WELCOME TO ANZACS

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21040, 16 February 1940, Page 4

WELCOME TO ANZACS

An unusually humane touch to the grim business of war is lent by Major-General B. C. Freyberg’s comprehensive despatches covering the transport of the New Zealand troops from the Dominion to their camp in Egypt. The long reviews of the voyage, the disembarkation and the welcome are eloquent of the general’s concern for the welfare of the troops and of those who have been left at home. In his capacity as official reporter he has done very useful service and supplied a large measure of comfort to the people of New Zealand. Such an intimate and all-embracing story of the progress of these first exploits of the New Zealanders is surely unique in the annals of military events. The introduction of the first echelon to active service has been full of excitement and enthusiasm. The men were welcomed by an imposing array of military and diplomatic leaders which seemed to indicate that the New Zealanders and Australians are regarded by the Allies at least as something more than “poor, ignorant country lads who do not know what it is all about.” The old friendships of the original Anzacs have already been re-established firmly and, earlier than in the last war, the New Zealanders have made the most friendly contacts with representatives of the French armies. The troops have at least received a pleasant introduction to the sterner tasks that lie ahead. Major-General Freyberg himself dispelled any idea that the expedition was to be regarded as a picnic. He informed the troops that strenuous training and preparation for all emergencies were to follow, and he expressed complete confidence that the response of the men would maintain the traditions established by New Zealand in the last war. The world’s Press has given significant notice to the arrival on active service of the Anzac forces, and it is clear that all nations but Germany realise that in this demonstration of Empire unity the Allies have what a French newspaper has described as a “ trump card.”