THE NEW ANZACS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 63, Issue 4462, 11 August 1941, Page 5

THE NEW ANZACS

A FINE TRIBUTE. GENERAL’S COMPLIMENT. (From the Official War Correspondent with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.) CAIRO, 20th July. “ As fine a fighting formation as ever want into battle for the British Empire and the cause of freedom,” was the fine tribute paid to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force by General Wavell in reply to a farewell letter from Miajor-General B. C. Freyberg, V.C., prior to General Wavell’s departure for India. In his letter to General Wavell. Major-General Freyberg said he was anxious to send a personal message on behalf of all ranks of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. “ W r e have served together here in the Middle East for eighteen months.” wrote General Freyberg. “You have seen us grow in numbers and in efficiency, and have helped us to the full extent of your power. From the seniot commanders down through the Division to the latest reinforcements we share in a genuine sense of personal loss at your departure.” All felt proud to have served under General Wavell’s conimand, the letter continued. All realised, too, that General Wavell’s interest in the New Zealand troops had been a specially close and personal one. “ W T ith all our hearts we wish you a safe voyage and success in your new and great undertaking,” the letter concluded. Before his signature General Freyberg inscribed the Maori words “ Kia Or a Katoa.” “ I very deeply appreciate the message from the New Zealand Expeditionary Force,” General Wavell wrote. “ I have seen the New Zealand Division grow under you from a magmficent body of m|em into as fine a fighting formation as ever went into battle for the British Empire and the cause of freedom. “ I am sorry its first engagements should have been under such difficult conditions, but the stern test of those conditions showed the great qualities of leaders of men even more than success could have done. “ I s'end you and the Ndw Zealand Expeditionary Force my grateful thanks and my confident wishes for your success in the future. I shall always be proud to have had you under my com.rnand.”