GREAT EFFORTS BY BRITAIN

Southland Times, Issue 24861, 29 September 1942, Page 5

GREAT EFFORTS BY BRITAIN

SUPPLIES FOR RUSSIA (8.0.W.) RUGBY, September 27. Lord Croft, Under-Secretary for War, said today: “When the history of this war comes to be written the amazing story of our ceaseless efforts 'to get aeroplanes, tanks, guns and supplies of clothing to Russia under terrific attacks will perhaps be regarded as one of the greatest sacrifices for an Ally in all time, for ships today are our greatest need. “Aid to Russia through our growing air power is something also of which we may be proud. The Royal Air Force, the Fleet Air Arm and our ground defences have pulled out of the skies 10,000 Axis machines which would have proved a devastating force if they had been used against Russia.” Britain, said Lord Croft, had fought on 13 different fronts. She had. fought mostly at great odds and had inflicted well over 600,000 casualties on the Axis armies. All through these great struggles Britain could say that she had dedicated herself not only to the cause of Britain, but also to the cause of her Allies. Lord Croft’s speech was delivered in connection with the Baden-Powell Memorial and was addressed to Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. He paid an outstanding tribute to these movements, which, he said, would give a new purpose and outlook to the youth of this country.