COMMANDER OF HOME FORCES

Timaru Herald, Volume CLV, Issue 22785, 8 January 1944, Page 5

COMMANDER OF HOME FORCES

General Sir Harold E. Frankly n RUGBY, Jan. 6. General Sir Harold E. Franklyn has been appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Home Forces in succession to General Sir Bernard Paget, who was recently appointed Commander-in-Chlef in the Middle East. General Franklyn has been commanding the troops in Northern Ireland since May, 1941. His task was to train a large part of the field army for eventual service overseas, while it might be his duty at any moment to defend Ireland against an invader. American troops began to arrive in his area two years ago and he drew up, with their command, detailed plans for mutual help in training and administration and mutual support in battle. His success in Ireland has matched his previous career of remarkable work in command of troops and on the staff. When the powerful German armoured forces were pushing rapidly toward the mouth of the Somme and the Channel ports he was given command of a mixed force to close the breach south-east, of Arras, and for two days he held his ground against violent and increasing pressure until ordered to withdraw. The defence of Arras, said Lord Gort in his dispatch, imposed a valuable delay on a greatly superior force.