FORCES ABROAD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24491, 27 December 1940, Page 5

FORCES ABROAD

OBSERVANCE OF CHRISTMAS MINISTERS' GOOD WISHES (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, Dec. 25. Christmas messages from Cabinet Ministers in charge of the fighting services were broadcast in a special entertainment for his Majesty's forces abroad. The First Lord of the Admiralty, Mr A. V. Alexander, said: " On behalf of the Admiralty I wish all officers and men in the Navy a happy Christmas, accompanied wherever service permits, by all the timehonoured naval Christmas traditions and customs. You have richly earned the enjoyment I hope you will have. I say to you that you can feast and enjoy your Christmas dinners in the knowledge of duty well and faithfully done. Your efforts have charted the course to victory. Stick to it, knowing that what you are doing will ensure the triumph of freedom and liberty for ourselves and the generations to come to enjoy a good old-fashioned Christmas in peace and comfort. It is with this in mind that I wish to those dear to you and from whom you are now separated good health and the best of luck." Inspiration of the Army The Minister for War, Captain David Margesson, said: " To all ranks in the Army from whatever part of the Empire they have come and wherever they may be serving at this moment, j offer my best wishes for Christmas and 1941. I am speaking particularly to those serving overseas in our many military ports which are separated by so many miles of sea and land" from their families and friends. We have just completed a stern and testing year. At home we have kept, and are still keeping, watch against the everpresent threat of invasion. Our rjowers of resistance, both military and civilian, have been tested by many attacks of fierce and indiscriminate bombing. Your families, like yourselves, have been exposed to great dangers, and your anxiety must be great at a time which has been the occasion for family gatherings throughout the history of our country. I know I can speak on behalf of all your families and friends in this country when I tell you that they are in good heart and that they are facing che attack upon their homes with bravery and high courage. Waiting and Watching " Have no fear. The inspiration of the British Army is shared by the civilian population. They will not falter. They will never yield. In recent months it has been the Army's duty to wait and watch. When small forces have to be expanded to enormous size and strength, time must be spent in training, in securing equipment, and in transporting it to each theatre of war. where every plan of operation must be carefully prepared and patiently rehearsed. You have seen the result in the Midle East, and you have taken courage, as I have, from the magnificent successes achieved by Sir Archibald Wavell and his commands. The success of our armies against the Italian forces in Libya is a good omen for the future. When the moment comes, as it will, for the British Army again to measure its strength against our enemy, I know, and you know, that it will not be found wanting."