“WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN”

Timaru Herald, Volume CLI, Issue 22205, 24 February 1942, Page 4

“WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN”

Britain Fully Prepared "Everything has been on the quiet side, thanks to the Russians taking ail the gruelling,” writes a resident of Plymouth to a Timaru citizen. “We do get the lonely raids several nights a week.” Part of the writer’s work was receiving visitors from overseas, particularly writers, speakers and press men and women, as well as odd Ministers from neutral parts of the world. “We have a good many Americans, and to-morrow I am to have a meal with some United States Congressmen as well as some South African Members of Parliament,” said the writer. “We answer accurately their frank questions, and tell them something of what has happened. The things which surprise them most are the way normal people are quietly carrying on, and the needless damage to ordinary dwellings, shopping centres and cultural institutions.” Continuing, the letter stated: "I had a very instructive talk the other day at a lunch with Vernon Bartlett, the British journalist and broadcaster, who spent five weeks in Moscow and on the Russian front. There is no .doubt the Russians are determined to see things through to the bitter end and, even allowing for the absence of information or exaggeration, it is obvious they are draining the enemy to an extent which must be giving the German leaders a severe headache.” Referring to the fire-watchers in England, the writer said: "I was out the other night with a fire-watching party during a raid, and I was astounded at the terrific improvement in the work of these very ordinary citizens. The scheme is a pronounced success and the people have disciplined and drilled themselves in a way that did not seem possible a year ago. The girls, particularly, were marvellous, in spite of the dangers. Notwithstanding the lull all are on their toes and leadv for everv emergency. and von eg- rest, assured that we shall not let you down.”