ITALIAN EX-SERVICEMEN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 280, 25 November 1937, Page 7

ITALIAN EX-SERVICEMEN

VISIT TO LONDON CORDIALLY WELCOMED [ British Official Wirciees.] RUGBY, Nov. 23. A delegation of 5U members of Italian ex-servicemen, who are returning the visit of the British Legion to Rome last year, arrived in London on a five-day visit and received a cordial reception from the crowds at Victoria Station. The delegation, which is headed by Signor Carle del Croix, who lost his sight and both arms in the Great War, was met by the Italian Ambassador and Sir Frederick Maurice, president of the British Legion, and other representatives of the British and Italian Legions. This morning they visited the tomb of the Unknown Warrior and at mid-day were received at the War Office by Mr. Hore-Belisha. They will be entertained to-night at dinner by the British Legion. To-morrow the delegation will be received by the King at Buckingham Palace. Later in the day there will be a reception at the Italian Embassy. Addressing the Italian ex-service-men at the War Office, Mr. Hore-Bel-isha said that as Secretary for War it was a social privilege for him to pay a tribute to the courage, tenacity, and endurance of the Italian soldiers during the Great War. He referred in particular to the distinguished record of the Bersaglieri, in which Signor del Crois and Signor Rossi, chairman of the Italian national organisation of ex-sorvicemen both served, Signor Rossi receiving for valour the Medaglio d’Or, which Mr. Belisha said was equivalent to the British Victoria Cross. The Minister commented on the warmth of the reception of the British Legion delegation to Rome last April, and said that he thought that the making and renewing of friendship between men who had experienced the heroic tragedy of the Great War, on whatever side they fought, must be of service to the cause of peace and goodwill.