WAR’S LOSSES

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22612, 18 May 1945, Page 3

WAR’S LOSSES

SYMPATHY EXTENDED DUKE OF KENT’S FATE TASKS FOR FUTURE (omclal Wireless) (Received May 18, 12.15 p.m.) RUGBY, May 17 “We mourn the loss of all who have laid down their lives at home and abroad,” the King continued in his address to Parliament. “The Queen and I would wish to offer our sympathy to those whom war has stricken with the loss of their nearest and dearesc. We ourselves suffered the keeiest and gravest loss on active service of my brother, the Duke of Kent. “I have felt deeply for my loyal subjects in the Channel Islands who remained steadfast for so long under enemy occupation, and it gi'-es me joy to know that they are once again free.

“Throughout our long struggle all of us in this island have been strengthened and cheered by the staunch support of the people of the British Commonwealth and Empire overseas. My Dominion’s India and the Colonies have all given generously of their manpower and material and will continue to bear their share in the war against Japan. “We rejoice to acknowledge and shall never forget the aid so freely and promptly given by the United States and the brotherhood of our armed forces serving together in the various theatres under the combined commands. The splendid, victories of the Soviet Union and the courage of all those other Allies who suffered and fought with us in our common struggle against agression will ever Be recorded in our hearts and our history. Reconstruction Tasks “The rebuilding of Europe will bring with it trials and difficulties which will be met and overcome if we continue to work together in faithful mutual help as we ha*/e done during the war. The ravage which we ourselves have suffered v ill call for intense creative effort by all members of the community tc restore and improve the standard of living of my people. “The grand alliance of the United Nations which brought us victory can and must continue to ensure that the peace of the world is not again outraged and destroyed. Tne purposes for which the United Nations have been linked in war do not end in victory. The alliance looks forward to the time when all nations under God’s good providence will be i able to work together in mutual confidence for these exalted aims [ “This Palace of Westminster bears j the scars of war, and you have faced ; the perils and losses of hard | years. The Queen and I have been ! deeply touched by your congratulations and we thank you witn all our hearts for the wise council and unfailing support which you have given to the Kingdom and the Empire throughout the war.”

At the end of the speech Mr Churchill sprang to his feet and waving his silk hat in the air provided an unexpected dramatic moment. “Three cheers for Their Majesties!” he cried, and the great audience which had hitherto been decorously silent during the 30 minutes ceremonial let themselves go and raised their voices in a full-throated victory ovation that soared its effcctionate greetings to the high roof.