NAZI AGGRESSION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 169, 21 July 1941, Page 4

NAZI AGGRESSION

POLAND’S GALLANT STAND*

FILMS SHOWING INVASION

Striking pictures of the Nazi invasion of Poland in September. 1939. were screened at a Home Guard rally in the Majestic Thoatre last night, when Count Wodzicki. Consul-General for Poland in New Zealand, gav ■ a brief address on the gallant, resistance put up by hi.; country against Nazi aggression.

The proceeds were in a'd of Home Guard funds, and the theatre was packed. Warm appreciation of those who had helped to make the evening a success was expressed by the Area Commander, Major R. D. Hardie. D.S.O. The films, which also showed Polish soldiers training in Scotland, were smaller than the standard size, and were screened by Mr. E. A. Millward, who loaned his projector for the occasion.

The Mayor of Wanganui, Hon. W. J. Rogers, M.L.C. welcomed Count Wodzicki and said he was sure the Count would leave Wanganui with lasting impressions of the city and its people. Count Wodzicki said lie regarded the warmth of Wanganui's welcome as a tribute to his country. He was pleased to be able to assist the Home Guard, and added that it. was an excellent voluntary organisation which was doing good work in different parts of the British Empire. New Zealand was one of the first British Dominions to declare war on Germany after the invasion of Poland, said Count Wodzicki. The democratic Powers had acted as one in their fighting against Nazi aggression. Poland, a peaceful country with 35,000,000 inhabitants, was the first nation to say "No" to the Nazis, and though the rapidity with which the invasion was carried cut had astounded the world, Poland had put up a heroic fight against overwhelming odds. Civilian Casualties Poland suffered heavy casualties, and in the city of Warsaw alone, thousands of civilians were killed in air raids. The Nazi advance, however, was made at a price, the Germans paying heavily in men. 9ho Nazi infantry was of a strength treble that of Poland's. The invaders also had 20 times more mechanised and armoured divisions, and were greatly superior in the air. Poland lacked materials, and fifth column activities aided the enemy. But in spite of it all the spirit of Poland was undaunted and unbroken. About 40,000 of the Polish forces, including thousands of trained airmen and mechanics, had succeeded in reaching Britain, thanks to the magnificent efforts of the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. The Polish Army had served in Norway. France and in the Western Desert, and other units wore training in Scotland. They received wonderful hospitality there, and strong tics of friendship were established.

Count Wodzicki added that he was convinced that the combined efforts of Great Britain and her Allies would result in victory for a just cause, and the dawn of a better and new world. Count Wodzicki Thanked The Home Guard was very grateful to Count. Wodzicki for assisting the movement in Wanganui, said Major Hardie. He added that, there was a fine body of men in the organisation. At present they were short of equipment, but war requirements in other parts of the Empire must be met first. In the meantime the Home Guard must continue its training and prepare for the equipment when it arrived. Funds were needed, however, to carry out this training. Major Hardie also paid a tribute to the interest taken in the Home Guard by the Mayor, who had always given the movement generous support. The Home Guard was grateful also to the manager of the Majestic Theatre, Mr. A. C. Ashford, who had made the theatre available, and to the staff for giving their services. . Films screened last night included peaceful scenes from Poland before the war, including Warsaw and it.* historic buildings. The lives of the people and some of their national songs were also depicted, but the war shots provided a grim contrast.