NEW ARMY CHIEF

Timaru Herald, Volume CL, Issue 22031, 2 August 1941, Page 4

NEW ARMY CHIEF

Brigadier E. Puttick An Outstanding Officer Service In Two Wars (P.A.) WELLINGTON, August 1. Brigadier Edward Puttick, D 8.0., 1s to succeed Major-General Sir John Duigan as Chief of the General Staff of the New Zealand Military Forces. This announcement was made to-day by the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones). “In appointing Brigadier Puttick Chief of the General Staff." said Mr Jones, "the Government has selected the most outstanding officer of the New Zealand regular forces with an excellent record in two wars. "He has filled a number of administrative Army posts here in New Zealand. and Hs training includes an Imperial Defence College course in London. Since leaving the Dominion as officer in command of the First Echelon in January. 1940. Brigadier Puttick has played a notable part in building up the New Zealand Expeditionary Force to its present high standard of quality and performance. Soldier of Distinction “He has been spoken of in terms of the highest commendation by the Commander of the New Zealand Forces Overseas i Major-General B. C. Freyberg, V.C.). As Commander of the 4th Brigade, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, he fought with distinction in engagements on Mount Olytapus, while the final rearguard action of the 4th Brigade group near Marathon has been described as an achievement worthy of the highest traditions of the British “When General Freyberg was placed in command of all Allied forces tn Crete, Brigadier Puttick assumed temporary command of the New Zealand forces serving there. His experience in Greece and Crete wifi,” concluded Mr Jones, “be of the utmost value in bringing military training in New Zealand into line with overseas needs and the latest practice, and the appointment of a New Zealand officer, serving with our own Expeditionary Force, will. I am sure, be well received, not only in military circles, but also by all the people of the Dominion. Brigadier Puttick will be leaving for New Zealand almost immediately.” Brigadier Puttick saw service in the last war in Samoa. Egypt (where ne took part in operations against the Senussl), and France. Wounded in 1917 In France he was for various periods in command as temporary LieutenantColonel and Lieutenant-Colonel commanding the 3rd Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, and temporary commander of the 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade. He was severely wounded in 1917. From 1919 to 1929 he was Assistant-Quartermaster-General in New Zealand, and in 1920 commanded a special expedition to Fiji during Indian riots. After four years as Staff Officer in charge of the Auckland Regimental District, he became, in 1933, General Staff Officer, Christchurch. In 1934 he went to Wellington as QuartermasterGeneral of the New Zealand forces. In 1937 he attended the Imperial Defence College, and on his return was appointed adjutant and Quartermaster-General and second military member of the Armv Board, Army Headquarters, Wel-

lington. XXI. Before taking command of tne 4tn New Zealand Infantry Brigade, Brigadier Putttick was Officer Commanding the Central Military District, Wellington.