TRIUMPH FOR ALL ALLIES

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVII, Issue 23205, 19 May 1945, Page 5

TRIUMPH FOR ALL ALLIES

Winning Of Victory In Europe

King Congratulates Forces Of Empire

LONDON, May 17. « I AM glad to meet you here to-day and I rejoice that * the Dominions, India and the colonies are also represented here. I thank you for your loyal addresses of congratulation on the complete victory gained in Europe over enemies who sought to enslave it,” said the King in the Royal Gallery of the House of Lords to-day on the occasion of the ceremonial presentation of addresses of congratulation of both Houses to the Sovereign on the victory in Europe. “It is a victory which has been won by the efforts of all the peoples and powers of all our Allies,” continued his Majesty. “First let up pay tribute to the men and women of cur Armed Forces. Without the skill of the commanders and the courage and endurance of those whom they led, this victory would never have been won. “In spite of all that ruthlessness could do in attacks by sea and air, the Royal Navy, aided by the Royal Air Force and the maritime forces of the Dominions, India and our Allies, have kept the seas open. They have convoyed our armies to every theatre of war and carried them to assault against shores which the enemy had thought impregnable.

“The Merchant Navy, by their courage and seamanship, moved men and weapons to all parts of the world and, with the Fishing Fleet, depleted by war, brought us safely food which never failed.

“The gallantry of the Army which fought in Europe against overwhelming odds in 1940 and which was miraculously rescued from Dunkirk, will ever be remembered. In the years that followed the Army, with the Home Guard, stood ready to defend our homes against invasion.

"All this time a powerful instrument was being forged which, with the forces of the Empire and the Commonwealth, at first alone, and later with our Allies, drove the enemy from Africa, and then, landing on the shores of Sicily and later the Normandy beaches, swept victoriously across Europe. "We are grateful to the Royal Air Force and the Dominions’ and Allied air forces. The Royal Air Force fought and won the Battle of Britain. "They share with the Royal Navy and our armies the glory of their victories. For more than five years, hand in hand with the ever-increasing, magnificent air power of the United States, they have carried the war to Germany, and by their massive onslaughts on the enemies’ sources of supply, paved the way for victory in Europe. Many armed forces still have heavy tasks, before them in the Far East, where numbers of my people are still in the power of the enemy. Alreadythey have achieved great successes in the defence of India and the liberation of Burma. I am confident that they will carry on the war against Japan with indomitable courage and constancy and help to bring it to a victorious conclusion in true comradeship with the forces of the United States and our other Allies. Admiration Earned “At home my people have unflinchingly borne the burdens and dangers of war. The thanks and admiration of all are due to the ten millions of men and women who toiled, all at their allotted tasks, to relieve suffering and repair the devastation caused by the enemy attack. Danger could not deter my people from carrying out their daily tasks that the life of our nation might go on. In field, factory, mine, office and workshops and on lines of transport, my people have tolled night and day in a productive * effort to equip and maintain the armed forces. Moreover, from the earliest days of the war they shouldered the burden of heavy taxation and they willingly contributed their savings to the country’s needs. "Our gratitude goes out to all, and it would be unfitting to single out one type of service when all have played their part. But I must specially mention the women of this country who, by their ready response to the calls of industry and the fighting services, added so greatly to the weight of our impact on the enemy. Let us remember, too, the housewives of this country, so many of whom took into their homes mothers and children from the bombed cities and workers uprooted by war. “I have done my best to discharge my duty as the constitutional Sovereign of a free people, and in this task I have been unceasingly helped by the Queen whose deep, active sympathy for all my subjects in pain or peril, and whose firm resolve for victory has comforted me in the darkest hours of the war. We mourn the loss of all who have laid down their lives at home and abroad. The Queen and I would wish to offer our sympathy to those whom the war has stricken with the loss of their nearest and dearest. We ourselves suffered the keenest grief at the loss on active service of my brother the Duke of Kent. -I have felt deeply for my loyal subjects in the Channel Islands, who remained steadfast so long under the enemv occupation, and it gives me joy to know that they are once again free.

Help From Overseas "Throughout our long struggle all of us in this island have been strengthened and cheered by the staunch support of the people.of the British Commonwealth and Empire overseas. My Dominions. India, and the colonies, have all given generously of their manpower and material, and they will continue to bear their share in the war against Japan. “We rejoice at and acknowledge, and we shall never forget, the aid so freely and promptly given by the United States and the brotherhood of our armed forces serving together in the various theatres under combined commands. The splendid victories of the Soviet Union, and the courage of all

those other Allies who suffered and fought with us in our common struggle against aggression will ever be recorded in our hearts and our history. “The rebuilding of Europe will bring with it trials and difficulties which will be met and overcome if we continue to work together in faithful, mutual help as we have done during the war. The ravage which we ourselves suffered will call for an Intense creative effort by all members of the community to restore and improve the standard of living of my people. The grand alliance of the United Nations which brought us victory can and must continue to ensure peace. The world must not again be outraged and destroyed. The purposes for which the United Nations have been linked in war do not end in victory. The alliance looks forward to the time when all nations, under God’s good Providence, will be able to work together in mutual confidence for these exalted aims. “This Palace of Westminster bears the scars of war, and you have faced the perils and losses of these hard years. The Queen and I have been deeply touched by your congratulations, and we thank you with all our hearts for your wise counsel and the unfailing supp.ort which you gave to the Kingdom and Empire throughout the war.” His Majesty Given Ovation

At the end of the King's speech, Mr Churchill sprang to his feet and, waving his silk hat in the air, provided an unexpected dramatic moment. “Three cheers for their Majesties,” he cried, and the great audience, which hitherto

haa been decorously silent during the 30 minutes’ ceremonial, let themselves go and raised their voices in a full-throated victory ovation that soared affectionate greetings to the high roof.

The historic Royal Gallery, bearing the scars of battle, and with its long panelled paintings, was filled with gilded chairs. Those present included the members of both Houses, representatives of the Dominions and colonies, and other distinguished visitors. The Lord Chancellor, wearing his dress, wig, and State robe of black and gold, led the procession. The archbishops and bishops wore their robes. The Speaker of the House of Commons, wearing his ceremonial gown and preceded by the Sergeant-at-Arms bearing the mace, led the House of Commons procession. He was followed by the Prime Minister (Mr Churchill). with whom walked Mr Arthur Greenwood Then came members of the War Cabinet and other members.

The arrival of the King and Queen was heralded by the switching on of the chandelier lights, at which signal the whole company rose. The Royal party was headed by the Earl Marshal of England (the Duke of Norfolk). The King was in the uniform of an Admiral of the Fleet, and the Queen wore powder blue. Following them were the two princesses, Princess Elizabeth being in A.T.S. uniform. The Royal party took their seats on the dais, and the Lord Chancellor and Mr Speaker formally presented the addresses.