ARMY PREPARES FOR ACTION

Southland Times, Issue 24597, 20 November 1941, Page 5

ARMY PREPARES FOR ACTION

YOUNGER GENERALS PROMOTED '(Rec. 8.55 p.m.) LONDON, Noy. 18. The Daily Express, in a leading article on the army command changes, says: “Changes are usually made after the battle, then a bad portent. Those v/e have now made are not. They are a sign that fighting days have again come. The men who have been making the preparations move aside and the men we have meant for action move up to take their commands. Those who have been promoted are young aS generals go and know how the Germans fight. We expect hard hitting and quick thinking. We, and not the Germans, must decide how strenuous this battle shall be.” The Daily Mail’s military correspondent says the changes are of great significance. They mean that a technical knowledge of modern warfare and a more youthful viewpoint are being given high places in the supreme command of the British Army at a time of its greatest task in history. BRILLIANT STRATEGIST The Daily Express military correspondent says that Major-General Nye has studied army co-operation with the Royal Air Force and held staff appointments at the War Office and the staff college. He became one of the “brains” of the Wa~ Office when Director of Staff Dutie:. Major-General Nye’s brilliant knowledge of strategy led to his being frequently called into consultation by his chiefs. Major-General Nye is almost unknown to the Army at large. He is a quiet, shy man, who would not even permit his name to appear in the Who’s Who. General Brooke is the greatest artillery expert in the world. He has an amazing technical knowled: of guns. The Times, in a leading article, says that General Brooke, by his leadership of the 2nd Corps during the withdrawal to Dunkirk and the reorganization of the British Expeditionary-Force after its return from France, revealed qualities fitting him for the highest responsibilities.

The Daily Herald asks what is behind General Dill’s departure.

“Is it true that the Army, even in war time, adheres to the iron rules of age-limit?” it asks. “If so, adherence is crazy. Is there dissatisfaction with General Dill’s conduct of his crucial functions?” The Daily Herald asks the Government to give the nation a more detailed explanation of the reasons for the drastic change.