GRIMNESS OF MODERN WARFARE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 5, 7 January 1944, Page 6

GRIMNESS OF MODERN WARFARE

COMPLACENCY IN N.Z. DEPLORED Timaru, Jan. 5. “The thing that in?presses me on my return to New Zealand is the tremendous number of people who are acting as if the war was won and finished with,” said Brigadier L. M. Inglis, D.S.b. aiid Bar, M.C., V.D., Timaru, when he paid a short visit to Timaru before leaving for Dunedin. “Altogether too many people do not realise what a grim business modern warfare is. The fact is, however, that the New Zealanders are the most fortunate people in the world, if they only knew it.” “The seeming indifference of so many people in New Zealand is perhaps because this country is so far from the area of conflict,” commented Brigadier Inglis Brigadier Inglis commanded the 4th Armoured Brigade of the New Zealand Division, and was temporarily in command of the New Zealand 2nd Division during Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Freyberg’s absence on a visit to New Zealand Emphasising the importance of the rapid delivery of mail to keep up the morale of the troops, Brigadier Inglis expressed regret that the fast air service was not still being run to Egypt. “Before the Japanese came into the war,” he added, “it was possible to get a letter in about 11 days. The airgraph service does not replace this service, as troops are often in circumstances that do not permit of the careful writing required in the airgraph service. The men do look for letters from home and friends. Effective Weapon. “Believe me,” said Brigadier Inglis, “the tanks is far from being ineffective.” £le was replying to the sug* gestion that the reports had suggested that the tank had become obsolete as a weapon of modern warfare. “The modern army,” he said, “can no more do without tank support than it can do without the bayonets. In fact, every weapon has its part to play. For instance,” he said, “see what effective use the Russians are making of cavalry.” ’ Referring to.the German attack on Crete and not Syria, Brigadier Inglis said he Still marvelled that the German High Command should have committed such a tactical blunder. At the moment, the Allies were unprepared for big things in the Middle East, and the attack on Crete, which was to be subdued in two days but actually occupied 12 days, saved the Middle East, as well as dividing the German attacking forces. Since returning to New Zealand he had been frequently asked if ths German morale was cracking, said Brigadier Inglis. “AH I can say is that only by the overwhelming defeat of the German army within the fortress of Europe will the United Nations convince the German people that they have lost the war.” Brigadier Inglis considered the characteristics of the Germans troops to be much the same as they were in the last war. “The German is an excellent fighter with missile weapons, but Is not nearly so good once our troops have closed in with the bayonet. As for the Italians—well, they are just supine. They certainly do not want to fight. The population of southern Italy is of the peason type. They are extremely poor, and all they want is to be left alone “It was hard, Brigadier,lnglis said, “to find a professing Fascist in southern Italy Thev have plenty to say, but will do little!”