LIEUT.-COL, FREYBERG, V.C., D.S.O.

Otago Witness, Issue 3511, 28 June 1921, Page 22

LIEUT.-COL, FREYBERG, V.C., D.S.O.

WELLINGTON, June 25. i he Mayor sent a telegram to Lieutenant(Vdoiiel 1-reyberg, V.C., D. 5.0.. Grenadier Guards, stating that he would be pleased to accord him a civic reception. Ho intimated that lie trusted that Lieutenantcolonel Freyliei g’s health had improved, and asked what time would be suitable for tin* reception. In reply. Lieutenant colonel Freyh.-rg lias written us follows: —’Thai- Mr Mayor,— ’! hank you ever -o much for your kind telegram of welcome and for ihe honour you have done me by offering me a civic reception. I do appr> late ir. but at the same time am reluctantly forced to decline, because 1 have been suffering from a leg wound for the last year, and no doubt you will readily umlei-iaml my present state of health demands a complete rest. It has been a great joy to me to ccme homo even for so short a time to -eo my friends. Al eut tiie future, \ leave in a few weeks for England to take up my duties in London Lent taking is alway; a Sad business, but doubly so in my case, became I leave behind tne all the playing fields and friends of my boyhood. 1 .in: greatly touched by all the kindness 1 have received while here in Wallin ilon. and tlie gratitude 1 owe ooiiu's from the bottom of my heart. Yours sincerely, Bernard Ficyberg.”