DOMINION TROOPS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25305, 16 August 1943, Page 2

DOMINION TROOPS

TRAINING FOR NEXT TASK A MESSAGE FROM THE KING RUGBY, Aug. 13. A special message from the King to the members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the Middle East was contained in an order of the day published by the General Officer Commanding, Lieutenant - general Sir Bernard Freyberg. “ I am issuing this special order of the day because I shall not have the opportunity of speaking to the units in the near future,” said General Freyberg. “While passing through England during my journey from New Zealand I was received in audience by his Majesty, who commanded me to bring a special message to the New Zealand forces. His Majesty much regretted that during his visit to North Africa he was unable to see the New Zealand Division. He sent all ranks of the Expeditionary Force congratulations on the part they played in the long desert campaign. His Majesty said he had the greatest confidence in the ability of the New Zealand Division to carry out any role it might be given, and sent his best wishes for the future.” ~ , T _ General Freyberg told the New Zealanders: “We are now training for our next role. In this new phase of the war the fighting will be hard, and, knowing our enemy, we do not underrate him. But, equipped, trained, and armed as we will be, I am certain we can look forward to the future witn confidence.” , „ _ , General Freyberg added: I also want to tell you about the many messages sent from New Zealand. I was asked by organisations and by the people in every city and town I visited to bring back to the officers and men of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. in the Middle East their congratulations and good wishes for the future. Special messages were sent from the Governor-General, Sir Cyril Newall, the Prime Minister (Mr P. Fraser), the members of the War Cabinet, Lieutenant-general Puttick, Major-general Barrowclough, and the Dominion president of the Returned Services’ Association. My whole experience in New Zealand made it very clear to me that the people at home are intensely proud of their Expeditionary Force in the Middle East, and that they will continue to give us the greatest possible support. “Many messages sent to you from all over New Zealand were worded in terms of the highest praise and deepest affection. No greater or more sincere tributes could have been paid, and I can assure you that the welcome I received on your behalf as yourG.O.C. was an inspiration to me which I shall never forget.”