NEW ZEALAND AT WAR

Camp News, Volume 1, Issue 43, 4 October 1940, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND AT WAR

The present? conflict between the nations at war and our participation aS British subjects is no new experience for New Zealanders, for it can rightly be said that we are born of war, ■■■ ■ ■' ■ , * ' . <• 'f - our forbears having all been involved in war at some time or other, from the time that early settlers first set foot on New Zealand. Is it any wonder, then, that succeeding generations of British fighting stock have maintained the highest 'traditions of the race ? Every conflict has an importance peculiar to the occasion and the experience of former wars has developed a technique and strategy reflecting the progress of the ages. War engenders a traditional fighting spirit and intuition in all Britishers, a tenacity and determination which has always proved unconquerable, even aganst what, at times, seemed to be impossibleodds. There is no distinction between the New Zealand soldier of the Maoris Wars, South African, the Great War, and to-day’s conflict in the matter of courage and initiative, but there is always, that great incentive for the new generations to maintain the prestige of our older comrades who fought so valiantly, and with such conspicuous bravery in the wars of their times.Whenever the opportunity presents 1 itself New Zealanders are equal to the occasion and already have achieved distinction in combat with the enemy on the sea and in the air.

The River Plate battle, with our men of the Achilles, Flying Ace, the late ‘‘Cobber” Kain, and now Flying Officers Deere and Denton, and many others are upholding the highest traditions of New Zealand and our Army stands firmly as the zero hour approaches. Our men have won the highest honours in the field of battle and their gallantry is respected by friend and foe alike. During the Great War New Zealanders, were classified with the greatest Imperial regiments, and a prominent German General has stated that extra divisions were always brought up * ■, :■ ... 'J. - - 1 in support when opposed to the New Zealanders.

Our men of to-day are equal to the task of their responsibility and New Zealand will be ever proud of the glorious achievements of her sons. - '