The Minister of Defence Hon. F. Jones’ Tribute

Camp News, Volume 1, Issue 3, 29 December 1939, Page 4

The Minister of Defence Hon. F. Jones’ Tribute

“The news that has been reaching this country by broadcast and cables during the past 24 hours could not fail ito stir the hearts of my listeners, I said the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) in an address recently, “and I rejoice with them in the victory sej cured over the German raider Admiral Graf Spee, and the active part taken I in the naval battle by H.M.S., Achilles. i

“Before proceeding to give you an account of New Zealand’s naval war effort I would like to. read some messages which have reached the Government. The first is from Mr. Jordan, High Commissioner in London, and is dated December 14: ‘H.M.S. Achilles. Admiralty . are not yet informed whether any' damage to ship or casualties. Latest Admiralty statement states smallest Dominion Navy will be proud that many of her men took part in so gallant an action.’ “This is a further message of the same date from Mr. Jordan: ‘ln Geneva large number of expressions of gratitude and admiration, in which New Zealanders in the United KingTom join for courageous feats of officers and ratings of H.M.S. Achilles.’ “Now, here is- a message received to-day from the Rt. Hon. Winston Churchill, First Lord of the Admiralty: ‘May I express warm appreciation which my colleagues and I feel for most gallant action fought by H.M.S. Achilles, whose services were so generously given on outbreak of war.’ “Last year I had the privilege of spending two days on board the Achilles, for the purpose of witnessing naval exercises carried out by that ; ship, in conjunction with other units I of the New Zealand Navy, but little - did I think that the experiences , then j being gained would so soon be tested f in actual warfare. With what splendid result is now history, and all of us hope that, in the absence of advice tc the contrary, the whole of the personnel of the Achilles are fit and well and that the ship has come throng! . her first baptism of fire unscathed.”