FREYBERG GIVING UP COMMAND

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 265, 9 November 1945, Page 4

FREYBERG GIVING UP COMMAND

TRIBUTES TO LEADER OF 2ND N.Z.E.F. (P.A.) Parliament Bldgs., Nov. 8. Tiie announcement that General Sir Bernard Freyberg was relinquishing command of the Second N.Z.E.F. and was handing over to his successor, Major-General W. G. Stevens, was made in the House of Representatives this afternoon by the Prime Minister. Mr. Fraser added that the date on which General Freyberg would give up the command was Nov. 22, the sixth anniversary of his appointment in 1939. “The occasion is, I feel, one which calls for a special expression of appreciation and gratitude on the part of the Parliament and Government and the people of New Zealand,” said Mr. Fraser. “General Freyberg has led the division from its inception, and throughout its history he has shared with his men in its splendid feats of courage, endurance and victorious achievement. Thanks and praise to its commander are inseparable from our pride in the division. The Prime Minister said the Gov-ernor-General had confirmed the promotion of Brigadier Stevens to Major-General and approved of his appointment to command the division.

Mr. S. G. Holland, associating the Opposition with the tributes to General Freyberg, said the latter had added lustre to New Zealand’s name. He was one of the Empire’s greatest citizens, and certainly one of its greatest soldiers. He had chosen to remain with his men rather than receive advancement, which involved leaving them. The New Zealand Division’s excellent discipline in battle and on leave had reflected the character of its commander, in whom his men had every confidence. New Zealand owed much to Genera! Freyberg and Lady Freyberg.