After the Battle

Southland Times, Issue 24425, 3 May 1941, Page 6

After the Battle

IT is too soon to escape the tension which must have gripped many families in New Zealand when the Dominion troops went into action in Greece. But the message from General Freyberg, printed this morning, is welcome proof that the casualty lists will not be as long as was feared. There will be heartfelt joy in the knowledge that the greater part of the New Zealand division has arrived safely in Crete. Its share in the actual fighting is not yet fully known; but enough has been revealed to stimulate national pride in its bearing and achievements during a terrible ordeal. The New Zealand troops are known to have played an important part in the historic rearguard action which began with their withdrawal from Mount Olympus. They fought their- way back to the sea, and on the beaches of Peloponnesus they had to face the noise and flame of a second Dunkirk. Now that they are out of the immediate danger zone the gaps in their ranks will have to be filled. This is the aftermath which has to be faced, bitter though its meaning must be for some New Zealand families. General Freyberg declared that the losses “have not been excessive,” and when it is remembered that the division was engaged in one of the fiercest battles of the war the figures quoted are surprisingly low. Even if 200 were killed in action, and some of the men listed as missing have not survived as prisoners of war, the casualties are very few compared with those sustained in the battles of the last war. But the price is heavy

enough. Now that the war is casting its shadow on New Zealand homes there is more than ever a need to, examine the nation’s internal effort. General Freyberg’s message brings pride and a certain amount of relief from anxiety. But it also brings a challenge. “Readiness and fortitude . . . under very trying times” are virtues which should be practised at home as well as in the front line. The civil population now has a duty to prove itself worthy of those who fought in Greece —especially of those who stayed behind when the transports were sailing for Crete.