To the 2nd Field Regiment –

Observation Post, Volume 1, Issue 30, 11 December 1942, Page 7

To the 2nd Field Regiment -

I would like to offer Greetings and good wishes to Officers, N.C.O.’s and men of the 2nd Field Regiment. I know it is not easy for those who are not active members of Army organisation to understand the difficult and, at times, disheartening role that members of the Regiment have been called upon to perform. Men were called up for training in the defence of their country and,found that their duty embraced all manner and classes of work and at times, no doubt, they wondered what their real role was. Units were built up and a feelI ing grew among the men that at last they were to have and play an effective part and could take a personal pride in their effort. So far they got, only to be called | upon to supply personnel for .new I units or reinforcements for others. I can imagine just, how some of the soldiers, in both high and low ranks, felt about it all, and I am sure opinions were forcibly expressed. Be all this as it may, and disregarding for the moment the inevitable boredom of military life under such circumstances as I have outlined, I believe the Regiment has set a high standard

of efficiency and morale. One is filled with pride in the knowledge of its behaviour and deportment, and there is complete confidence in the capacity of its members to maintain the qualities of its forerunners and z to take their place alongside them. Perhaps these views of mine may be thought to be partisan, but there are many others from overseas who are impressed with the efficiency and determination of the soldiers training here. I know there is always a question in the minds of soldiers and others as to what is being done, why it is being done, whether it is necessary, and whether our efforts and ability should be directed in other channels. Well, the answer is that we will not be > “caught on , the hop.” This is our country and we will defend it to the last minute. Under trying circumstances you have put up a good show. Carry on, in spite of all difficulties, just is old soldiers always have done, and as T am sure soldiers always will. ' . J I send you all my best wishes ; for this season and, as against the • enemy, good shooting! ,' <