SIR HAROLD FRANKLYN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 January 1944, Page 4

SIR HAROLD FRANKLYN

APPOINTED TO BRITISH HOME COMMAND DISTINGUISHED WAR SERVICE RECALLED. IMPORTANT TRAINING SERVICE IN IRELAND. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, January 6. General Sir Harold Franklyn has been appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Home Forces, in succession to General Sir B. Paget, recently appointed to a chief command in the Middle East. General Franklyn has been commanding 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 its duty at any moment to defend Ireland against an invader. American troops began to arrive in his area two years ago, and he elaborated with their command detailed plans for mutual help, training and administration, and mutual support in battle. -His success in Ireland matched his previous career of remarkable work in command of troops and on the staff. When powerful German armoured forces were pushing rapidly towards the mouth of the Somme and Channel ports, he was given command of a mixed force to close the breach southeast of Arras, and for two days held his ground against violent and increasing pressure until he was ordered to withdraw. The defence of Arras, said Viscount Gort in his despatch, imposed a valuable delay on a greatly superior force.