I know I speak for all the people of New Zealand when I say that our hearts and our thoughts are with the famous New Zealanders, who comprise what is probably one of the finest divisions in the world to-day. Our wish is that good fortune wili attend their arms, and that the cause for which they have fought so gallantly and well will soon he brought to an early and triumphant conclusion."

DIVISION'S SERVICE

RECENT MONTHS OF REST

LONG RECORD OF ACTION The return of the Second New Zealand Division to the Eighth Army in Italy ends a period of about six months in which the units of tlie division have been resting, reorganising and training, after the ten months of bitter fighting which led them from El Alamein to Tunisia. On May 12, the New Zealand General Officer Commanding, Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Freyberg, V.C., demanded and received the surrender of the German 90th Light Division, one of the New Zealanders' oldest opponents, and with that success virtually signalled the victorious conclusion of the North African campaign.

A few days later, the division returned to Egypt, going by vast motor convoy back to the base camp at Maadi. The great journey of about 2000 miles was made in from ten to 12 days, and then all those who could lie spared were given a variety of leave. Thousands were sent to New Zealand on furlough, and thousands more flocked to Cairo and to Mediterranean beaches. Reorganisation and Training General Frevberg made a fleeting visit to New Zealand. Back in Egypt, he continued with the reorganisation of the division made necessary by so many months of battle, changes in the role of some units, and the usual comings and goings of new men and veterans. Training was undertaken again, progressing, probably, from company nnd battalion exorcises to divisional manoeuvres.

Now, with their part in a great victory under their belts, and the lessons of a prolonged period of fighting against the Germans digested, the division is back with the army of which it has for so long been a spearhead. For some of the men, the voyage to Italy would be their third crossing of the Mediterranean. The first took them to Greece and their acquaintanceship with the enemy. The second brought them back to Egypt after their valorous defeat in Crete. Theatres of Action

The chronology of the division proves its service. In Decern her, 1910, a few elements of the division helped to drive the Italian Marshal Graziani from Egypt back to Libya. From April 10, 1941, to May 2, 1941, the division was in action in Greece; front May 20 to June 1 it was fighting in Crete; from November 18, 1911, to about December 24. 1941, it was taking part in the Libyan campaign which opened up the Tobruk corridor and resulted in the capture of Benghazi.

The division's next move was to Syria for rest. In July, 1942, Rommel's advance toward Alexandria called it back to Egypt, and from August until M'ay last it, was almost continually in action, first of all helping to stem the Germans' advance, and then, from October 2.'!, taking part in the drive from El Alameirj U> the final German surrender on the Cape Bon peninsula in Tunisia.

FORTY WATCHES STOLEN JEWELLER'S SHOP LOSS Forty repaired wrist wntchc.s • were stolen from the premises af Mr. C. H. Keen, a jeweller, of 521 Karangahape Road, Newton, on Monday night. Mr. Keen is overseas, and Mrs. Keen, who lives above the shop, heard no unusual noises. Pocket watches, alarm clocks, and a few unrepaired watches in the shop were not taken but 40 out of 50 repaired wrist watches awaiting collection in a showcase were stolen. Nothing else in the shop was missing or damaged. REMOVAL OF TANK TRAPS Owing to labour shortage the removal of tank traps in the Manukau county could not be undertaken by the Works Department in the near future, stated a letter from the department read at a meeting of the County Council yesterday. It was suggested by the department that the work could be done by the council and that payment would be made, not exceeding £ls for each trap I removed. The council referred the matter to its engineer.