READY TO MEET THE ENEMY AGAIN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 177, 30 July 1941, Page 6

READY TO MEET THE ENEMY AGAIN

NEW ZEALAND DIVISION GENERAL FREYBERG REPLIES TO MESSAGES CONFIDENCE OF PARLIAMENT (P.A.) Parliament Bldgs.. July 29. A message from Major-General B. C. Freyberg, V.C.. Officer Commanding the Second New Zealand Expeditionary 7 Force, replying io motions adopted by both Houses ot Parliament last month, congratulating the New Zealand troops on their performance in Greece and Crete, were read by the acting-Prime Minister. Hon. W. Nash, when the House resumed at 7.30 to-night. Mr. Nash sai l he bad just received General Frey .. - mes iwe. which was: a- folio "The mi.-' generous and inspiring motion ado; led by both Houses nas been published to the Now Zealand Division. Would you please convey to both H >us -s our grateful thanks for the motion, the terms of which arc deeplv appreciated by all ranks. Would you please convey my respectful’duly to the General Assembly. and say how proud I am. as commander of the New Zealand Division, in the knowledge that your tribute to the valour of

Maori and pakeha on the battle- j fields of Greece and Crete was de- I -erred by al! ranks. | •■('enfiilcni in o::r cause and in ouroelves and strengthened now ; by the support of those at home, : the New Zealand Division is pre- I paring to meet the enemy again. ; ll<- hope to achieve a record as ’ hnir-nraMr as that of the First Neu 'ecaianl Expeditionary | Force. • M-,.. f :.i> pa;, tribiite to our ■ •Pint irirni i-; . who hat*- fallen, and -..nil ■ . i - ■ mv« y to the pe<iple of Nev ■■ sori wing our deem-st sympathy. May I thank Parliament, also, for personal mr-ssag ■> of i nnfidence. I will endeavour io deserve it. We have been through ordeals and glint days an Ith ■ nt ght ■ ot het gi im ones ahead, hut we have no doubt of the ultimate .sucre*.-, of our cause. Again, out m■’ grateful thanks. Kia ora. kat< Mi. Nash also read anol her message, • hich he tads’ nt G< m ral Freyberg on June 2, congratulating him and the Now Zealand Forces on the magnificent work in Crete. The Minister explained that a reply to this message, also, had only been received to-day and. in his reply. General Freyberg explained that the delay in his response had boon caused by anxiety and stress of reorganisation. Mr. Nash’s message, said General Freyberg, had been read to the New Zealanders on parade and the general added he hardly need say how- deep-

ly touched all were by its warm :~in“All were thi-n in an advanced state of exhaustion.” continued the general. “We had been, from May 25 to May 30. without sleep and in a state of grave anxiety. Our office organisation in the division was non-existent and, in moving back to Helwan. the written message was lost. General Freyberg concluded with a furl her expression of gratitude to the Government and the people of New Zealand for their unfailing support and kindness and added that he. personally. would try to deserve some of the confidence placed in hint.