AWARD OF K.C.B.

Camp News, Volume 3, Issue 150, 27 November 1942, Page 4

AWARD OF K.C.B.

High Honour For General Freyberg His Majesty the King, on the recommendation of the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East, has been graciously pleased to confer the honour of K.C.B. on Lieut.General Sir Bernard Freyberg, General Officer Commanding the Second New Zealand Division, in recognition of the supreme gallantry and excellent achievements of the New Zealand troops and their commander in the opening stages of the recent operations. In making this announcement yesterday. the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, said he knew the grant of this high honour would give the greatest satisfaction and pleasure both to the people of the Dominion and to the officers and men of the 2nd N.Z.E.F., whom General Freyberg has led with such distinction and ability during nearly three years of strenuous activity.

‘‘The award is being gazetted in London today and 1 have sent to General Freyberg on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand a message of heartiest congratulations,” said Mr. Fraser. The text of Mr. Fraser’s telegram to General Freyberg is as follows: —“I desire on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand to extend heartiest congratulations to you on the conferment of honour of K.C.B. by His Majesty the King. The announcement of this award is received with the greatest satisfaction and pleasure by the people of New Zealand, who regard it both as recognition of the magnificent achievements and g .Bantry of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. and of your own most distinguished leadership of the division during three years of most strenuous activity ”